Anyone comparing smart thermostats to traditional models will wonder whether the smart technology hype delivers a better experience. The quick answer is that smart thermostats beat traditional ones in virtually every way. Here is a look at how smart thermostats are winning against the older models and why.
Reduced Costs
The high level of programmability that comes with a smart thermostat allows you to achieve impressive efficiency gains. A typical American household can expect savings of 10 to 15 percent on its utility bills by using a smart thermostat properly. Modern smart thermostats allow you to set the system to run less when you’re not around. Likewise, they can optimize heating and cooling cycles to minimize waste.
HVAC systems connected to smart thermostats tend to recover from the bottom of a cycle quickly. This means the system starts warming or cooling the air before it gets too far from the target temperature. Consequently, the HVAC system spends less time heating cold air or cooling hot air. That also means less strain, leading to a longer lifespan and fewer heater and AC repairs.
Robust Sensors
While the sensor packages among smart thermostats vary considerably, you can find models with humidistats and occupancy sensors. A humidistat detects how moist the air is and uses the HVAC to keep things in a tight range between 30 and 60 percent humidity. This allows the system to avoid wasting extra energy heating or cooling moist air.
The thermostat component in a smart system also tends to be more precise. While regular thermostats often detect temperatures that are three to four degrees off true, a smart thermostat usually reads the true temperature within less than a degree. Getting the temperature right means the HVAC cycle will run closer to when air conditioning or heating is needed.
Price
Smart thermostats usually aren’t particularly expensive. Many models cost a few hundred dollars. While this is slightly higher than a manual solution’s price, it doesn’t prohibit average homeowners from investing in a smart thermostat. For most smart models, the payback period for your investment is between 6 and 18 months. After that point, you’ve saved so much money through improved efficiency that the smart thermostat has paid for itself.
We simply don’t recommend traditional thermostats to any of our customers. The relative cost isn’t sufficient to justify foregoing the efficiency of even a more cost-effective smart thermostat.
Also, many utilities offer rebates or reduced rates for adding a smart thermostat. You may also want to see if your preferred model comes with a manufacturer rebate, too. Also, some models may be eligible for local, state, or federal tax credits. This can significantly shorten the payback period.
Convenience
Smart thermostats are convenient to the point that you’ll never want to see a manual variant again. Wireless connectivity and app support make integrating your new thermostat with an app on your smartphone very easy. Also, many smart thermostats integrate well with voice and home assistants, security systems, and home theaters. You can even find models that are compatible with the assistant in many newer cars.
Lots of smart thermostats have monitoring features, too. They track system cycles, giving you a heads-up on when it’s time for heating or AC tune-ups. Even if you just need to replace a filter, this kind of reminder is very useful. Not only does it solve an indoor air quality problem, but it extends your system’s lifespan by making sure the HVAC system can run cleanly and without straining components.
Comfort
A smart thermostat offers all-around steadier operation. This means better comfort in your home. For example, a smart thermostat will anticipate a temperature drop on a cold day and cycle the heater sooner. This reduces draftiness in your house, making it generally more comfortable.
Notably, many smart thermostats integrate with HVAC zoning systems. The right system of fans, dampers, and blower motors can connect to the smart thermostat to create a highly manageable HVAC zone. For example, you might configure your upstairs to get more cooling in the summer to make up for the fact that heat rises.
SoBellas Home Services has served El Paso, TX, since 2008. We work on numerous types of heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps, swamp coolers, and ductless air conditioners. Our company is state-licensed and a BBB with an A+ rating, too.
If you’re curious how a smart thermostat could improve life in your El Paso home, contact SoBellas Home Services today.
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