Did you know that according to Energy Star, 42% of the average annual electric bill in the U.S. is dedicated just to heating and cooling? That’s a lot! As the seasons change and technology advances, homes have become smarter than ever. One of our favorite smart gadgets at KCS Heating & Air is a smart thermostat. In fact, all our staff has installed a smart thermostat at home as have many of our clients. Everyone agrees, the benefits are tremendous. We all recognize the ease it provides, as well as all the cost-savings. Pair that with the relative ease of installation and low cost of improvement, a smart thermostat is your smartest purchase this year.
Imagine leaving for a winter get-away and realizing that you left the heat on your normal toasty 72 degrees! Well, gone are the days of worrying that your next heating bill might skyrocket because you’re not home to manage the thermostat. A smart thermostat gives you the controls with the swipe of an app because they utilize your Wi-Fi connection to communicate with other devices which you control, like phones or tablets. Many models can also be controlled with your voice so you never have to leave the couch when you get a chill while watching [Buddy the Elf travel from the North Pole to NYC] your favorite Christmas movie. One of the latest features of smart thermostats is the use of geofencing. This technology utilizes your phone’s signal to tell the thermostat when you are away from your home – allowing it to automatically adjust while you are away. Smart thermostats can also control themselves by learning your habits and routines, as well as using motion and temperature sensors to make their own decisions, based on your likes. Now imagine returning from that frosty getaway to a lower electricity bill, while being able to warm up the house on your way home!
Considering the many different models on the market, it’s important to contact a professional like KCS Heating & Air to help determine which unit is right for your home. Just like temperature preferences, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the right device. At KCS will take into consideration whether you have the proper wiring and that the unit will work with your central system. Some units will not control humidifiers or other auxiliary units, so all of that must be considered. That being said, a smart thermostat is one of the easiest and affordable heating & cooling upgrades you can make this season!
Now, to the question you’ve been asking, “how much money will a smart thermostat save me?” Smart thermostats will lower your energy bill by conserving energy and giving you better control. Another benefit is smart thermostats keep track and let you view your energy usage in real-time – something older thermostats have never been able to do. All of the major smart thermostat companies have been collecting data from their customers, who report their energy bills are lowered by 10% – 15%! What a great return on investment, considering the low cost and easy comfort these devices also supply. We call that a win-win-win.
As you’ve read, there really is no downside to upgrading your thermostat to a smart thermostat. Although, a quick internet search will result in hundreds of different models, price ranges and features so it can be a daunting task to choose the right unit. Give KCS Heating & Air a call today so we can discuss your budget and help you choose the right smart thermostat for your home. We all agree, the smart thermostat is your home’s coolest – or warmest – gadget yet.