DIY Security Systems
Most homes still use non-programmable and traditional thermostats to control the heating system. However, nowadays, programmable thermostats are becoming more popular for homeowners. These home safety thermostats can be set to specific schedules, so they start heating your room at the right time and lower the temperatures when you are away or asleep. Do smart thermostats really save money? One reason why people suddenly switch to the smart ones is that it is supposed to be more energy-efficient. Is the hype really worth it?
How Does A Smart Thermostat Help You Save Money?
A smart thermostat isn’t a magical device that changes physics laws to use less energy. So, do smart thermostats really save money? The only way to save energy is to heat or cool less. It will help you save money by setting temperatures higher during cooling and lower during heating.
However, the smart thermostats actually decide when to do it, so you don’t really notice. It’s always on the watch when you leave and when you come home. It adjusts the temperature automatically, without the need for a controller or manual adjustments. It knows precisely when to lower down room temperature or when to boost it when it gets too cold.
A typical home in the US can decrease heating and cooling expenses for as much as 10% by turning the thermostat back to 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from the usual set point. Although this simple task can be done with just about any thermostat, it turns out that many people tend to forget it.
A current study found that almost 50% of households that own smart thermostats don’t set them up correctly. It might be because they tend to forget, they don’t know how, or don’t want to be hassled with it. Regardless of the reason, a smart thermostat doesn’t forget and always knows how to adjust your room temperature because that is precisely its purpose, and that is how it helps you save money.
How to Utilize Smart Thermostats
The question “do smart thermostats really save money?” is answered with a yes, only if consider the following options:
- Utilize a programmable thermostat
- Micro-manage your manual thermostat
Generally, the amount a household saves can differ quite a bit depending on the existing situation and thermostat habits.
If you already know how to effectively micro-manage your thermostats, then you won’t probably experience much savings with a new smart thermostat. Yet, that doesn’t mean a smart thermostat is totally useless. This device has other benefits to prove that it is still a worthwhile investment.
Other Benefits of a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are a convenient device in adjusting room temperatures; however, it’s worth considering the other benefits it can offer. People usually place different values on things like comfort and convenience. So, do smart thermostats really save money, it does considering the following:
- If you value comfort, then having a smart thermostat might be beneficial for you. Many people reported that their homes became much more comfortable when they started using a smart thermostat compared to the traditional one. Thanks to the self-adjusting function of this device, you won’t need to control your temperature to feel comfortable manually.
- Another essential aspect of the energy-saving smart thermostat is convenience. This device allows you to be more comfortable, save money on your energy bills, and while doing all of the work automatically. Sounds convenient, right? You no longer need to turn the thermostat down before you go to bed.
- For those living in the Midwest, having a smart thermostat will also help you control the ventilation fan and have it automatically turn on to circulate air during mild days. Find out more about Smart Thermostats.
Conclusion
The advantage of using a smart thermostat is its capacity to learn a household’s patterns and adjust heating and cooling accordingly. It significantly reduces the use of heating and cooling systems when nobody is home for significant periods.
To answer the question, do smart thermostats really save money? Our answer is yes, as long as you utilize it properly. However, if you are planning to buy a smart thermostat with the hope of paying for itself through lessened energy bills, you may be disappointed. On the other hand, if you consider the convenience and comfort it brings, then the added expense of a smart thermostat is still reasonable.