On average, around 50 percent of your monthly utility payment goes to heating and cooling. When half of your budget is going to just heating and cooling, something has to give. You can’t keep spending that amount of money. It’s time to reduce your monthly energy costs by installing a new thermostat. A smart thermostat can save you money each month by controlling the heat and cooling output of your HVAC system.

Saving on Energy Costs

A relatively new study performed by Nest, a company known for its smart thermostat designs, concluded that many homeowners save up to 12 percent on their heating costs and 15 percent on air conditioning costs with a new thermostat.

The amount you personally save will vary depending on your existing circumstances and thermostat habits. Consider the following:

  • Placement – To ensure the proper balance of temperature within your home, your new thermostat must be installed in a central location. A thermostat in an improper spot, such as in the garage or in a sun-filled room, can result in misleading temperatures and activity. In the kitchen, the thermostat will pick up the heat from the stovetop. Your HVAC will shut down. Try to place it in a hallway near the center of the home.
  • System Type – When it comes to modern thermostats, you have two options: programmable or manual. A programmable thermostat allows for increased personalization. You can set specific days and sleeping hours without the need for manual adjustment. A manual system must be adjusted as the temperature drops or increases with the weather or other factors, such as cooking or sunlight.
  • Remote Connectivity – Most smart thermostat systems can connect remotely via a mobile device, such as your smartphone or tablet. You can then control and adjust the thermostat from anywhere, even at the office during the week. This cut costs by lowering the temperature during the day while no one is home.

Installing a Smart Thermostat

In some cases, you may have trouble locating a smart thermostat that is compatible with your system. If you have an electric baseboard heating or electric floor heating, you’ll have your work cut out for you. Most popular thermostats do not use high-voltage systems. You’ll need a special line voltage smart thermostat instead.

In this case, hire an HVAC technician. A certified professional can guide you through the process and ensure you find the right thermostat for your needs.

For expert thermostat and heating services, contact Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®. You can reach us daily by calling (763) 284-8639. We’ll ensure you enjoy monthly savings from a new thermostat this year!