You can save money on your energy bills simply by installing a smart thermostat, according to Energy Star. These devices learn your habits and automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on when you’re home and when you’re not, ensuring you never use more energy than necessary—no matter how hot or cold it gets outside. Smart thermostat technology could save you a lot of money on your utility bills this winter. The latest-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is a great way to start saving now, because it adjusts the temperature automatically based on your settings, day and night.
Also Read: Where Should Smart Thermostat be Located in your House
What is a Smart Thermostat?
A smart thermostat is a device that uses sensors and algorithms to control the heating and cooling in your home. By automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule and the weather, a smart thermostat can help you save energy and money.
In addition to saving energy, smart thermostats can also improve your comfort by creating a customized heating and cooling schedule for your home. By learning your preferences over time, a smart thermostat can keep you comfortable while also saving you money.
Do Smart Thermostats Save Energy?
It's no secret that one of the best ways to save energy and money is to upgrade your home's thermostat to a smart model. Smart thermostats can save you an estimated 10-12% on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That's because these devices have the ability to learn your heating and cooling preferences and make adjustments accordingly.
In addition, smart thermostats come with built-in features that help you conserve energy without sacrificing comfort. For example, many models come with an Eco mode that makes small adjustments to your heating and cooling settings when you're away from home or asleep, so you're not wasting energy when you don't need it.
If you're thinking about upgrading to a smart thermostat, it's important to do your research and choose a model that will work best for your specific needs. There are a lot of different smart thermostats on the market, so take the time to read online reviews and compare pricing before making your final decision.
Once you have your new smart thermostat installed, be sure to take advantage of all its features to help you save energy and money. For example, set the device to automatically adjust the temperature when you leave home or go to bed. And be sure to monitor your energy usage over time so you can see how much money you're saving.
How Does it Save Energy?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical home spends about $2,200 a year on energy bills. Heating and cooling account for about 48% of the energy used in a typical home. A smart thermostat can save you about $180 a year on your energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re away or asleep.
When you’re away from home, you can set your smart thermostat to an “away” temperature that uses less energy than your usual settings. And when you’re asleep, your body temperature naturally drops, so you don’t need the house to be as warm. By setting a schedule or using the “sleep” feature on your smart thermostat, you can make sure you’re not spending more money than necessary to keep your home comfortable.
In addition to saving energy, a smart thermostat can also help you avoid peak energy demand charges. These are extra fees that utilities charge during times when electricity demand is highest. By using less energy during these times, you can save money on your monthly utility bill.
Energy-Saving Mode on Thermostat
The energy-saving mode on a thermostat is a feature that allows the user to set a schedule for the thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when it is not needed, such as at night or when no one is home. This can save energy and money by reducing the amount of time that the heater or air conditioner is running.
In many homes, a thermostat controls the temperature day and night. By turning the thermostat down at night or when you’re away, you can save energy and money.
Most programmable thermostats have an energy-saving mode that does this automatically. The mode is sometimes called Auto, Economy, or Sleep. When you set the thermostat to this mode, it will lower the temperature for a period of time when you don’t need as much heat. For example, if you set the energy-saving mode to start at 10 p.m., the temperature will be lower at night while you sleep. In the morning, the thermostat will return to your regular setting so you’ll wake up to a comfortable home.
Some energy-saving modes can be set for different times on different days of the week. This is helpful if your schedule varies from week to week. Many people have their thermostats set lower during the workweek and higher on weekends.
Top Brands of Smart Thermostats
There are a few different brands of smart thermostats on the market. Each has its own set of features, benefits, and drawbacks. Here is a look at some of the top brands of smart thermostats.
Nest
Nest is one of the most popular brands of smart thermostats. It offers features such as auto-scheduling, energy history, and remote control. One downside to Nest is that it requires a professional installation.
Ecobee
Ecobee is another popular brand of smart thermostats. It offers many of the same features as Nest, but it is easier to install and does not require a professional installer.
Honeywell
Honeywell makes a variety of different types of thermostats, including smart thermostats. Its models offer features such as geofencing, 7-day scheduling, and automatic temperature adjustment based on your schedule.
Security Concerns
There are a few security concerns to keep in mind when using a smart thermostat. First, since the thermostat is connected to the internet, it's important to make sure it's password-protected. Also, be sure to download updates for the thermostat when they're available, as these often include security fixes. Finally, remember that hackers could potentially gain control of your smart thermostat if they were able to break into your home network.
Conclusion
A smart thermostat can be a great way to save energy, money, and time. By automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule and needs, a smart thermostat can help you stay comfortable while also reducing your energy usage. If you're looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill, a smart thermostat is a great option to consider.