The pace of technological change seems to be breathtaking at times and the HVAC industry is no exception. Home appliances are designed to be smarter to perform better, and, crucially, to save energy. In recent years, we have seen improvements in smart HVAC systems that are controlled by smart controllers and thermostats. These technologies allow the homeowner to have unparalleled control over their HVAC systems via a smartphone app. In this article, we will take a closer look at smart thermostats and work out if they actually can save you money.
A Brief Smart Thermostat Primer
A smart thermostat is a convenient way to control your HVAC system in real time. The connectivity is an integral part of the system and it’s possible to make changes remotely via a handy app on a computer or your favorite mobile device. There are many manufacturers making smart HVAC systems and they claim that a user can make energy savings of 15-20%. When you consider the rising costs of energy, this can be a real game changer with no loss of performance. But, installing a smart thermostat is only part of the solution if you want to save money on your energy bills. It’s important to understand how the smart thermostat works and it must be configured for maximum energy savings. Approximately 50% of the energy consumption in an average American home is expended on heating and cooling. So, when you invest in smart technology, there is a steep learning curve, but the potential energy savings are certainly worth the effort.
Smart vs. Programmable Thermostats
At first glance, these two types of devices may seem similar, but they are fundamentally different, and choosing between them is easier if you understand them.
The programmable thermostat is manually programmed in advance directly on the device. There is no WiFi capability and remote changes in real time are simply not possible. The only real functionality that a programmable thermostat has is scheduling the unit to turn the HVAC system on and off at preset times and temperatures. These thermostats are certainly a set up from an even more basic timer but they don’t save much energy.
A smart thermostat has WiFi connectivity with all the programmable features that you would expect from an advanced control system. These units can be programmed to turn the HVAC system on and off at set times like the programmable thermostat, but they are capable of much more. Some of the standout features include predictive controls, self-monitoring features, real time changes, energy optimization settings, and more. If you need to monitor or make adjustments on the go, this is easy from your smartphone with a dedicated app.
Smart vs. Programmable Thermostat: Which is Better?
If you want the ultimate control for your HVAC system, the smart thermostat is the clear winner. The initial purchasing price is higher, but the functionality and energy saving features are impressive. People that just want a basic thermostat because they work from home or they don’t want too much technology can still make some savings with a programmable unit. But, if you really want to take control to the next level, a smart thermostat is the only way to go.
How Can a Smart Thermostat Lower Energy Bills?
A smart thermostat has a number of features and innovations that improve the functionality and energy efficiency of a compatible HVAC system. In many cases, they will recoup the money investing in them in around 1-2 years. After that point, the smart thermostat is delivering pure energy savings. Certain brands promise energy savings of up to 15% on cooling and 12% on heating costs. An average home may save as much as $145 on its annual energy expenses.
To get the most out of a smart thermostat, there are five techniques that you need to learn and use every day:
1. Keep the Home Location Updated
The smart thermostat will detect your location and automatically decide if you need cooling or heating. The location is relayed from your phone to the thermostat, and the proximity can turn the system on or off. This means that your home will be at your chosen temperature on your return, and if you’re delayed, it won’t turn on. So, you will save energy and still have a comfortable home if you set your home location.
2. Intelligent Temperature Triggers
The smart thermostat has intelligent temperature triggers that you can set within a specific range. You decide what happens above or below those temperature points, and the thermostat will take care of the rest. So, the thermostat can make minor adjustments in real time to keep your home comfortable without wasting energy.
3. Custom Automation
A smart thermostat is extremely flexible, you combine temperature triggers with scheduling to create custom routines for specific days. This can integrate with a home hub system to control multiple devices from the app. As an example: maybe you want a smart fan to turn on when the temperature reaches a specific setting.
4. Energy Consumption Monitoring
The smart thermostat allows you to track the energy consumption via the app. Minor adjustments can be made to make your HVAC system work at optimal efficiency. You can track the energy consumption, usage statistics, internal and external temperatures, and more to form patterns. This helps the user to find drafts, leaks, and other problems that may be affecting the HVAC system’s efficiency.
5. Energy Saving Programs
Certain energy power utility companies offer energy saving programs to smart thermostat users. The user may be eligible for peak hour payments via demand response, and the company may take control of the unit with your consent to tailor power usage. These changes are minor, but a 1º change on a mass scale can save a lot of fuel for the company. There are also rebates for smart thermostat users that can give the user up to 50% of the smart thermostat purchasing price back.
If you want to install a smart thermostat in your home, contact your local HVAC specialist today.