How Upgrading the Thermostat Can Make for a Greener Home - and More Green in the Bank!
As homeowners look for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly, many don’t consider that their thermostat might be much of a factor. The truth is, homeowners with older manual thermostats may be throwing away loads of energy - and money - on heating and cooling every month.
New digital and smart thermostats are helping homeowners everywhere optimize their energy usage and save on utility costs. Some households have reported saving as much as 20% on electricity with the use of a smart thermostat. Keep reading to discover how to go green with a new thermostat this St. Patrick’s Day.
Digital Versus Smart Thermostats - What’s the Difference?
Digital thermostats changed the game by offering more precise temperature control than manual thermostats and allowing homeowners to create a custom program to fit their schedule. The ability to set different temperatures according to the time of day or the day of the week is a major factor in the pursuit to save energy. But even the best digital thermostats are no match for smart thermostats when it comes to efficiency and convenience.
Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via smartphone and can automatically alternate between heating and cooling modes - two huge advantages over digital thermostats. They also generally feature an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, while digital models can be notoriously confusing and difficult to program.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Work?
Smart thermostats work by tracking or “learning” a family’s schedule and patterns. They can, of course, be easily programmed, but they will continue to adapt and make adjustments based on usage habits, user preferences, and even the weather forecast and season. Some feature special sensors that measure humidity and temperature fluctuations to determine occupancy levels - even on a room-by-room basis.
Many smart thermostats have special features like GPS to start heating or cooling the home when the homeowners are getting close. This ensures that the house is already nice and comfy by the time they return. Some can be controlled by voice command and issue phone notifications for weather alerts and power outages. In short, they use every trick in the book (and a few new ones) to provide maximum comfort with minimal effort.
Eco-Friendly Features in New Thermostats
Aside from providing superior functionality and accessibility, smart thermostats are specifically geared toward saving money and reducing waste. Their ability to learn patterns and be controlled from anywhere makes them highly efficient - they won’t mindlessly run the AC or heater according to a fixed schedule when no one’s home to feel it. This alone can save homeowners 10% or more on their utility bills.
Many smart thermostats set automatic reminders for filter replacement and routine maintenance to keep the unit working at peak efficiency year-round. Some create detailed weekly and monthly reports on energy usage and provide tips and recommendations for reducing consumption. For homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money while simultaneously maximizing their comfort, investing in a smart thermostat is the way to go.
About Twin Belle Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment
With more than 20 years of experience in the home service industry, Twin Belle Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment is the name to trust for thermostat services in Westchester, NY. Their expert technicians have been keeping Westchester residents comfortable since 1999 with fast response times, clean work, and reliable solutions. Call Twin Belle Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment for service in Westchester today!
