With any consumer decision, you should always do your research before spending a large amount of money. One home investment that many experts recommend is installing a smart thermostat in your home. But what are these devices? How do they work, and are they even worth the hassle and money? Continue reading to learn everything about smart thermostats before you decide to upgrade:
WHAT IS A SMART THERMOSTAT?
Everyone knows that the thermostat is the part of your heating system that controls your home’s temperature. Older thermostats use a mercury switch that triggers itself once the temperature in the home reaches a certain level. Today’s smart thermostats are much more sophisticated.
A smart thermostat is essentially a unit that allows for extensive automation. This means the thermostat is programmable, in some cases, it can learn your habits, and it can also “communicate” with you by alerting homeowners to specific maintenance issues and more.
WHAT DO THEY COST?
The cost of a smart thermostat is completely dependent on the model you choose, but most range in price from $150 to $300. Some factors that contribute to the price include whether or not it’s a learning thermostat, whether there is remote access and more. However, one thing you should consider is that the upfront cost of the smart thermostat will most likely quickly pay for itself when it comes to energy efficiency and savings on your heating bill.
WHAT IS THE BEST MODEL TO CHOOSE?
The answer to this question depends entirely on your unique needs. Higher-end smart thermostats offer more features and include sophisticated automation, learning, and mobile access, while more basic models simply allow for extensive programming. Some of the best smart thermostats at a wide range of prices come from Nest, Honeywell, Ecobee3, and SensiSmart.
CAN I INSTALL IT MYSELF?
As with most home projects, installing a smart thermostat is completely doable. However, it’s not always advisable. Installing a new thermostat involves connecting it to the HVAC system. With this, come questions of compatibility, wiring, and more. Getting a professional to install your new smart thermostat is the best idea because then you know it is installed correctly and a warranty will probably cover the work. Many smart thermostats also connect your home’s Wifi, so it’s a good idea to work with an expert to select and unlock the full potential of the new thermostat.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SAVINGS?
This is where upgrading to a smart thermostat gets interesting. Everyone wants to save money, and the bottom line is that a smart thermostat can save you a lot of money. Almost all models, even the low-end smart thermostats, offer upwards of 30 percent energy savings. This translates to more money in your pocket and less waste on inefficient heating.
To learn more about smart thermostats, contact the experts at RHMH Heating and Air Conditioning today.
