Are smart thermostats worth the investment?
Over recent years, smart thermostats have become very popular. Their popularity can be attributed to the numerous benefits that they offer to homeowners. Smart homes apply the use of smart devices like alarm systems and smart thermostats.
What are smart thermostats?
Smart thermostats are digital, WiFi-connected devices used to control home AC and heat systems. They typically perform the same functions as traditional thermostats. However, they offer digital advantages like the fact that they can be controlled using a mobile phone app.
Are smart thermostats worth the investment?
Smart thermostats are more expensive than traditional ones. However, the following benefits make them worth the added cost;
1. Cost efficiency
One of the main advantages of smart thermostats is that they reduce the cost of energy in your home. This is possible because, with smart thermostats, you can schedule when and how long they run. For instance, you can schedule your thermostat to start running a few minutes before you get home from work rather than have it running all day. By doing so, your home will be the perfect temperature when you get back. This means that you will end up using less energy and save money in the process. According to researchers, using smart thermostats can help you reduce your energy costs by up to 15%. Most smart thermostat brands come with a built-in energy consumption monitoring element that helps you to see how much energy the device is using up. Such knowledge will help you make the required adjustments so that you can reduce the energy costs in your home.
2. Remote controllability
Another common advantage of smart thermostats is that you can control them remotely. Most smart thermostats come with an app through which you can control the product as long as it is connected via WiFi. For instance, if you were away at work, and you wish to cool down your home before you arrive, you can adjust or turn on the thermostat using the mobile app. The apps also allow you to control the device when you are away on vacation. This feature especially comes in handy if you have a furry friend (pet) in your house when you are away. The apps also allow you to check the temperature and send alerts when there are any significant changes. This means that you get to monitor the functioning of your HVAC even when you are away.
3. The eliminate the likelihood of human error
Smart thermostats are designed in such a way that they are less likely to make the errors that humans do. For instance, the devices learn your heating preferences, habits and schedules. By learning human habits, they can self-adjust according to your heating preferences. This means that you do not have to worry about doing it yourself. They, therefore, eliminate the likelihood of human errors of accidental programming or wastage of energy.
4. Ease of use
Most, if not all, smart thermostats are built to be user-friendly. For instance, the fact that you can control them using a smartphone app makes it easy to control. This means that you do not have to tamper with the device itself and cause any physical damages in the process. The apps used to control the smart thermostats have streamlined interfaces that are easy to access and navigate. The devices are also very easy to install. This means that you can install them without any assistance from a professional. They all come with an easy to follow step-by-step guide on how to install the devices. Therefore, you get to save the costs of installation.
5. Added features
The following additional features also make smart thermostats worth the investment;
• Motion sensors- some thermostats have motion sensors that alter the temperature settings when they sense someone moving around the house.
• Filter change alert systems- some also come with reminders that help to give reminders to change furnace filters.
• Geofencing- some also come with a geofencing element that can sense when you are close to your home hence turning on the thermostat or HVAC system automatically before you walk in.
Conclusion
As smart homes continue to increase in popularity, so do elements like smart thermostats. However, note that the thermostats can be installed in any home, whether smart or not. The market is packed with a wide range of smart thermostat brands. When choosing one for your home, consider all the benefits mentioned above and the features of the device.
