Obviously, a thermostat controls the temperature of your home through your HVAC system. But what is considered a smart thermostat? More specifically, what’s to like about a smart thermostat? The experts at Veterans AC & Heat have pulled together some information on smart thermostats so you can make an educated decision on whether it is worth the purchase for you and your household.
What is a Smart Thermostat?
To adequately answer this question, we can define a smart thermostat with one of the well-known experts in the field, Energy Star. They describe the term as follows:
“A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance. Smart thermostats that earn the ENERGY STAR label have been independently certified, based on actual field data, to deliver energy savings.”
Optimal thermostat function is precisely what you want for your home, right? Besides, they will help homeowners adjust heating and AC from other-internet devices, such as laptops or cell phones. Similar to a programmable thermostat, they allow the user to schedule heating and cooling according to their preferences and needs.
With all the Technology Out There Today, is a Smart Thermostat Worth It?
Whether or not it is worth the change is up to the user. At Veterans AC & Heat, we see the added value a smart thermostat can bring to the modern home. Smart thermostats offer convenience, control, and insight into the usage of the household and energy costs.
Convenience
Learning your temperature preferences and creating a schedule for your that will automatically adjust is a huge benefit to installing smart technology. Changing according to your sleep and away habits will save you money and be energy efficient.
Control
With an Energy Star rating, your thermostat will enter a sleep mode when it is inactive. Then you are able to control the heat and AC remotely by accessing the unit through your smartphone. Control when, where, and how much your HVAC system is running whether you are home or not.
Insight
Track and manage all your temperature data and equipment usage with a smart thermostat. And software updates ensure you are accessing the latest studies and usage recommendations.
With all the above features, you would think there would be no question. But if you are not into technology as much as perhaps your neighbors are, there are still reasons to get a smart thermostat.
Additional Features of Smart Thermostats
These smart thermostats go above and beyond a regular thermostat to deliver a flawless indoor comfort experience. With the features of a wireless smart thermostat, you’ll feel the difference with:
- Programming the is Easy to Use: A smart thermostat will learn your schedule and temperature preferences, keeping you comfortable by auto-adjusting temperatures and maintaining schedules.
- Wireless Connection and Data Usage: Of course, you can control your thermostat from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Then the smart thermostat can compile data regarding your energy usage for your review. As a result, you can fine-tune your HVAC system usage to maximize your savings. That’s a win-win!
- Maintenance Alerts and Diagnostics: Your smart thermostat will help you stay on top of system maintenance when it’s time to change the filter. And it will provide diagnostics to assist in system repair.
Smart Thermostat Savings
As you probably know, energy bill savings will vary from home to home depending on preference, habits, and the number of people in the house. According to the Energy Star experts, you can save over $180 per year with a smart thermostat. What’s more, there are often manufacturers rebates and savings online.
Getting into the functions of each thermostat on the market today will clue you into how each one will add savings to your time and energy bill.
The Best Smart Thermostats
Now that we have convinced you how much you will love your new smart thermostat, you will need to know which one to purchase. In the words of the New York Times,
“Our extensive testing shows that the Google Nest Learning Thermostat is the best smart thermostat because it manages your home with the least amount of input, it’s simple to use, and it has the best design of all the thermostats we’ve tested.”
Additionally, PC Mag compiled a list of the best smart thermostats out there. Here is what they found.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control is their overall top pick. It is loaded with features such as Alexa capabilities, a touch display, a remote room sensor, and it will communicate with other smart home technologies. This easy-to-install unit also has dual-band Wi-Fi.
Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Generation) is ideal for automatic temperature control. It features a large display, geofencing support, a furnace monitor, and more. The sleek design of this thermostat is loaded with features, easy to install, and more. It interacts with other Nest and third-party devices and Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT.
Nest Thermostat is a more affordable version with entry-level heating and cooling control. Users can set temperatures by phone or voice, and the unit even helps lower your AC bill. This affordable and attractive unit warns homeowners of problems with your HAC system. Also, it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, supports scheduling and routines, lets you monitor your energy usage, and suggests ways to cut back.
Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat with Sensor is the best system for multiple rooms. With dual-band Wi-Fi, this thermostat uses long-range sensors to unify home temperatures. Easy to install, the Honeywell has a remote room sensor and works with Alexa, Cortana, and Google voice commands.
Lux Kono Smart Thermostat features a high design look with several voice assistance abilities and a well-designed app. This stylish thermostat is easy to install, supports multiple voice platforms, works with HomeKit, and provides geofencing and usage reporting. However, it does not communicate with other smart home devices.
Sensi Smart Thermostat ST55is a low-cost option for users of Siri. Reasonably priced and easy to install, it works with many smart technologies. It is an affordable option with geofencing capabilities and is compatible with Alexa, Google, and Siri voice commands. Additionally, it will work with multiple home automation platforms.
Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat ST75works well with HomeKit. Control this smart unit with your phone, voice, and a color touch-screen panel. At the same time, it offers temperature and humidity alerts and usage reports. It also works well as support for smart home platforms. It works with Alexa, Google, and Siri voice commands, HomeKit, and provides usage reports.
Bosch Connected Control BCC100 Thermostat has the biggest touch screen and can be controlled from everywhere, like others. However, it does not have as many features. It is easy to install and works with Alexa.
Which one do you think is the best option for your family? Contact us here to let us know your VOTE.
More Questions About Smart Thermostats?
In this informative article, we at Veterans AC & Heat have done our best to put the details and information in front of you, the clients. After reading through the above information on smart thermostats, if you still aren’t sure which is best for your home, call for help. The technicians at Veterans AC & Heat will come out to take a look at the needs of your household and recommend the best one for you.
With over 50 years of experience, we can be trusted with the responsibility of your home or business’ heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The quality of our work and your comfort are our top priorities. At Veterans AC & Heat, we are serious about smart thermostats and your HVAC system.
Contact us today for an HVAC inspection, smart thermostat installation, or enroll in our maintenance plan.
