If you’re making home improvements this summer, adding a smart thermostat may be worth considering. A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-connected device that automatically manages your home's heating and cooling system and can be controlled through a mobile app. As temperatures rise and air conditioners work harder, a smart thermostat can help you manage your home’s cooling schedule, improve comfort, and reduce energy use. In colder months, maintaining consistent indoor temperatures can also help reduce the risk of frozen pipes and costly water damage.
If you are a homeowner who travels frequently, are looking to reduce energy costs, or are the owner of a seasonal or vacation property, you may find a smart thermostat especially useful. While smart thermostats may not be right for every home, many models offer convenient features and potential energy savings.
Tips for buying a smart thermostat
To start, all you need in your home is a Wi-Fi network. When it’s time to buy a smart thermostat, here are some things to consider:
- Your budget
- HVAC system compatibility
- Wires needed for the connection
- The features important to you
Smart thermostat benefits
Affordable options are available.
If you’re ready to replace your old thermostat, there are many reasonably priced options available. Determining which features are most important for your home can help you find the right fit.
You can adjust settings from your mobile device.
Like many other smart household devices, smart thermostats can be managed through an app. This allows you to adjust your home’s temperature whether you’re relaxing at home, running errands, or away on vacation.
They’re easy to use.
Smart thermostats are designed to be simple to manage. Apps paired with your thermostat make it easy to set a cooling or heating schedule or make quick adjustments while you’re on the go. Many models also use large numbers and simple screen displays, making temperature settings easier to see and adjust.
They can learn your household’s habits.
Some thermostats include sensors that gather helpful information, such as when a room is occupied or when your family is active. By using this information, your thermostat can help your heating and cooling system run more efficiently while keeping your home comfortable.
They provide helpful energy insights.
Some smart thermostats provide energy insights that can help you better understand your home's heating and cooling patterns. Information may include:
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Potential issues with your HVAC system
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Energy usage
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Heating and cooling patterns
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How much energy you saved
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Reasons why you saved energy
They can help protect unoccupied homes.
Smart thermostats allow you to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely, making them especially useful for vacation homes and extended travel. Maintaining consistent indoor temperatures also helps reduce the risk of frozen pipes during colder weather.
Installation tips
Smart thermostats can be added to many HVAC systems. If you’re experienced with home improvement projects, installation may be manageable. If you’re not comfortable working with wiring or your HVAC system, consider calling an electrician or HVAC professional for assistance. Here are a few tips that may help with installation:
Read the directions.
Before installation, read the manufacturer’s directions carefully. This can help the process go more smoothly and support safe installation.
Gather the necessary tools.
Review the instructions to understand which tools are required, then gather them before you begin.
Turn off your HVAC system.
You can turn off your system using the switch on the side of the unit or the breaker in your circuit box.
Take a picture of the wiring.
Before disconnecting your existing thermostat, take a picture of the wiring. This can serve as a guide when setting up the new thermostat. If something goes wrong during installation, your old thermostat may also serve as a backup.
A smart thermostat can be a simple upgrade that helps your home stay comfortable during the summer while giving you more control over energy use. By choosing a model that fits your home and following installation instructions carefully, or working with a professional when needed, you can make the most of its convenience, efficiency, and potential cost-saving benefits.
