Keeping your Wharton residence cozy can eat up a big chunk of change. The average homeowner spends about $172 on monthly energy expenses, according to ENERGY STAR®, or about $2,060 yearly. At least half of that is for heating and cooling.
Most homes rely on programmable thermostats, but many people don’t bother to use them properly. The process is annoying, complicated and only gives you a few options for desired temperatures. When your residence stays at an unchanging setting throughout the day, it wastes energy and badly influences your monthly costs.
Smart thermostats pick up on your schedule and modify the temperatures to match it. But can getting one really help you spend less money on heating and cooling? Yes, and here’s why.
Studies Show Smart Thermostats Reduce on Heating and Cooling Expenses
Independent studies show these devices can result in major savings.
These studies used home utility expenses in 41 states before and after putting in a Nest smart thermostat. Nest said the study showed its thermostats can save up to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling, generating an estimated savings of $131 to $145 annually.
With the typical smart thermostat costing between $100–$250, those savings can help it pay for itself. And the majority of local energy companies have rebates for smart thermostats since they’re ENERGY STAR® certified.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Work?
After your smart thermostat is ready to go, you’ll initially use it just like your previous thermostat. You’ll set it up and down, so the thermostat can figure out your wants. Then, it will start creating a program that helps you spend less money, whether you’re at your residence or gone. As it geofences with your smartphone, you won’t have to think about adjusting it when you go or return.
Pros and Cons of Using a Smart Thermostat
Pros
As we mentioned prior, smart thermostats provide many advantages to your residence and utility expenses, such as:
- No need to set—Your smart thermostat will adjust to your schedule, so you won’t need to spend time adjusting programs or remember to turn it up or down.
- Knows when you get home and leave—As many smart thermostats geofence with your phone, your residence will go into an energy-efficient setting when you leave and be comfy when you arrive.
- Remote temperature management—You’ll be able to see your home’s settings from virtually anyplace, because of an app on your phone.
- Watch heating and cooling use—The majority of smart thermostats give great data through their app, such as how long you required heating and cooling on a specific day.
- Reminders—Some smart thermostats will alert you to essential maintenance tasks, like when you’re due to put in a new air filter.
- Extra savings—The majority of local energy companies have rebates for smart thermostats, so check with yours for details.
Cons
In spite of that, there’s a couple of things you should consider regarding adding a smart thermostat in your home:
- Compatibility—Subject to the type and age of your heating and cooling system, a smart thermostat might not be compatible. If you don’t know, it’s advisable to check with an HVAC specialist like Faust Air Conditioning and Heating. We also advise having it professionally installed. This ensures that you have the proper number of wires and that it’s linked accurately. Some systems don’t have a common wire, which results in compatibility problems with a smart thermostat. This wire powers your thermostat, so if your house doesn’t have a C-wire, we can put one in.
- Housing situation—If you own your residence and plan to be there for years, it’s a smart investment to install a smart thermostat. If you’re planning to move soon or rent, we recommend waiting unless you will take the thermostat with you. If you rent, you’ll typically need to secure your landlord’s permission first prior to adding a new thermostat.
- Cost—Smart thermostats cost more than programmable thermostats, and we recommend having yours professionally installed. However, the energy savings over its lifetime can help pay for itself.
- Lifestyle—Does a family member work from home, or is someone often at the house? If that’s your situation, you might not see as many savings, but you’ll have the convenience of not having to program or adjust a thermostat.
Trust Faust Air Conditioning and Heating for Your Smart Thermostat Needs
At Faust Air Conditioning and Heating, our number one priority is to keep your residence comfortable while helping you conserve more heating and cooling bills. If you’re wanting to install a smart thermostat, our professionals can help, from selecting the ideal model to expert installation. Call us at 979-323-6130 today to learn more.