All About Smart Thermostats – What They Do, Why They’re Useful

Air conditioners and HVAC systems have changed considerably over the last 10+ years. Not only are the systems themselves more powerful and more efficient than ever before, but the technology used to power them has improved as well.

Many homeowners now use what are known as “Smart Thermostats” to manage their HVAC units and power the AC at their properties. Smart thermostats are not only useful – they are arguably a necessity in Sacramento’s harsh weather.

What Are Smart Thermostats?

Smart Thermostats are electronic thermostats that can adjust temperatures and turn on/off HVAC systems automatically and/or in ways that are powered by your Smartphone. With a smart thermostat, you can perform functions such as:

• Program it to turn on automatically when the temperature reaches a specific degree.
• Program it to stay off when you’re away and turn back on when you’re coming home.
• Program it to reduce how frequently or quickly it turns an AC on or office.

Smart thermostats can be connected to smart home systems, which can help you program them further. For example, you can have your smart thermostat turn itself on “low power mode” or “off” automatically if it has not sensed movement in the home for over 2 hours, or if it senses that you’ve left the property.

Different smart thermostats have different features. Some can actually learn your preferences and habits. Some can be controlled via an app. Some can be integrated with other parts of your property.  But one thing that they all have in common is that they provide you with far more control over your temperature settings, and automate many of the functions that you would otherwise have to do manually.

Why Are Smart Thermostats Important?

Most homeowners should consider installing a smart thermostat, no matter how old your HVAC system is or how often you are home. Here in the Sacramento and Roseville region, where temperatures frequently hit well over 100 degrees, a smart thermostat is often critical.

These thermostats are beneficial for any homeowner. But in places like Sacramento – and especially anywhere with very expensive energy (El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Rocklin, and beyond), smart thermostats are a necessity. That is because they offer benefits that include:

• Reduces Energy Use – By programming you thermostat to manage your energy use, you are better able to control not only the temperature of your home, but also how much energy it uses. For example, you can set the AC temperature to 80 when you’re away, but 72 when you’re home. Every time you leave, your AC can turn off, saving you energy and money. Used correctly, a smart thermostat can pay for itself within one or two months on a hot summer day.
• Greater Control – It is difficult, and often easy to forget, to change up the thermostat depending on where you are and what you’re doing. Smart thermostats allow you to alter it with ease from anywhere with internet access, Wifi, or 4G/5G, so if you forget to turn off your AC while away, you can do it with a few clicks.
• Much Better Comfort – Imagine turning off your AC while you’re on vacation, and coming home during the height on the summer heat. With older thermostats, your home would feel like an oven and possibly take 3+ hours to cool. But with smart thermostats, you can tell it to start cooling the home 2 hours before your arrival, so that you can come back to a cool and comfortable house.

Smart thermostats also make it easier to get an exact temperature, can be programmed to turn off and on while you’re asleep, can provide warnings if your property is too hot or too cold (depending on the system), and more. These are only a few of the many benefits of using a smart thermostat on your property, minimizing energy waste and saving you money.

Every Homeowner Should Consider a Smart Thermostat

Most products you purchase have a downside. But there doesn’t appear to be much downside switching from an existing thermostat to a smart thermostat. It does require the cost to purchase the thermostat, but if you use it correctly, you can pay back the cost of that thermostat in one summer. If you don’t yet have one, make sure you ask your AC repair company for one.