Are you planning to upgrade your heating system to a more energy-efficient solution? Replacing your old heater is not enough! You should also consider installing a smart thermostat in your home.

Today’s smart thermostats are more than just control panels for heating. These smart home devices are equipped with technology like Wi-Fi and motion sensors, and they offer benefits like consumption tracking and heating optimization to users. On top of that, smart thermostats are app-enabled, which means that you can adjust them from any remote location as long as your smartphone is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.

While smart thermostats offer convenience and the possibility of saving money, one might ask if they are really worth it? To help you find the answer, we will be throwing light upon the various aspects of having a smart thermostat at home.

Will a Smart Thermostat Save You Money?

Smart thermostats can sense your presence at home and increase the temperature automatically. Likewise, it decreases the temperature when you are away. These modern features accompanied by innovative designs add to the aesthetic appeal of your home. Here are some other reasons why you may want to install a smart thermostat.

  • Convenience
    Smart thermostats come with movement detectors that tell them when you are home and need heating. Over time, these devices learn your heating patterns and adjust their settings accordingly. In addition to that, smart thermostats also let you view your usage history and track your heating behaviors to see how often your heating system is running.
  • Remote Access
    A smart thermostat allows you to change its settings from anywhere across the world. This adds a greater level of convenience as you can turn the heater on while you are returning from a vacation and come back to a home that’s warm and comfortable. Smart thermostats are automated and do not require constant monitoring.
  • Cost Consideration
    One of the biggest reasons why homeowners go for smart thermostats is energy cost savings. If you have a smart thermostat, you can schedule your heater to run less on the days when you are not home, reducing energy use and lowering utility bills.

While all this sounds great, there are a few cons of buying a smart thermostat. These thermostats cost more than standard thermostats (around $200 more). Besides, some units also need to be installed professionally. For some people, the software can be tricky to learn, sometimes leading to ineffective use of the device.

Is a Smart Thermostat Better Than a Manually Programmable Thermostat?

A smart thermostat has all the features of a programmable thermostat with an added perk — it can be controlled remotely with the help of a smart device. It helps you control the temperature settings throughout the day as well as provide energy reports and regular run times. With smart thermostats, you can effectively use energy, which will help you save as much as 8% energy costs per year.

Since smart thermostats require a C-wire to power the unit, it is advised to hire a qualified electrician to install a thermostat. An experienced professional will not only help you select the right model for your home but will also educate you on its use.

If you need help with the selection and installation of a smart thermostat for your home, get in touch with our experts at Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®. Call at (763) 284-8639 today.