- Category:
Home Energy Savings - Published:
April 13, 2021 - Updated:
June 6, 2022
Are Smart Thermostats Worth It?
As smart homes continue to grow in popularity, more and more people are thinking about making the transition to a connected home. But before you spend your hard-earned money, you’ll want to know what you’re getting in return. Your smart home investments should pay off down the line.
Take smart thermostats for example: They offer a variety of useful features for homeowners, but do they justify the upfront costs? Here, we’ll give you a better understanding of what these devices are and how they can help you save. Then, you can make an informed decision about whether smart thermostats are worth it for your household.
How much energy can smart thermostats save you?
What makes a smart thermostat worth it is its ability to help you monitor and control your energy usage. If every U.S. household switched from a traditional thermostat to a smart thermostat certified by ENERGY STAR ®, the savings would equal 56 trillion Btu of energy and $740 million per year.
Smart thermostats limit your energy consumption, thus reducing your heating and cooling expenses. That makes them one of the best smart home devices you can get.
What are smart thermostats?
Smart thermostats are devices that allow you to manage your home’s temperature remotely through an internet-connected device, like a smartphone. They can be set to operate on a schedule and automatically adjust the temperature at certain times throughout the day. Smart thermostats may also be able to provide data regarding your energy usage habits that can easily be tracked, managed and improved upon.
How smart thermostats work
Most smart thermostats use Wi-Fi, meaning they’ll need a stable internet connection in order to work. You may also have to make sure that your home’s HVAC and electrical systems are compatible with the device. Once set up, smart thermostats can be controlled either by a touch-based interface on the device itself or through a connected device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
There are smart thermostat apps you can download to help you get the most out of your device. You may also be able to connect your smart thermostat to a smart home hub and/or a smart speaker, like Amazon Echo or Google Home, which can be useful if you’re trying to manage several smart home devices.
The difference between a smart thermostat and a programmable thermostat
Smart thermostats are much more convenient than programmable thermostats. Unlike programmable thermostats, smart thermostats can be controlled and adjusted from anywhere through a connected device and can provide insight as to how you’re using energy in the home. However, smart and programmable thermostats do share some similarities. For example, both types of thermostats allow you to set schedules and automate temperature changes throughout the day.
How much do smart thermostats cost?
The price of your smart thermostat will depend on several factors, such as the model you decide to purchase. For example, a top-of-the-line Honeywell smart thermostat will run you about $200, while a more basic model will be closer to $150. If you need help with installation or have to upgrade your Wi-Fi network in order to run your smart thermostat, you’ll also want to take those costs into consideration.
To help limit your smart thermostat costs, you can look around for any eligible ENERGY STAR ® rebates that are currently being offered.
5 benefits of smart thermostats
As many homeowners would agree, trying to manage your thermostat settings on a busy schedule can be challenging. But forgetting to adjust the temperature in your home can result in increased heating and cooling expenses. That’s where smart thermostats come in. From added convenience to improved energy savings, smart thermostats offer benefits that you can’t get from traditional models.
1. Control your home’s temperature from anywhere
With a smart thermostat, you can make real-time adjustments to your thermostat settings from anywhere through your smartphone or other connected device. It’s as simple as downloading the accompanying smart thermostat app and selecting your desired temperature. This means no more wasting energy on heating and cooling an empty house!
2. Take advantage of automation features
Smart thermostats offer useful home automation features, such as allowing you to create schedules for your home’s temperature. So, rather than having to remember to adjust your thermostat, it will automatically change to different temperatures at different times of the day.
3. Improve your thermostat’s efficiency
Investing in a smart thermostat allows you to take greater control over when and how your HVAC system works. For example, a smart thermostat can help you optimize your temperature schedule, meaning your heating and AC units will need to run less frequently. And the less energy this equipment is drawing in your home, the more you’ll be able to improve your heating efficiency.
4. Monitor your thermostat’s energy usage more effectively
Smart thermostats can be especially useful tools when it comes to smart home energy savings. Many smart thermostat models come equipped with features for tracking the amount of energy you use on heating and cooling. The data you receive can then be monitored, analyzed and used to develop smart thermostat energy savings strategies.
5. Increase the value of your home
When you upgrade to a smart thermostat, you’re bound to get your money’s worth in added convenience and energy savings. But there’s also something else to consider: Making these kinds of smart home improvements can increase your home’s value and even help you sell your home should you decide to move out. That said, if you want to list your residence as a smart home, there are a few basic requirements you’ll have to meet.
Save effort and energy with smart thermostats
If you’re a homeowner who’s always on the go, you know how tough it can be trying to keep your energy usage and expenses in check. However, there is a way for you to take more control over your home energy consumption. From optimizing the temperature in your home to developing energy-saving schedules based on your usage patterns, the benefits of smart thermostats are sure to last well into the future.
Ready to start saving on your heating and cooling costs? Purchase a smart thermostat today!
