Maximize the Benefits of Your Smart Thermostat

The average American household spends more than $900 annually on heating and cooling costs. You can upgrade to a smart thermostat to lower these costs while staying comfortable in your home. 

Smart thermostats let you control your home’s heating and cooling. They also help your system run more efficiently. Follow these tips to get the most out of your smart thermostat.

1.    Use Scheduling Features

Smart thermostats can adjust heating and cooling settings around your occupancy schedule. This lets you change the temperature when you're away. You can set it to a comfy level before you come back. Many thermostats will also learn your preferences and occupancy habits over time.  

2.    Try Auto-Away Settings 

Do you have an unpredictable schedule that makes it difficult to program your thermostat? Most smart thermostats have geo-fencing features. They use your smartphone’s location to see when you're away from home. Then, they adjust the temperature automatically.

3.    Review Energy Insights

Many smart thermostats provide a monthly summary of your energy use. These insights can highlight opportunities for even more energy and cost savings.

4.    Take Advantage of Remote Accessibility 

Did you forget to adjust the temperature before you left on vacation? Do you want to adjust the temperature without getting up from your comfortable couch? Smart thermostats let you control your temperature settings from anywhere with internet access.

5.    Bonus Features

Smart thermostats provide extra perks. They remind you to change your furnace filter. They also alert you to any problems with your HVAC system. You can use your smart thermostat to check for power outages and internet problems while you’re away. Just see if your thermostat is online and connected in the app.

6.    Use Temperature Setbacks Correctly

If you use a heat pump for heating, avoid schedule or location-based temperature adjustments during the winter. Heat pumps work more efficiently when maintaining a consistent temperature setting. Lowering the temperature while you are away can make your heat pump switch to auxiliary heating mode once you return the temperature to your normal setting.  In auxiliary mode, a heat pump uses its inefficient electric heating coil, potentially nullifying any energy savings and even increasing consumption.

7.    Check Device Compatibility 

ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats are compatible with most HVAC systems, especially with forced air HVAC systems that were installed after 1975. However, it’s always a good idea to check the smart thermostat’s website or contact your HVAC system manufacturer to verify compatibility prior to purchasing.