We often give our thermostat very little thought, unless they malfunction (a rarity.) Thermostats, in actual fact, generally speaking are very reliable devices, which are often overlooked. This reliability means that often a thermostat can be used for many many years. There are still homes in the U.S that are using their old fashioned mercury thermostat that was installed more than fifty years ago. While you may be tempted to stick with your old thermostat, you should know that there have been many advancements in technology which means modern thermostats can improve your quality of life and the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Here are just three reasons you may wish to consider upgrading.
Monitoring Systems:
The development of the internet means that most homes now have WiFi. This technology is not only great for browsing the internet all over you house, but a modern thermostat can use WiFi to monitor your system. Modern thermostats have the capability to analyze local weather conditions and many other aspects of the atmosphere in your home. These monitoring systems include the detection of high humidity levels and areas of your home where sunlight is raising the temperature during different times of the day. Using this data, the system can automatically make temperature adjustments to maximize your comfort and optimize energy usage.
Smart Programming:
This feature allows your new thermostat to analyze your habits and alter the cooling and heating system accordingly. You are likely to have personal preferences for certain temperatures at particular times of the day or night. For example, you may prefer to be a couple of degrees cooler at night when everyone is tucked up in bed. The smart programming feature on a modern thermostat can respond to your preferences and make small adjustments to maximize the energy efficiency of the system. These adjustments mean that not only are you completely comfortable throughout the day and night, but you could save money on your energy bills. Since everyone’s comfort needs are unique, this is a far more sophisticated way to enjoy the perfect temperature without needing to jump up and adjust the settings.
Phone App Integration:
It seems like almost everything can be integrated with an app these days. Our phones are no longer just a communication device, but a hand held computer, as we can access our favorite websites and shop. The technology has now gone even further, allowing us to control the atmosphere in our homes using our phone. With the thermostat app on your smart phone, you will be able to turn the system on and off remotely, and program in start or stop times. This feature means that you can eliminate the frustration of arriving at work and realizing that you’ve left the heating on, wasting energy and money. You can even turn the system on when you are on your way home to ensure that it is warm and cozy when you arrive.
Although you may consider that investing in a new thermostat is a waste of money, you are likely to be surprised at how much an upgrade can save you. By tailoring your heating to your specific needs, you will not only be comfortable, but will save money on your energy bills.