First let's discuss the difference between a smart thermostat and programmable thermostat. Most households have a programmable thermostat, which lets you set the temperature and have the thermostat change it based on preset temperatures for different times of day. In addition to this, smart thermostats learn from your behaviors, allow you to control the climate in your home remotely, show you energy consumption in real-time, and can even adjust themselves based on conditions like humidity or an oven being turned on.
If you already have a programmable thermostat and are using it smartly, a smart thermostat may not save you that much more money, especially if you consider the upfront cost. But here are a few points to consider that may convince you a smart thermostat is exactly what you need!
- Are you an analyzer? Smart thermostats can give you a lot of data. You will be able to check your thermostat's mobile app to see how much money you're saving or energy you're actively using, and use the tools provided to plot out how much more you can save if you adjust the temperature by a few degrees here or there.
- Are you a landlord? If you are a landlord for a vacation property or any property that includes utilities, a smart thermostat may be exactly what you need. When tenants are not responsible for the utility bill, they have a tendency to carelessly set the thermostat to extreme temps or forget to adjust it when they are away. The ability to manage the temperature setting remotely with your phone will keep things under control.
- Do you currently have a manual thermostat? If your current thermostat is manual you may be spending a lot of time adjusting the temperature to balance comfort and energy efficiency. And what happens if you forget to adjust it before a day out or a vacation? A smart thermostat can stop cooling or heating an empty apartment so you don't have to remember to, and it makes sure you're comfortable when you're home.
If you have any questions or need advice on a new thermostat, give the experts at Anchor Heating and Air a call – 770-942-2873.