Are smart thermostats just a passing craze or something that could change the overall quality of life in your home? Here are some things to consider before you buy:
What is it?
A smart thermostat is an elevated version of your standard thermostat. It can be controlled from an app on your phone or synced to your Google Home, Alexa, Echo, etc. This means you could control the temperature of your home just by using your voice. It allows you to program based on your daily schedule, the weather, and whatever else you find is necessary for your heating and cooling needs. Some smart thermostats come with sensors to detect when you are home and when you leave to optimize your energy usage.
The Pros and Cons
Just like any expensive item, it’s important to take time and seriously consider the pros and cons before investing in one. Here are some of the main takeaways when deciding if a smart thermostat is right for your home:
Pros:
Saving Money: One of the biggest draws for investing in a smart thermostat is that it will pay for itself! A smart thermostat, either through sensors or settings, can detect when you are not home, thus lowering your heating or cooling as needed. Over an extended period of time, it should reflect in your energy bills.
Accessibility: Another significant benefit of having a smart thermostat is being able to adjust the temperature from any location. All you need is a wifi or cellular connection. If your family goes on vacation for a week and you forgot to turn down your heat, no worries, just open the corresponding app and adjust from there. You have someone watching your house, and they don’t know how to turn on the air conditioner? No worries, they can text you, and you can turn it on for them.
It’s also possible to set up a function where the thermostat can respond to your voice and be connected to your Siri, Alexa, Google Home, etc. This is a great option if you have mobility issues or don’t want to get off the couch.
Energy Reports: Some smart thermostats models track your energy usage and show your reports at any point on the app. This can help track how much energy you are using and indicate when and where you could cut down. Knowing this can help save you money and be better for the environment.
Cons:
Learning Curve: Just like with any other new skill or gadget, figuring the ins and outs of the product will take time. Most things are accessible given a google search, a YouTube video, or asking a friend. However, it could still lead to some frustration and confusion.
Installation: If you’re not savvy with tools, electricity, or your HVAC system, chances are you will not be able to install this by yourself. It’s important to note that if you feel unsure about installing something yourself, it’s always better to consult a professional.
Pets: Each smart thermostat model is different; some work on timers, and others work off of sensors. If you buy a thermostat set on sensors, there is a possibility that it may not detect them, depending on the size of your pets. This could mean that when you leave, the temperature in your house could drop to a level that could make your pets uncomfortable.
Brands We Work With
The thermostats we supply at Homer Nine and Sons, Inc. are from the brands Honeywell and Trane. They can retail anywhere from $200 - $250. Honeywell and Trane’s thermostats are both Energy Star Certified. Seeing an Energy Star on an appliance means the government-backed agency has a record of credible and unbiased information regarding all of its energy efficiency.
Do you have more questions about smart thermostats? Do you think it might be right for your home? Feel free to contact us Homer Nine and Sons, Inc. at (724) 241-8698! We are here to answer any questions you have and help you make the right decision.