Keeping your the Rio Grande Valley house comfy can require a lot of money. The average homeowner spends about $172 on monthly utility expenses, according to ENERGY STAR®, or about $2,060 yearly. At least half of that goes to heating and cooling.
The majority of homes have programmable thermostats, but many people don’t take the trouble to set them. The process is annoying, detailed and only offers you limited options for temperature settings. When your residence stays at an identical temp throughout the day, it wastes energy and negatively influences your monthly expenses.
Smart thermostats pick up on your routine and modify the temperatures to accompany it. But can having one really save you money on heating and cooling? Yes, and here’s why.
Studies Show Smart Thermostats Reduce on Energy Costs
Independent studies have found these devices can produce major savings.
These studies used home utility bills in 41 states before and after putting in a Nest smart thermostat. Nest said the study showed its thermostats can save up to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling, generating an approximated savings of $131 to $145 each year.
With the typical smart thermostat priced between $100–$250, those savings can help it pay for itself. And the majority of local energy companies have rebates for smart thermostats because they’re ENERGY STAR® certified.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Work?
After your smart thermostat is installed, you’ll initially use it just like your old thermostat. You’ll set it up and down, so the thermostat can learn about your wants. Then, it will get to work making a program that helps you conserve more money, whether you’re at home or gone. Because it geofences with your smartphone, you won’t have to think about adjusting it when you go or get back.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Smart Thermostat
Pros
As we mentioned prior, smart thermostats offer a lot of advantages to your house and energy expenses, including:
- No need to adjust—Your smart thermostat will adjust to your routine, so you won’t be required to waste time setting programs or remember to turn it up or down.
- Knows when you come and leave—Since a lot of smart thermostats geofence with your phone, your home will be put into an energy-efficient setting when you go and be comfy when you return.
- Remote temperature supervision—You’ll be able to watch your house’s temp from nearly anywhere, because of an app on your phone.
- Watch heating and cooling use—Most smart thermostats provide in-depth data through their app, such as how long you required heating and cooling on a specific day.
- Reminders—Certain smart thermostats will remind you of essential maintenance tasks, including when you need to put in a new air filter.
- Additional savings—Many local energy companies have rebates for smart thermostats, so contact with yours for details.
Cons
In spite of that, there’s several areas you should contemplate regarding installing a smart thermostat in your home:
- Compatibility—Based on the type and age of your heating and cooling system, a smart thermostat might not function with it. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact an HVAC specialist like Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.. We also recommend having it professionally installed. This guarantees that you have the proper number of wires and that it’s linked properly. Some systems don’t have a common wire, which creates compatibility issues with a smart thermostat. This wire powers your thermostat, so if your home doesn’t have a C-wire, we can install one.
- Housing situation—If you own your house and plan to live there for a long time, it’s a smart investment to get a smart thermostat. If you’re planning to move in the next year or rent, we advise waiting unless you plan to take the thermostat with you. If you rent, you’ll often need to have your landlord’s permission first in advance of putting in a new thermostat.
- Cost—Smart thermostats are more expensive than programmable thermostats, and we suggest having yours professionally installed. However, the energy savings over the years can help pay for itself.
- Lifestyle—Does a family member work from home, or is someone frequently at the house? If that’s the case, you might not see as large of savings, but you’ll get the perks of not needing to program or adjust a thermostat.
Rely on Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. for Your Smart Thermostat Needs
At Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., our top purpose is to keep your house cozy while helping you spend less energy expenses. If you’re thinking about installing a smart thermostat, our specialists can help, from picking the ideal model to expert installation. Call us at 956-630-3522 today to learn more.