Are smart thermostats worth it? That is the question homeowners face about cooling and heating solutions. 

With extreme weather conditions surrounding many parts of the United States and people looking for home devices that provide comfortable indoor temperatures, you may be wondering if it’s time to switch out your regular thermostat for a smart device. 

In this article, we explore what they are and what they truly provide in terms of heating and cooling efficiency.

What Does a Smart Thermostat Do? How Does It Differ from a Regular Thermostat? 

A smart thermostat is a home automation device that connects your HVAC system to the internet. Unlike a regular thermostat, which requires you to set a temperature schedule, a smart thermostat automatically adjusts your home’s indoor temperature based on personal preferences.

It also has features that detect when you’re far from home and adjust your thermostat to an energy-saving mode. If you live in an area with frigid temperatures, you can enjoy the satisfaction of an automated device that keeps you and your family cozy without additional effort.

8 Benefits of a Smart Thermostat

Are smart thermostats worth it? Here are eight reasons why they are: 

1. Energy Savings

Does a smart thermostat save money? Yes, they can. For example, ENERGY STAR thermostats can help homeowners save an average of 8%–10% on heating and cooling bills. Smart thermostats are great if you’re concerned about costs because they automatically reduce heating and cooling based on your energy consumption patterns. 

Smart thermostats also have an automatic energy-saving feature, which turns on when no one is home. You’ll waste less energy, which means you’ll lower your monthly utility bills over time.

2. Multi-Device Compatibility

Smart thermostats are compatible with your smartphone, tablet, and laptop. As long as one of these devices is connected to the internet, you can adjust the temperature inside your home—even while away on vacation during the holiday season.

Plus, there are several mobile apps with straightforward features that make temperature modifications an easy task. 

3. Timely Notifications

Smart thermostats can send notifications about your HVAC system that require your attention. For example, you can receive reminders when:

• Air filters need to be changed.
• The unit is due for a maintenance service. 
• There’s a system failure.
• You’re using excessive energy. 

By remaining attentive to issues and timely services, you’ll be in a better position to extend the life of your HVAC unit and avoid costly repairs. 

4. Indoor Humidity Monitoring

A smart thermostat keeps track of the humidity levels and adjusts indoor temperatures accordingly. With a humidity-monitoring device, you get the benefit of:

• Ideal moisture levels
• Illness reduction
• Reduced risk of fire hazards caused by excessive dryness

Also, because of its humidity control features, you can prevent mold from accumulating inside your HVAC system and worsening indoor air quality. 

5. Pipe Protection in Freezing Conditions

Frozen pipes are one of the most common challenges of living in an area with frigid conditions. When temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, there’s an increased risk of frozen pipes. 

With the help of wireless temperature sensors, a smart thermostat will alert you when the temperature around your crawl space and basement drops excessively. After an alert comes through, you can take evasive action to keep pipes from freezing, such as wrapping them in heat tape. 

6. Energy Rebates

Energy efficiency is not the only way you can save money on smart thermostats. 

Depending on where you live, you might qualify for energy rebates by using a smart thermostat. This means earning back cash from your energy provider. These added savings can minimize energy expenditures in the long run.

Not sure if your smart thermostat qualifies for a rebate? Figure out if your smart device qualifies by checking your smart thermostat provider’s website to see if there are any rebates available. Additionally, you can also contact your energy provider and ask if there are any offers. 

7. Automated Temperature Schedules

A smart thermostat uses sophisticated features to create a personalized temperature schedule that is comfortable for you and your family. It identifies your preferences by picking up on your ideal temperature, then creates a customized indoor temperature suited for you and yours.

It also takes into account weather conditions when adjusting the temperature. This eliminates the manual effort of adjusting every time it gets too cold or too hot. 

8. Energy Consumption Tracker

Wouldn’t it be great if your thermostat tracked energy consumption so you can make modifications that save you money in the long run? Well, a smart thermostat does exactly that. With a smart thermostat, you can:

• View your energy usage
• See which HVAC settings were used
• Receive monthly reports about your energy consumption

Because you can monitor your energy consumption patterns, you can customize your preferences to accommodate any spikes in recent energy bills.

What Are the Downsides of Smart Thermostats?

Smart devices are convenient, but they’re not perfect. Here are a few drawbacks to remember: 

• Initial Cost: Smart thermostats tend to be more expensive than standard programmable thermostats, although they typically pay for themselves rather quickly. 
• Complicated Installation: Installing a smart thermostat can be a complicated procedure. You’ll have to take into account any special wiring involved in the installation process.
• Security Concerns: Because smart thermostats are connected to the internet, the possibility of home networking hacking is a consideration. 

Despite these concerns, smart thermostats are very reliable energy-saving devices. The savings in electricity exceed the device’s price, and manufacturers are constantly releasing updates to boost security.

Contact Fluent Home for a Smart Thermostat

Are smart thermostats worth it? Based on the innovative features listed, we think they are. If you’ve decided it’s time for an upgrade, Fluent Home wants to hear from you. 

Get a smart thermostat from us and witness both the power of automated features and customized temperature schedules.