Keeping your Tucson residence comfortable can consume a big chunk of change. A typical household spends about $172 on monthly utility costs, according to ENERGY STAR®, or approximately $2,060 each year. At least half of that is consumed by heating and cooling.
Most houses rely on programmable thermostats, but most people don’t bother to set them. The process is time-consuming, detailed and only gives you limited options for desired temperatures. When your home is kept at the same setting throughout the day, it requires gas and electricity and adversely influences your monthly costs.
Smart thermostats learn from your routine and modify the temperatures to accompany it. But can using one really conserve money on heating and cooling? Yes, and here’s why.
Studies Show Smart Thermostats Save on Heating and Cooling Expenses
Independent studies have determined these devices can lead to major savings.
These studies involved home utility bills in 41 states before and after putting in a Nest smart thermostat. Nest said the study determined its thermostats can save up to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling, producing an estimated savings of $131 to $145 yearly.
With the average smart thermostat running between $100–$250, those savings can help it pay for itself. And the majority of local energy companies provide rebates for smart thermostats as they’re ENERGY STAR® certified.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Work?
After your smart thermostat is put in, you’ll first use it just like your old thermostat. You’ll turn it up and down, so the thermostat can figure out your preferences. Then, it will get to work making a program that helps you save money, whether you’re at your house or away. As it geofences with your smartphone, you won’t have to remember to adjust it when you exit or come back.
Pros and Cons of Installing a Smart Thermostat
Pros
As we mentioned before, smart thermostats offer a lot of perks to your house and energy costs, like:
- No need to program—Your smart thermostat will pick up on your routine, so you don’t have to spend time using programs or remember to adjust it.
- Knows when you come and take off—Since lots of smart thermostats geofence with your phone, your residence will go into an energy-efficient setting when you take off and be comfy when you return.
- Remote temperature supervision—You’ll be able to see your house’s temperature from virtually anyplace, on account of an app on your phone.
- Monitor heating and cooling use—Many smart thermostats provide detailed data through their app, including how long you needed heating and cooling on a specific day.
- Reminders—Some smart thermostats will alert you to crucial maintenance tasks, including when it’s time to get a new air filter.
- Added savings—The majority of local energy companies provide rebates for smart thermostats, so contact with yours for more info.
Cons
In spite of that, there’s several points you should consider when considering getting a smart thermostat in your home:
- Compatibility—Based on the type and age of your heating and cooling system, a smart thermostat might not work. If you’re unsure, it’s recommended to check with an HVAC pro like A&M Heating & Cooling LLC. We also advise having it professionally installed. This confirms that you have the right number of wires and that it’s hooked up accurately. Some systems don’t have a common wire, which creates compatibility troubles with a smart thermostat. This wire powers your thermostat, so if your house doesn’t have a C-wire, we can put one in.
- Housing situation—If you own your home and want to be there for a long time, it’s a smart investment to have a smart thermostat. If you plan to move shortly or rent, we advise waiting unless you want to take the thermostat with you. If you rent, you’ll often need to get your landlord’s permission first ahead of getting a new thermostat.
- Cost—Smart thermostats are more expensive than programmable thermostats, and we suggest having yours professionally installed. However, the energy savings over time can help pay for itself.
- Lifestyle—Does a family member work from home, or is someone often at the house? If that’s your situation, you might not see as large of savings, but you’ll enjoy the benefits of not being required to program or adjust a thermostat.
Trust A&M Heating & Cooling LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Needs
At A&M Heating & Cooling LLC, our top purpose is to keep your house comfortable while helping you save on heating and cooling costs. If you’re considering installing a smart thermostat, our specialists can help, from picking the best model to expert installation. Contact us at 520-200-1048 today to learn more.