The past two centuries have seen many advancements in thermostats, as they progressed from a parent calling out “throw another log on the fire!” to settable, then programmable, and now wifi-connected devices. In 2013, when the latest generation of wifi thermostats was still relatively new, a Forrester report found that 35 percent of adults were already interested in learning more about managing their heating and cooling system’s remotely. Today, even more homeowners are investigating smart thermostats. Here’s a look at some of the benefits that wifi thermostats provide.
Reduced Energy Costs
Wifi thermostats are most well-known for reducing homeowners’ energy costs. They provide savings by:
- automatically adjusting the temperature depending on whether your home, sleeping or away
- analyzing your heating and cooling patterns for energy-saving opportunities
- letting you create temperature zones that can be independently controlled
According to the EPA’s Energy Star program , homeowners can save up to $180 annually by installing an internet-connected thermostat. Assuming the EPA’s math is right, a thermostat could pay for itself in just a year or two.
Unsacrificed Comfort
This energy savings comes without sacrificing comfort. A wifi thermostat will adapt to your schedule, either by interviewing you about your family’s habits or learning from your adjustments. Should you need to override the settings, you can make real-time adjustments with any internet-connected device.
Soon after having your thermostat installed, it will keep your home a comfortable temperature while people are around and reduce your energy usage when no one’s home. If you have a schedule change and you’ll be home early, just log on and let your thermostat know. It’ll have your home the proper temperature before you walk in the front door.
Maintenance Reminders
Wifi-connected thermostats also provide helpful maintenance reminders. Many people know they should change their home’s air filter, but homeowners often forget to. From simple maintenance like this to more serious heating and cooling issues, a wifi thermostat will send you reminders to keep your system running smoothly. The reminders are based on how long the system has been run for, which is the most accurate way to keep track of heating and air conditioning maintenance items.
Honest Couples
Finally, a lesser-known, but still important, benefit of wifi thermostats is the honesty they promote. In a survey of Florida residents, more than half admitted to adjusting the temperature without their partner’s knowledge. Installing a wifi thermostat will keep both you and your partner honest about who changed the temperature settings and when they were altered.
The latest generation of thermostats, wifi ones, have many benefits that previous thermostats lacked. A wifi thermostat can help you reduce your energy costs, stay comfortable, remember to maintain your heating and cooling systems and keep you honest about changing the temperature settings. To learn more about wifi thermostats and whether one is right for your home, contact us at Vivint. One of our representatives would be glad to answer any questions you have.
