Call Us TodayBenefits of an Automated Thermostat
The first smart thermostat hit the market in 2007. It was deemed “smart” because the device had the ability to connect to Wi-Fi. Since then, other smart thermostats have hit the market, too. Many of them have achieved success thanks to the backing and research from large tech companies in Silicon Valley. The industry was not sure if the smart device would catch on. There is definitely a segment of the market that adopts all-new technology early. Then, there are those who wait. In O’Fallon, MO, some of your neighbors have adopted the technology for the benefits it offers. If you are interested in one, too, our team at Hoff Heating & AC can offer you more information about automated thermostats. If you are on the fence, here are some benefits this technology delivers.
1. A Smart Thermostat is An Automated Thermostat
Technology has entered every facet of the standard American’s life. It has done this through software and machine learning. A smart thermostat has the ability to connect to Wi-Fi. This allows it to be programmed by the user. Simply download the corresponding app on your smartphone or tablet. Then, input your preferences. Once you have input your preferred settings, the thermostat is going to take care of the rest. The software will turn it on and off as well as raise and lower the temperature. It will do this day in and out according to the preferences you have given within the app. You can easily change these settings if you so desire. It really is quite simple.
In Silicon Valley, the goal of automation is to significantly reduce and eliminate redundant tasks. When you program the thermostat, it runs automatically. This means that you no longer have to change the settings yourself, which is one benefit that an automated thermostat delivers.
2. Smart Thermostats Eliminate Human Error
A smart thermostat averages a temperature error rate of only half a degree. A manual thermostat can be off by as many as five degrees. So, a smart thermostat is already delivering savings on your energy costs. When you automate it, you can be confident that the degree on the dial is the temperature being produced. Additionally, automation eliminates human error. During the peak summer season, energy providers change their rates throughout the day. They are trying to discourage demand during peak hours. If you know the rates throughout the day, you can set the thermostat on a higher setting when energy is more expensive and a lower setting when the rates drop. Since the thermostat’s setting are automated, you do not have to spend your time watching the clock and changing the temperature. It is all done for you. If you ever forget, it will not be a big deal because the smart thermostat handles it for you through automation, which is a nice benefit.
The fact that you no longer have to worry about forgetting to turn off the device is probably one of the most attractive features. If you need to run out of your home in a hurry, it is OK. When you are in a safe place, you can turn it off from your smartphone. If you are going to go on vacation, you can program the settings to switch over to vacation mode. Vacation mode will not interfere with your current settings. It simply turns them off while you are gone. Then, when you return, simply turn off vacation mode.
3. Analyze Your Energy Use
When you set up your preferences, you are not expected to get it right the first time. You can actually modify the settings as often as you would like. Once you believe that you have found a good rhythm, you will be able to analyze your energy use. Depending on the device that you purchase, you may have the ability to compare your use against others. The report can be compiled on a monthly basis. Since the smart thermostat technology continues to evolve, you may be able to dig into your data and find additional info that gives you the opportunity to save and manage your energy use.
4. Receive Important Alerts
Another attractive feature an automated thermostat offers are alerts. If you want to be notified when you leave your home and left the thermostat on, you can set it up. The smart thermostat can also send you alerts when something is not working as expected. Vehicles have started going in this direction, too. The newest technology takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting an electronic system that is malfunctioning. Since the smart thermostat is connected to your Wi-Fi, it senses that the signal has been dropped, you will receive an alert. If the thermostat requires a software update, you are notified that it needs to be downloaded. Just as importantly, if any of the device’s components require maintenance, you are notified through an alert.
5. A Valuable Second Pair of Eyes
Those who own more than one property benefit from installing an automated thermostat because the device operates as a second pair of eyes. This is a nice feature for those who cannot visit the second property on a regular basis. It helps you ensure that it is being maintained temperature-wise, and if something is off, you will receive an alert.
6. Simpler Way to Energy Savings
When you put together the features and benefits of an automated thermostat, the result is an increase in energy savings. The fact that a smart thermostat is more precise and that it will switch temperatures based on your settings, you are more likely to see reduced energy costs because the process is optimized. Changing the thermostat to take advantage of the lower rates no longer rests on your shoulders. It is automatic.
7. Lengthen Your Cooling System’s Lifespan
A new cooling system is an investment. If you are not ready to make the leap, an automated thermostat can lengthen the life of your current HVAC unit. Since the cooling process is going to be automated, it is also optimized. The automated thermostat leads to less wear and tear on your unit because the transitions are smoother. So, if your unit still has another couple of years left in it, this is how you help it reach that point. Then, when you invest in a new cooling system, you are increasing its energy efficiency and its lifespan right from the beginning.
8.Create Multiple Climate Zones Within Your Home
Several decades ago, the best way to cool one’s home was through ductwork. Homes were built differently back then, and the technology that was available at that time was limited. Today, engineers have had time to continue evolving the cooling system. It 2007, the smart thermostat was a breakthrough. Now that there is a larger strain on electricity due to a larger population, the industry has had to make adjustments. To cope with demand, energy efficiency standards and customer habits, zoning has become more popular. If you have a decent size home, you do not always want to cool off the entire space. An automated thermostat gives you the opportunity to cool zones instead of the whole thing.
To receive more information about automating your thermostat, give us a call at Hoff Heating & AC to schedule an appointment in O’Fallon. We also offer maintenance, repair, and installation services for furnace and cooling systems. We also can provide geothermal products and services, Mini-split systems, and even indoor air quality assessments and trusted solutions. We can inform you of all the ways we can be helpful with your indoor home climate comfort needs.
