With new technology popping up every day, it can be hard to keep up with what new smart home appliances are out there, and which ones are actually worth your money. When it comes to choosing a thermostat, going smart is a great way to save energy and money over time. According to Energy Star, switching to a smart thermostat will save you an average of $100 a year on your household energy bill.
Just like a programmable thermostat, smart thermostats save you money by automatically adjusting your energy use based on your daily schedule. But smart thermostats have the added bonus of convenience. With the use of WiFi, your smart thermostat connects to your smart phone, laptop or tablet, which allows you to manage your home’s heating and cooling from nearly anywhere, at any time. Your smart thermostat will even track your heating and cooling preferences over time and recommend you the most efficient energy settings, factoring in local weather and if you are home or away based on your smart phone location.
Picking a thermostat may seem like a minor decision, but this small appliance is something you use every day and has a major impact on the comfort of your home. No two houses are exactly the same, so you will need to compare multiple smart thermostats to find the one that is perfect for your energy habits, personal preferences and home style. Here are a few questions to consider when you begin thermostat shopping:
1. Are looks important to you?
Although packaging has no effect on thermostat performance, it is still important to some homeowners. If you are a techie, you may want a sleek thermostat with a touch screen to add to your smart house décor. If your only concern is performance-based, a device with plastic casing will work just as well
2. Are you obsessed with saving energy?
If energy saving or data analysis is your thing, consider a thermostat with advanced data tracking and reporting. All smart thermostats will save you money compared to older thermostats, but some smart thermostats are smarter than others. Consider thermostats with data features that you think you will use and understand. Energy Star qualified thermostats are a great place to start!
3. Is the thermostat compatible with your HVAC system?
First, find out if your home has a furnace or heat pump heating system. Most thermostats will work with either, but it is important to know which system you have when you start shopping so you can double-check package labels. At Viviano, we can help determine the best thermostat for your HVAC system.
Second, decide if your thermostat hook-up includes C-wire, also known as common wire. C-wire ensures constant power to connect your smart thermostat to WiFi. An estimated 40 percent of homes already have C-wire installed, but if you live in the 60 percent of homes without it you will need to have it installed.
When you are ready to shop for a thermostat, consider Viviano Heating & Air Conditioning. We have nearly 30 years in the business, serving most of the Metro-East communities. Our trained technicians are available to help during the decision and installation process, including installing or checking for C-wire. As a Trane authorized dealer, we offer many different thermostats, including multiple smart thermostats. Visit our website http://www.vivianoair.com/products/thermostats-controls for a completed listing, or call (618) 345-7498 for personalized assistance.
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