Jan 11, 2025 | Michael Jestadt

How do Smart Thermostats Save Energy?

Homeowners today are always looking for ways to save energy costs, especially when it comes to heating and cooling. This is because heating and cooling use up more than half of the energy in most homes in the U.S. Nowadays, smart homes are becoming more common, and one of the best smart devices for homes is the smart thermostat. In this article, we will explain how smart thermostats save energy and much more. Let’s get started!

What Is a Smart Thermostat?

Thermostats help regulate the temperature in your room. While coming into smart thermostats, they are an advanced version of traditional thermostats. They are programmed to adapt to the heating and cooling cycles and schedule them accordingly. Doing so will decrease energy consumption when the home is empty or the members are asleep.  They can be connected to the Internet to operate the HVAC from anywhere on any smart device. The apps will be user-friendly, and creating heating and cooling schedules that match your preferences is easy.

How Do Smart Thermostats Work?

Not every smart thermostat works the same. But each has a common trait: they are connected to the Internet. So, make sure that you have a reliable internet connection.

Smart thermostats control your HVAC system just like traditional thermostats. However, the difference is that a smart device does the control. A specific app is designed to make heating and cooling easier for users. By utilizing the app, the smart thermostat can be controlled from anywhere and ready in your living space before you arrive home. There are learning thermostats that have advanced features. They adapt to your schedule and habits and work accordingly. These learning thermostats are effective in saving you time and energy consumption.

Some smart thermostats use geofencing technology to sense when you’re getting close to home and adjust the temperature for your arrival. Others have motion sensors to detect persons and adjust the temperature accordingly. Some also provide detailed reports to track energy usage. Many models have voice control assistance, so you can control them.

Choosing a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are advanced devices, and they are available in various models to choose from, so it’s important to research before buying. Price needs to be considered. Budget models cost around $100, while premium models with advanced features can cost $300 or more. You should also check if the thermostat works well in your home setup. Before buying, make sure the model you choose is compatible with:

  • Your HVAC Equipment: This usually isn’t an issue, but if you have an older or outdated heating and cooling system, it’s better to check with the thermostat manufacturer or consult an HVAC expert to ensure it’s working.
  • Smartphone Type: Most smart thermostat apps are available in Apple and Android forms. However, it is advisable to check for them before making a purchase.
  • Your Speaker System: If you want to control the thermostat with your voice, make sure it can connect to your speaker model.

A smart thermostat is a great upgrade for reducing energy consumption. It can save most of the energy that homeowners are concerned about.

Benefits of Smart Thermostats

Energy Savings

Smart thermostats are essential for energy conservation in buildings by optimizing heating and cooling cycles according to occupancy patterns. They accomplish this through automated adjustments that reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Cost Savings

Smart thermostats automatically adjust temperatures based on user preferences and occupancy patterns. These adjustments are essential for optimal comfort and minimizing energy waste. By automating these changes, smart thermostats provide a convenient solution for energy management in buildings.

How Smart Thermostats Can Save Energy?

Energy saving can be challenging during extreme temperatures. However, smart thermostats can make it possible. Below, we have explained how smart thermostats can optimize HVAC devices to save energy.

1. Temperature Regulations

Smart thermostats use advanced technology to adjust temperatures and save energy. They analyze the weather forecasts and indoor temperatures to make changes. Heating and cooling systems work best within certain temperatures. Still, the system can become less efficient and waste energy if the temperature goes too high or too low. Smart thermostats help avoid this by adjusting the temperature in advance during extreme heat or cold, keeping the system running smoothly without wasting energy.

2. Seasonal Adjustments

A great feature of smart thermostats is that they can automatically adjust settings according to the seasons. They account for changes in weather throughout the year, helping to save energy while keeping your home comfortable. Smart thermostats play a major role in reducing overall energy use by making these adjustments.

3. Maintenance Alerts

Smart thermostats also alert you at the time of maintenance. If there is any malfunction in the device, an immediate alert will pop up in the app. It also alerts you of the time of service and filter changes for better unit functioning. One can improve the HVAC’s life by immediately addressing these maintenance alerts.

4. Personalized Settings

Smart thermostats let you customize settings for the best comfort and energy efficiency. You can adjust the temperature, schedule, and preferences according to your needs to create a cozy environment. By personalizing these settings, you can save energy while staying comfortable. Additionally, you can set different temperatures based on the distance and time you reach home, helping you save even more energy without losing comfort.

5. Geofencing Technology

Geofencing technology is an advanced feature of smart thermostats. It adjusts the temperature based on the user’s location. The thermostat will adjust the temperature until the user returns home. If it detects any members, it automatically runs the system to ensure a comfortable environment. This automatic feature makes life easier and helps save energy by preventing unnecessary heating or cooling when no one is home.

6. Adaptive Cycles

Smart thermostats learn from your habits over time and adjust accordingly. They track when you’re home and your preferred temperatures to create heating and cooling schedules. This helps save energy while keeping your home comfortable all day and week.

7. Centralized Control

Smart thermostats let you control the temperature in different rooms from one interface. This makes it easier to manage energy use if you have a large home. With this feature, you can maintain comfort and also avoid heating or cooling, saving energy and money.

8. Integration with Smart Devices

Smart thermostats can work with other smart home devices, such as smart lights, energy-saving appliances, and home security systems. This creates a more complete way to save energy and manage your home efficiently.

Conclusion

Investing in a smart thermostat is a great choice to make your home more energy-efficient. These devices help save money and also benefit the environment. By utilizing smart thermostats, homeowners can enjoy more comfort while reducing energy costs, making them a smart and sustainable choice for modern living. Enhance your comfort and save energy with us. At Smart Heating and Air Conditioning, our HVAC experts will guide you in choosing the best for your home and ensure proper smart thermostat installation. Contact us for a free quote.

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