Smart home products are becoming more and more commonplace for modern homeowners. And how could they not be? With promises of security, convenience, and efficiency, it’s understandable that many homeowners are incorporating more smart devices into their everyday routines.
But do smart thermostats actually save homeowners on their monthly heating and energy bills? Many smart thermostat companies promise an increase in efficiency and lower heating and cooling bills. Read further to learn the ins and outs of how a smart thermostat works and how it may save you and your family a little extra money this winter season.
What Is a Smart Thermostat?
Many homeowners are familiar with programmable thermostats, or thermostats that enable homeowners to set a scheduled heating and cooling routine for their home.
A smart thermostat is just like a programmable thermostat as it offers the ability to schedule your home’s heating and cooling based on a set routine. But smart thermostats take it one step further with Wi-Fi connectivity. Smart thermostats connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, meaning it can be accessed remotely via your smartphone.
A standard programmable thermostat can only be manipulated via the device itself. A smart thermostat can be updated anywhere you have internet access. So, if you realize you didn’t turn down the heat before you left for vacation, you would be able to lower your home’s thermostat via your smartphone and a reliable internet connection.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Save Me Money?
Smart thermostats save you money by keeping your home’s temperature as low as possible for as long as possible. Your thermostat will only heat your home in accordance with your schedule, eliminating the likelihood that your home’s heating system will be running on full blast when no one is home. Smart thermostats are typically much easier to use compared to their programmable counterparts. By setting a schedule with a smart thermostat, you can reduce the amount of time your heating system is running (and costing you money).
Further, most smart thermostats have a “learning” feature, or the ability to predict your behaviors and adapt as necessary. The learning feature enables smart thermostats to adapt your its schedule based on your routines and preferences. This information is collected based on your interactions with the device. So, if you tend to turn up the heat as soon as you get home from work, the device can predict that behavior and adjust accordingly.
How Much Money Can I Save With a Smart Thermostat?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question varies from household to household.
No one’s heating preferences are identical. While a smart thermostat can help you track your temperature settings more efficiently and even reduce heat without explicit programming, installing a smart thermostat is not a guarantee that your heating bill will be reduced.
Awareness of your heating preferences and increased control over your heating schedule may be enough to noticeably reduce your heating bill. According to the California Energy Commission’s Consumer Energy Center, for every degree you drop your thermostat between 60- and 70-degrees, you lower heating costs by 5%.
An expensive energy bill is something all homeowners would like to avoid. Smart thermostats are the most energy-efficient option considering how easy it is to adjust the temperature of your home. If you’re considering different options to lower your heating bill, investing in a smart thermostat is worth considering.
Have further questions regarding smart thermostats or your home’s HVAC system? Contact the National Refrigeration team and we’ll find your solution.
Whether you need 24-7 emergency service or advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort—at home and at work—call us at 401-737-2000 or email us.