Smart thermostats are a highly recommended HVAC upgrade. With a low initial cost of investment and a quick payback period, a smart thermostat adds a large amount of functionality to an HVAC system. Homeowners in the Wausau area love smart thermostats because they offer improved efficiency, especially during summer cooling. Here is a look at what a smart thermostat is and some of the benefits of adding one to your home.
What Is a Smart Thermostat?
A smart thermostat is like a programmable thermostat but with more functionality. Like a programmable system, a smart thermostat allows you to set specific times for when the HVAC runs. This is especially useful for smart home cooling, particularly if you’re trying to keep your electric bill low. However, smart thermostats usually have additional features.
- Wi-Fi thermostat connectivity
- Phone app capabilities
- Algorithmic adjustments
- Integration with zoning
You may also find smart thermostat savings with advanced features like connectivity with utility company rate servers and weather data monitoring. These designs can anticipate electrical demand and costs. Applying advanced math to the numbers, the smart thermostat can calculate the most cost-effective time to run the AC.
How Smart Thermostats Help With Cooling
Are smart thermostats worth it? The simplest benefit of a smart thermostat comes from its ability to automatically schedule cooling. If you’re going to be at work all day, for example, why cool an empty house? You can also time the smart thermostat to turn on once you’re close to getting home. Some smart models also offer geofencing, a feature that automatically detects when you’re close to home so that it can turn on your air conditioning system in anticipation of your return.
A smart thermostat can reduce wear and tear on your AC unit. Better control can reduce AC run times and minimize the number and length of cycles. Especially when combined with variable-speed technologies, an energy-efficient thermostat can make a huge difference in both electric bills and your system’s longevity.
Modern algorithms can learn your usage patterns. This is great because you might have a long day and forget to change the settings before you go to bed. The smart thermostat, however, will remember. After a couple of weeks, the system should anticipate your needs so that you’ll rarely have to adjust. By removing the element of possible human error, a smart thermostat improves efficiency.
Smart thermostats also integrate with zoned HVAC systems. If you have cooling configured to keep a more used area of the house at a lower temperature, one of many smart thermostat benefits includes making the process more automatic and efficient.
Many utility companies also offer demand response programs. During peak electric demand, your provider may offer a rebate or a discounted rate for moving more of your home’s cooling to a low-demand time. Some smart thermostat models communicate to the utility company’s server to get this data and can adjust automatically.
Energy Savings and Cost Efficiency
Smart thermostat savings can easily exceed 10% without the addition of any other HVAC components. When used in conjunction with other efficient AC systems, the savings can exceed 50%. This is before accounting for things like utility rebates and incentives that often allow you to offset some of the upfront cost of a smart thermostat. In most cases, a smart thermostat can pay for itself within 8 to 18 months.
Additional Benefits
The primary purpose of an AC system is to maximize comfort during hot and humid days, and a smart thermostat can enhance comfort significantly. Some models even connect with humidistats and dehumidifiers to closely monitor indoor conditions. This kind of tight control keeps humidity down, reducing problems like mold and musty odors.
Some smart thermostats also integrate with other smart systems. In addition to smartphones, you can find options that connect to security, home theaters, and voice assistant systems. This makes it easier to access the smart thermostat.
A smart thermostat is a desirable feature in a house. Consequently, the presence of a smart thermostat should also increase its resale value. Having a smart thermostat is a good way for a seller to signal to potential buyers that they care about the home’s HVAC system.
Frasier’s Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling is here to address your home’s heating and cooling needs. We offer HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services. In addition to being a BBB member with an A+ rating, our company also employs NATE-certified technicians. If you’re looking for the smart cooling system in a home in Wausau, WI, Rhinelander, or the surrounding area, discuss the smart thermostat options with a technician from Frasier’s Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling.
