Winter is officially here, and while it has remained fairly warm in our area, it’s only a matter of time before we’re all bundled up and relying heavily on our heating systems! Before it gets too chilly outside, now is the perfect time to evaluate your heating system and the equipment you use to operate it efficiently.

We’re all about creating an energy efficient and safe home that will not only keep you comfortable all year round but also reduce your heating and cooling costs and quite possibly save you from a large repair bill. A great way to accomplish this is by taking steps to have a “connected home.”

It’s no secret that “smart home” technologies, such as the Amazon Echo, Apple HomeKit and Samsung’s SmartThings, are becoming increasingly popular. These systems can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and process voice commands, keep track of schedules and appointments, provide you with the news, and more! All you have to do is download the corresponding app for your smart device and get started!

One of the most innovative ways that these smart systems are being implemented into your home is by having them work in conjunction with a Wi-Fi “Smart” thermostat. Wi-Fi thermostats have become a staple in many homes and it’s easy to understand why! A Wi-Fi thermostat is easy and convenient to use, and can be connected to your smart device in order to make adjustments to the temperature of your home with a simple voice command! Not only will you be able to adjust your thermostat without lifting a finger while you’re inside your home, but wireless thermostats also allow you to have remote control over your home’s heating system. As long as you have access to your mobile device, tablet or computer, you’ll be able to adjust the temperature of your home from anywhere in the world. They will also send you a notification in the event the heating or cooling system fails. This can be especially important in vacation homes that are unoccupied and often not visited for weeks or months at a time.

We also have Wi-Fi based water leak and freeze detectors. They can work independently from all other systems and can protect your home from a water leak or heating system failure before it becomes a major disaster. Most of the “disaster” type jobs we have been involved with are due to water leaks that go undetected for days and sometimes, even weeks. These water leaks can be detected instantly and the “Smart” sensor will send you notification of the water leak or heating system failure so it can be dealt with ASAP!

Having a programmable thermostat is a great start, but with the winter holidays come busy and changing schedules, and you may find that your programmable thermostat alone isn’t intuitive enough to bring you the best in energy efficiency on its own. Beyond the convenience and reliability of being able to adjust your thermostat with ease from anywhere, a “Smart” thermostat will also help to save you money each month. By being in complete control of the temperature of your home, you can expect to see savings from $300 to $400 per year!

A connected home will keep you comfortable and help to save you on energy costs this winter. To learn more about wireless thermostats or “Smart” water leak and freeze sensors, give us a call today at (252) 591-5438.