A Smart Thermostat Is the Gift that Keeps on Giving!
For many people, the best part of the holiday season is the chance to shower family, friends, and loved ones with gifts. Of course, the tricky part is finding gifts that everyone will love. For some folks, a practical gift is the way to go, while others may appreciate a fun toy to play with or something that makes the home a little more pleasant.
Fortunately, one gift that checks all the boxes is a smart thermostat! A new smart thermostat can enhance the home’s comfort, reduce energy costs, and make life easier - and be a fun new gadget, to boot! Keep reading to discover the many benefits of smart thermostats, why now might be the perfect time to upgrade, and which models are the best on the market.
Signs It’s Time To Install a New Smart Thermostat
Anyone can benefit from trading in their clunky old analog or digital thermostat for a new smart thermostat - older models simply don’t offer the kind of precise control and versatility that newer models do, which ultimately means that the HVAC system won’t be able to operate as efficiently as it could be. Older thermostats are also more likely to malfunction as their components become worn with age and use.
For instance, if the system repeatedly runs for a short time then turns off, it could indicate that the thermostat isn’t getting the correct temperature reading. This can overwork the unit, driving up energy consumption - in this way, inexplicable spikes on the utility bill may point to a failing thermostat. The thermostat’s primary function is to communicate with the HVAC unit(s), which it should do almost instantaneously. So if it seems slow to respond to new settings or seems to have a mind of its own (frequent temperature fluctuations, settings change for no reason, etc.), it may be time for a thermostat replacement.
Smart Thermostat Benefits
Many smart thermostats are designed to have a mind of their own - but in a good way. Instead of manually programming it, homeowners can let their smart thermostat “learn” their usage habits and create a tailor-made schedule to fit those patterns. More basic smart thermostats won’t do this independently but will instead track usage patterns and offer suggestions to help improve efficiency. This focus on reducing energy consumption is a key advantage that all smart home thermostats share.
Other benefits include the ability to control the thermostat remotely using a smartphone or other device, automatic maintenance reminders, and real-time performance data. Many models use sensors and GPS technology to automatically shut the system off when they detect that the house is empty and turn it on when they detect that the homeowners are on their way home. To top it all off, smart thermostats are typically very easy to install!
Best Smart Thermostat Options
As the technology becomes more popular and improvements continue to be made, more and more smart thermostats are chosen. They share many of the same features in most cases, but some have more bells and whistles than others. Here’s a brief look at a few of the top-rated and best-selling smart thermostats currently available.
There’s the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat for a simple and affordable option. This thermostat can be controlled from anywhere and connected with most smart home systems, including Alexa for voice control. It uses geofencing technology to detect when users are headed home and adjust the temperature in advance.
Two highly-rated options for more features and capabilities are the Ecobee SmartThermostat and the Google Nest Learning Thermostat. The former boasts a potential energy savings of 26% and offers features like voice control and additional sensors for greater zone control. The latter is best known for its ability to learn patterns and program a schedule accordingly. Still, it also has enhanced energy-saving features like occupancy sensors, usage reports, and personalized suggestions for eco-friendly settings.
About ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc.
ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc. has served their community with pride since 1988. Their background-checked expert technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service and always leave every home better than they found it. ThermAll offers 100% satisfaction and knows all there is to know about thermostat services - so don’t hesitate to contact them for smart thermostat installation in Ellensburg, WA this holiday season!
