As smart technology continues to grow in popularity, there are many exciting options. Integrating a smart thermostat into your HVAC system can be highly beneficial. Below, we'll discuss these and explain how they can help you better control your home's energy usage.

What Is a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat is simply a thermostat that has wireless capabilities. These devices can easily connect to your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device via a usable app that will allow you to control the settings on your thermostat. You can even monitor your energy usage to become better informed. All smart thermostats come with programmable technology so that you can program in different temperature settings based on the time of the day and the day of the week.

Machine Learning

Some newer smart thermostats come integrated with machine learning technology alongside predetermined algorithms and sensors. These sensors can be designed to detect all sorts of measurements like humidity, temperature, and even household occupancy.

With machine learning technology, a smart thermostat will learn your usual habits and adjust your thermostat accordingly. For example, if you start turning down the temp around 8 p.m. each night, a smart thermostat will notice this trend and automatically change the temperature for you.

Voice Command Controls

It's also important to note that smart thermostats can be integrated with existing smart home technology. When you use platforms like Google Assist, Siri, or even Amazon Alexa, you can easily control your thermostat settings with your voice. This adds an extra layer of convenience to your thermostat usage.

Programming and Learning

Probably the most obvious way that smart thermostats are revolutionizing home energy management is through programming and machine learning. By being able to program in your desired temperature settings, you can set a schedule that drastically reduces your energy consumption.

For example, if you leave for work at 8 a.m. every day and don't come home until 6 in the evening, you can program your thermostat to turn down the temperature in the wintertime when you're at work so that your heating system doesn't waste energy constantly running to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Then, you can have your system turn back on before you arrive home to bring your house back up to temperature. If you invest in a smart thermostat with machine learning technology, it can make any adjustments for you and even make suggestions on how to better optimize your HVAC system's energy usage.

Geofencing and Occupancy Sensors

Another great way that smart thermostats are giving you more control over your home's energy usage is through geofencing and occupancy sensors. This technology pairs with your smartphone to detect when you leave and come home. Your smart thermostat will automatically adjust your system's settings based on your location.

For example, if your phone leaves the property, it will turn your heating system down to a lower temperature to drastically reduce its runtime. Then, when it detects that you're getting close to home, it will turn your heating system back up to ensure your home is at a comfortable temperature when you arrive.

Maintenance and Problem Alerts

There's no doubt that one of the best ways to ensure that your HVAC system is operating efficiently is to perform regular maintenance service. Newer smart thermostats can help to remind you by sending notifications to your smartphone or other mobile device. It doesn't matter if it's to remind you that it's time to contact us for your fall maintenance service or if your system needs an air filter change.

This greatly increases the chance that your system will get the care it needs when it actually needs it. A well-cared-for HVAC system is going to be cheaper to run than a system that doesn't get the care it needs.

Monitoring Real-Time Usage

Another way that smart thermostats can help you gain more control over your energy usage is by providing valuable facts about your current usage. These thermostats allow you to review your past data to become better informed about your system's usage. This can allow you to be more proactive in altering your future usage to be more efficient and increase your annual energy savings.

Adjustment to Incoming Weather Patterns

Smart thermostats come integrated with sophisticated algorithms that allow them to monitor local weather patterns and adjust your HVAC system's settings accordingly. This can take the guesswork out of creating your own settings for optimal comfort.

Energy Pricing Optimization

Another key feature that smart thermostats can have is pricing optimization. This allows your smart thermostat to monitor your utility costs throughout the day and look for off-peak hours for the best energy prices. Your smart thermostat will work to run your heating or cooling system mostly during off-peak hours. This will help to lower your utility costs while still maximizing your overall comfort level.

Tips on Selecting a Smart Thermostat for Your Home

One of the very first things that you'll want to consider is its integration with your existing smart home technology. You want to purchase a smart thermostat that will integrate with your existing smart home hub, as you won't be able to take advantage of particular features like voice commands. Be sure to choose a thermostat that integrates with your Amazon Alexa, Google Assist, or Siri smart home hub. And our team is here to help guide you through the decision!

Smart thermostats can come with or without an ENERGY STAR rating. It's best to opt for one with this rating, as it showcases the thermostat's ability to provide energy savings. You'll also likely find that an ENERGY STAR-rated smart thermostat can make you eligible to receive local tax incentives and rebates from your utility company. These can help you to recoup some of the cost of your new thermostat.

If you're looking to maximize your home energy savings, you should consider investing in a smart thermostat that has machine learning technology. This will allow you to take advantage of automatic setting adjustments to further reduce your energy consumption. If you're more worried about the upfront cost of a new smart thermostat than ongoing energy savings, then a basic smart thermostat without machine learning technology is likely ideal for you.

If you have any additional HVAC add-ons, then you'll want to ensure that your new smart thermostat can accommodate them. These can include things like a whole-home air purification system, humidifier, or even a dehumidifier. You'll want a smart thermostat that is easily able to integrate with these existing HVAC add-ons to ensure you can optimize their energy usage alongside the usage of your main HVAC system.

Reliable Smart Thermostat Installation Service

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® offers reliable smart thermostat installation services for Milwaukee and surrounding areas. We can also assist with emergency HVAC, heating, air conditioning, and more. Call us today and ask about our smart thermostat services!