Smart home thermostats
Smart thermostats have revolutionized the residential HVAC scene by offering advanced features and energy saving functions that traditional thermostats simply cannot. These smart devices now allow homeowners to remotely manage their air conditioning systems through apps, from nearly anywhere at any time. This has helped many homeowners lower their systems power usage by setting personalized schedules that revolve around your comfort level. Smart thermostats can also learn your personal schedule and preferences, and will automatically adjust temperatures to save energy when you're away from the home, While also creating a perfectly cozy environment when you are home. Many thermostats also integrate with other smart home systems such as AMAZON ALEXA, making them easy to control by voice command. With accurate energy usage reports and fault history on some models, smart home thermostats are quickly becoming more and more in demand.
IS a smart thermostat the right fit for your system?
As covered in the article above, smart thermostats have many benefits over standard or even programable thermostats to include, ease of use, money saving technology, and a sleek look and feel. But is a smart thermostat right for you and your HVAC system? Most thermostats require the use of a “C-wire” or “Common wire” or may be able to operate without the use of this wire should batteries be present in the thermostat. However, with a smart thermostat, this wire is more often than not, needed for the device to work. There is however “C-wire adapters” that can be purchased additionally for use when the “C-wire” is not available In the existing wiring or system. In most all cases, it is still recommend to have a HVAC technician out to inspect the wiring, install and program your new smart home thermostat to ensure proper set up and maximize overall efficiency within the system.
Can a smart thermostat help save money?
Besides looking cool, can they actually help save you money? The short answer is Yes! A smart thermostat can help you to lower your overall heating and cooling costs. However, if you’ve been experiencing higher than average utility bills, it may be beneficial to reach out and schedule a service visit prior to investing in a smart thermostat to ensure that your system is working at its PEAK!
How do you tell if a thermostat isn’t working?
From time to time we find thermostats that have failed and need to be replaced. However, without proper diagnostic tools, accurately diagnosing whether your HVAC system has a faulty thermostat or not can be a shot in the dark. Over the years of diagnosing and replacing faulty thermostats, generally the same few symptoms stand out. Here are a few symptoms you might have with a faulty thermostat.
Thermostat screen is very dim/not visible
Pressing the buttons doesn’t change numbers on the screen
Thermostat Mode doesn’t change
Temperature shown is not accurate to the space
WHat to do if you suspect your thermostat is bad?
Should you experience any of the following symptoms previously listed, or suspect you may have a failing thermostat in your home, it is recommended to reach out and schedule to have a technician out to diagnose your system.