While fuel prices keep going up, people are looking for ways to at least save some money that can be used for other important things. Your furnace is responsible for giving you comfort when the weather becomes unbearably cold; as a result, your utility bills begin to rise.
One of the simplest ways to add to your monthly savings is to utilize smart thermostats, which offer precise and total control over your home’s temperature. While older thermostats are experiencing a decline in popularity, smart thermostats, on the other hand, are becoming more popular. When properly used, these devices can significantly reduce your monthly heating bills.
Choosing the right smart thermostat for your specific HVAC system may be overwhelming. A trusted heating company can help you select the best model that fits your needs.
What is a Smart Thermostat?
While a regular thermostat lets you adjust the temperature in your home, a smart thermostat can do that too, plus more. Smart thermostats can keep your home comfortable as efficiently as possible. Utilizing modern technologies like Wi-Fi, these devices allow you to easily control the temperature of your home practically anywhere — as long as you have your Wi-Fi-enabled device with you.
Similar to a regular or programmable thermostat, you need to manually make adjustments for a few days. Then, the smart thermostat will begin to learn your schedule and preferences and ensure the room is set to your comfort level when you get home. Most models have a way of knowing when you are home or away with the use of third-party applications.
Consistent use of a smart thermostat allows it to improve its accuracy in learning your heating preferences. It can also learn how long it takes to heat up a room based on the outdoor climate and historical information from your home. This allows you to maximize your energy savings while you are away or asleep.
Before Deciding on Buying One
A few considerations have to be made before purchasing a smart thermostat. First, consider the amount of initial investment you have to come up with. Smart thermostats’ prices start somewhere in the $200 range. This price can easily go up depending on the model, and some even require a professional technician to install them. In ideal situations, smart thermostats can help you offset the price of investment by saving you up to $180 per year. You can also benefit from local utility companies who offer rebates or credits to homeowners who use smart thermostats. Your monthly savings and these rebates can help recoup your initial investment costs.
You also need to think about compatibility. Not every furnace is capable of utilizing smart thermostats. Manufacturers usually have compatibility checkers on their websites, so it would help to check that first before making a purchase.
Factors that Affect Your Dollar Savings
First, your region’s climate plays a big part in determining the amount of dollar savings you will make. If you live in a region where the weather can be extreme, you won’t save as much if you live in areas that have milder temperatures.
Second, your local fuel rates can also be a factor since oil prices vary from city to city, so in order to set realistic energy saving goals, consider the varying prices of fuel in your area.
The last and most important thing to take note of is your daily lifestyle. You can expect greater savings if you can appropriately set the temperature. You don’t need to set your thermostat too high when you will be sleeping or when you leave for work. During these times, you can set your thermostat a few degrees lower, which can translate to lower heating bills.
Call the Experts in Home Comfort
While fuel and electricity rates are consistently going up, you might be looking for ways to save on your heating and cooling bills. Proper maintenance will definitely ensure your HVAC system run smoothly and efficiently. In addition, investing in a smart thermostat gives you modern ways to make your life more convenient and your HVAC system to be more energy efficient.
To help you in finding the right smart thermostat for your existing HVAC system, call Kettle Moraine Heating and Air Conditioning. We are a proud dealer of some of the best smart thermostat manufacturers in the industry. We sure have the best unit for you.
We are your trusted HVAC company that offers the best solutions for your home comfort needs.