A regular thermostat in your home provides the basic ability to adjust temperature settings, switch between heating and cooling and change the function of your fan. However, smart thermostats are growing in popularity thanks to increased features that can help boost the efficiency of your HVAC system and provide exceptional convenience.
Smart Thermostat Available Features
Upgrading to a smart thermostat has several benefits. For example, you can pair your smart thermostat with your phone or tablet, allowing you to remotely adjust and monitor your HVAC system from wherever you are.
Learning algorithms automatically customize indoor temperature settings based on your daily routine and efficiency. You can review energy usage reports to optimize efficiency and spot issues.
Some smart thermostats can pair with other smart home devices, such as Google Assistant, Siri or Alexa. You can control your HVAC system using just your voice. You can also use your smart thermostat to adjust things like smart lighting if applicable.
If your smart thermostat has geofencing capabilities, your temperature settings can be adjusted based on your location. This minimizes the amount of time your HVAC system will run while you’re away from home, while adjusting in anticipation of your arrival.
Your smart thermostat may have a built-in hygrometer, allowing you to monitor your home’s relative humidity. You can adjust your heating and cooling equipment or whole-home humidity-controlling equipment to maintain a relative humidity between 35% and 50%.
The Process of Upgrading
Before you purchase a smart thermostat, allow our team to inspect your HVAC system to determine if there are any compatibility concerns. Whether you have a standard split system, a heat pump, or a multi-stage system may determine what kind of thermostat you need.
We recommend hiring someone to install your new smart thermostat professionally to ensure safety and reliability. We will begin the process by turning off the power to your thermostat. This is done at the breaker panel and is necessary to avoid electrical hazards. We will remove the old thermostat and inspect the wires for any signs of damage or necessary upgrades. We will install your new thermostat and the new mounting plate, ensuring all wires are correctly connected and labeled.
Once we power your thermostat back on, we will connect to your Wi-Fi and set up the device. Most smart thermostats guide you through this process, allowing you to customize settings. If your new device allows, we can pair your smart thermostat with any other smart devices that you have in your home. You may be able to use your new thermostat to control things like whole-home humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air filtration equipment.
Potential Challenges When Upgrading
Most homes will benefit from a smart thermostat, but there may be challenges to consider. A smart thermostat’s initial cost is more than that of a traditional model. However, many energy providers and HVAC companies will offer rebates and incentives to offset costs.
Also, your current electrical setup may lack a C-wire, which is necessary for constant power to the unit. We can usually install adapters or make changes to your wiring setup to allow for installing a smart thermostat. Remember, your smart thermostat will rely on Wi-Fi to communicate with your smart device. If you don’t have reliable coverage, this could impact your ability to use your smart thermostat.
There is a slight learning curve when changing to a smart thermostat. It may take a few weeks for your unit to learn your heating and cooling habits and setting preferences. However, we walk you through the process of using your thermostat so you can make the most of its features without experiencing any confusion. We are available at all times to answer any questions you have after the installation is complete.
It’s wise to upgrade from a regular thermostat to a smart version. This will help ensure your home is comfortable, safe and convenient throughout the year in Bethany. We offer routine HVAC inspections and repairs to ensure comfort year-round. We can also help you upgrade your HVAC equipment.
If you would like assistance choosing a smart thermostat or need professional assistance with the installation process, reach out to our team at TS Heat & Air in Bethany today.
