Smart Thermostats For Your Home
Fall is almost upon us. So, what does that mean? Well, the leaves are falling, and so is the temperature. You have probably started thinking about prepping your HVAC for fall, right? More importantly, it’s time to schedule a routine service for the HVAC in your home. Besides, we have something we think you should consider; Are you a professional with long hours? Or maybe a family who is in and out of the house. Whoever you are, installing smart thermostats is sure to benefit you, and your home. But is it really worth it? In this blog, we will help you find out.
What are Smart Thermostats?
Simply put, a smart thermostat is a thermostat that can be controlled with your phone, tablet or computer. Ultimately, any internet-controlled system will work. Yet, these little devices boast much more than that. They truly are “smart.” So, how do they work? And, what can they do for YOU?
To begin, let’s talk about how a traditional thermostat works. Thermostats use temperatures in the home to regulate your HVAC system. First, you set the temperature. Next, the system turns on accordingly. Finally, once the desired temperature is achieved, the system shuts off. This cycle continues throughout the day. Pretty simple, don’t you think?
Smart thermostats work similarly. Except, these devices connect to WIFI. For you, that means changing your settings remotely. Each smart thermostat has a companion app. From there, you can change the settings in your home with a click of a button. The app transmits the change through your WIFI directly to the unit. Then, your thermostat signals your HVAC system.
Do you have an Amazon Alexa or a Google Home device? You can use those too! For example, you could say, “Alexa, set the temperature to 72 degrees,” and the same process would begin. While there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, for the users, it is quite simple.
Nevertheless, before you decide to make the switch check with your local HVAC company. It is important to be sure that smart thermostats will work with your current system. At ATN, we pride ourselves on supplying the highest quality products and service. Our suppliers, such as Honeywell, have come out with some of the newest advancements in smart home devices this year. We would be happy to help you choose the perfect thermostat for your home.
Advantages of Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats provide more than just remote controlling of your system. More importantly, these devices can learn household patterns. Therefore, the heating/cooling can adjust accordingly. While many users begin with a set schedule, the smart device changes it as needed. In reality, it knows you better than you know yourself. Moreover, many smart thermostats can sense when the home is occupied.
Do you like to save money? We do! Smart thermostats are energy efficient. So, that means up to 20% savings for you. Additionally, the best smart thermostats work with your HVAC systems. And, not just by regulating temperature. Most will let you know about issues with the systems or remind you about routine checkups. By upgrading your device, you can save money and look good doing so. I mean, there is no doubt about it: smart thermostats are more pleasing to the eye. While traditional units were meant to blend in, smart thermostats are made to stand out.
Which One Should You Choose?
Each smart thermostat provides slightly different features. For instance, some use algorithms; others use geofencing or remote sensors. Make sense? If you’re like many, this technical jargon is hard to decipher. Let us walk you through the different types of smart thermostats.
The Honeywell WIFI Smart Thermostats all rely on algorithmic patterns. For example, you can input a base for your schedule. From there, the system will change and adapt automatically to fit your lifestyle patterns. But, how does it know? Well, many systems have a home and away mode. When the smart thermostat thinks you are away from the home, it defaults to an energy-efficient setting. When you come home, it will turn back on. However, it is not a perfect system. If you do not walk by the sensors in the unit, it could think you are away. Thankfully, with a click of a button, you can manually change the setting. Easy as pie.
Another Honeywell smart model is the Honeywell Lyric. These devices rely on geofencing. This is a feature that helps regulate the home/away settings using your cell phone. To begin, you must create a threshold. For instance, if you set it to 500 feet, the system would turn off when you were outside that range. On the same note, once you were within 500 feet of your home, it would resume. It is incredible how far technology has come. We are excited to be a part of it! You should be too.
Finally, there are some systems that use remote sensors to activate the thermostat. Homeowners can purchase individual sensors to place in high traffic areas of the home. If you are looking specifically for the home/away setting, this may be your best bet. It proves to provide the most accuracy in this feature.
Installation
As we mentioned, before you purchase smart thermostats for your home, you must check the compatibility. Additionally, you must ensure you have adequate WIFI within the home. This is a crucial part and should not be overlooked. For more information, check-in with your internet provider. They will be able to guide you on what type of capacity will be needed to run the smart thermostats in your home.
Unless you have experience with thermostat installation, you should seek professional help. Aside from the actual unit, you must have proper wiring. Some newer homes will be equipped properly, but older homes often require an adapter. Don’t take the chance! We can help. All the ATN Mechanical technicians are trained to find the best solution for your needs. For more information on smart thermostats, or to schedule routine service, give us a call.