What’s the Big Deal with a Smart Thermostat, Anyway?

Smart ThermostatThe idea of using a smart thermostat to optimize energy usage is nothing new. But, perhaps you’re wondering: why they’re so special, and whether you should buy one. You’ve heard it before: upgrading to a smart thermostat can save you money on energy bills.

But maybe what you haven’t realized is that they will give you the ability to do things you never thought possible before.

What Can a Smart Thermostat Do That Mine Can’t Already?

Regular thermostats allow you to adjust temperatures based on the time of day. Some even offer the ability to program a separate “vacation-mode.”

What makes a smart thermostat so “smart” is that they are programmed to learn from your behaviors, adjust temperatures based on environmental conditions such as humidity, show your energy consumption in real-time and even allow users to control the temperatures remotely.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the things a smart thermostat can do (that yours can’t already).

1. Learn from Behaviors

Some days your home or business needs a little more heating than others. A smart thermostat will collect data related to the energy usage of your heating and cooling system by tapping into the electric components that signal when your furnace or air conditioner is running. This lifestyle-based data is then sent to an online dashboard where the homeowner can access to create a heating/cooling strategy based on that information.

2. Adjust Temperatures Based on Conditions

Although many thermostats don’t come with a humidity sensor, some, like the Nest Thermostat, can communicate with your air conditioner to cool your home or office based on humidity levels. It will not only tell you what the humidity level, but will keep the AC running until it has reached an optimal level (if that’s what you want).

3. Generate Energy Reports

A smart thermostat will generate reports to help you use your HVAC efficiency and save on energy bills each month. But it’s not just limited to monthly reporting; most smart thermostats come with a real-time energy report so you can make small changes along the way.

4. Control Temperatures from Anywhere

Yup, there’s an app for that. Log-in on your smartphone to set vacation mode when you’re at work or set the heat to kick on when you wake up in the morning, you have unlimited options. All you need is an internet connection.

5. Get Weather and Other Updates

To properly program your thermostat, it’s good to know how the outside temperatures may fluctuate throughout the week. Many Wi-Fi thermostats provide access to weather forecasts while setting your system. Some smart thermostats can also send additional notices such as reminders when it’s time to change your air filter or when it’s time to schedule HVAC maintenance service.

Save on Heating and Cooling with a Smart Thermostat

The EPA’s Energy Star program concluded that homes with programmable or smart thermostats can save up to $180 per year on heating and cooling, which is a sizable savings.

Think about your own HVAC usage patterns.

If your thermostat isn’t able to do any of these things, it may be time to consider an upgrade to a smart thermostat. Point Bay Fuel can help you find the right thermostat for your home or business. Call us today at (732) 349-5059 to schedule an appointment.