If you’re making home improvements this winter, you may want to consider adding a smart thermostat to your list. While smart thermostats may not be for everyone, they do offer many benefits. The number one benefit is savings on your heating and cooling expenses. Some smart thermostats can save as much as 20% each year.
Tips for buying a smart thermostat
To get started, all you need in your home is a Wi-Fi network. When it’s time to buy a smart thermostat, here are some things to consider:
- Your budget
- HVAC system compatibility
- Wires needed for the connection
- The features important to you
Smart thermostat benefits
1. Affordably priced. If you’re ready to change out your old thermostat, there are many reasonably priced options available. Determining which features are necessary for your home will help you find the right one. Check out this recent article to learn more.
2. Mobile device access. Like many other smart household items, you can access your system through your mobile device. This access will allow you to adjust your home’s temperature while at home or away.
3. Easy to use. Apps that are paired with your thermostat make it simple to set up a program or change it while on the go.
4. Learns your habits. Some thermostats include sensors that can gather additional information. These sensors can tell when a room is occupied or when your family is active. In addition, geofencing can tell your system that you’re on your way home. By collecting all this information, your thermostat will help your heating system run at top efficiency all while keeping you nice and warm.
5. Easy to read. My programable thermostat is bit difficult to read. If I want to change my program, it calls for me to put on my glasses. Smart thermostats use large numbers and simple screen displays which allow you to see what’s going on in your home from a distance.
6. Data analytics. Some thermostats can provide you with analytics. Information may include:
- Problems with your furnace
- Energy usage
- Energy usage patterns
- How much energy you saved
- Reasons why you saved energy
Installation tips
Smart thermostats can be added to just about any HVAC system. If you’re an experienced ”do-it-yourselfer,” you shouldn’t have any problems. If you’re not, you may want to call an electrician for assistance. Here are some simple tips that may help you with installation.
1. Read the directions. When you buy something new, the last thing you may want to do is read the directions. However, reading the directions prior to installation can increase efficiency and safety.
2. Gather the necessary tools. Understanding what tools are required and gathering them ahead of time can lead to increased efficiency. Turn off your HVAC system.
3. Turn off your system Turn off your system using the switch on the side of the unit or the breaker in your circuit box.
4. A picture is worth 1,000 words. Take a picture of the wiring before disconnecting. This can serve as a guide for setting up the new one. In addition, if something goes wrong with the smart thermostat, your old one can serve as a backup.
Do you have any tips you’d like to share? I’d love to hear your thoughts; please share them in the box below.
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Topics: Home Safety