How a Thermostat Upgrade Can Help a Home Be More “Green” - and Help Save Some Green!
Most homeowners don’t think of the thermostat as having a significant impact on their home’s energy usage. But in truth, that one little device plays a significant role in the overall efficiency of the home’s heating and cooling system. In turn, how a thermostat is calibrated is a key factor in a home’s monthly electric bill.
There are several types of thermostats used in homes today, from old-school analog models to programmable digital versions to cutting-edge smart thermostats. The newest models are designed to help the HVAC system run as efficiently as possible and eliminate energy waste. For those looking to go green - not to mention keep the green in their wallet - upgrading the thermostat is one of the best ways to do it.
Comparing Digital and Smart Thermostats
Homeowners who still use a manual or analog thermostat may be shocked to find out how much energy they’re throwing away each month. Making the switch to a digital or smart thermostat can potentially save them 15-20% on their utility bills. So which to choose?
Digital thermostats are fairly inexpensive and can be programmed to maintain predetermined temperatures on certain days and during certain times of the day - meaning the temperature doesn’t have to be manually adjusted. However, they aren’t always user-friendly - programming them can be very frustrating.
Smart thermostats can be a little pricey, but they take efficiency and customization to the next level, helping offset the initial investment with monthly savings. Unlike digital thermostats, they can automatically switch between heating and cooling modes and can even be controlled remotely. They are also generally easier to use and program.
What Makes a Smart Thermostat Work?
Smart thermostats are so named partly because they connect to wi-fi and can be controlled via a smartphone, computer, tablet, or in some cases, voice command. The name also alludes to the fact that, once programmed, they begin to “learn” the household usage patterns and preferences and make adjustments accordingly. This means that homeowners can effectively “set it and forget it” without worrying about wasting energy.
Some thermostats even use smartphone proximity to determine if the homeowners are on their way back home, so it can start warming up or cooling down the house for their return. Some thermostats in homes with zone heating use humidity sensors to measure which rooms are occupied and distribute air accordingly.
Eco-Friendly Features of Smart Thermostats
On top of providing optimal comfort, most smart thermostats also do what they can to save energy. Many track seasonal changes and upcoming weather events and make appropriate adjustments. Most also provide notifications when it’s approaching time to change the air filters or schedule maintenance. They also compile reports and analyses on energy use and recommend ways to improve efficiency. All in all, these advanced thermostats make it virtually effortless to go green and save money.
About LenAire, Inc.
The locally-owned LenAire, Inc. has been providing expert HVAC services to Bossier City, LA for over 30 years. With their convenient scheduling and punctual, friendly technicians, LenAire gets each customer back to their routine quickly and without any hassle. They offer financing, rewarding membership plans, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. Call now for expert HVAC services!
