Do you have a smart (aka Wi-Fi) thermostat in your home? Despite all the publicity they are given, less than 20% of US homes have one. If you are part of that 80% plus, you should consider purchasing one. Here are the benefits.
1. Remote access for maximum flexibility. A smart thermostat allows you to access your home’s heating and cooling system via your smartphone or tablet anywhere in the world there is Wi-Fi. You can adjust the temperature, monitor performance and set schedules. Some specific examples:
a. If you are returning home after travelling near or far, you can set the temperature so you will be comfortable when you return home.
b. “Remote” also means you do not have to be at the thermostat even when you are home. If you are sitting and the temperature is not to your liking, you can adjust the temperature without standing up.
2. Cost savings. A Wi-Fi thermostat can reduce costs in a couple of ways.
a. Lower utility bills. Wi-Fi thermostats can save you up to 8% a year on your cooling and heating bills, according to ENERGY STAR. That will more than offset the higher cost for the thermostat. Here are a few ways Wi-Fi thermostats can reduce energy bills.
i. You can program schedules to meet your needs. You can set the thermostat to ensure you are comfortable when you are home and awake and then reduce consumption if you are away or asleep.
ii. Many smart thermostats actually “learn” from your activity and can adjust the temperature based upon your daily routines, such as when you go to bed, leave or arrive home.
b. Extended life of equipment. Your furnace and AC will not work as hard with a smart thermostat. This extends their life and puts off investing in new units.
c. Not really cost saving, but you may be eligible for energy rebates, effectively reducing the cost of the thermostat.
3. Eco-friendly. By allowing you to set schedules, you can reduce energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint. Some thermostats can provide reports on energy consumption that you can use to further reduce your consumption (and lower heating and cooling costs).
4. Notifications and alerts. Many Wi-Fi thermostats will send you maintenance reminders as well as notifications if there is a problem.
5. Compatibility with other smart devices. Want to adjust the temperature while you are at home but are away from your phone? Many thermostats integrate with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant so you can adjust the temperature via voice commands.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing About Smart Thermostats
The NATE-certified HVAC technicians at Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric can help you select and then install the best smart thermostat for your home. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 97 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
