Is it worth having a smart thermostat?

The advantage of a smart thermostat is its ability to learn a household's patterns and adjust heating and cooling according to when a home is occupied or is about to be occupied. This reduces the use of heating and cooling systems when nobody is home for significant periods of time.

Is it worth upgrading to smart thermostat?

“Smart thermostats can save money on energy costs in two ways: the ability to monitor and control temperature remotely and the function (on select models) to learn user behavior and adjust settings accordingly,” O'Brian says.

Do smart thermostats make a difference?

Smart thermostats can achieve slightly higher savings than programmable thermostats while simultaneously being easier to use and way more effective at keeping the right areas at the right temperature.

What are the disadvantages of a smart thermostat?

Do smart thermostats actually save money?

Energy Star says their certified smart thermostats save on average 8% on heating or cooling or $50/year on your bill. According to Nest, you can save 10% to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling using a smart thermostat. They say this can result in average savings of between $131 and $145 per year on your utility bills.

Why You Should Use a Smart Thermostat for Energy Savings

How much can you save with a smart thermostat?

How much will the average ENERGY STAR smart thermostat save? On average, savings are approximately 8% of heating and cooling bills or $50 per year. Savings may be greater depending on climate, personal comfort preferences, occupancy, and/or heating/cooling (HVAC) equipment.

Is a programmable thermostat worth it?

ENERGY STAR estimates that homeowners properly using programmable thermostats can save about $180 a year. Since nearly half of your energy bills are made up of heating and cooling costs, having a programmable thermostat in your home would be a pretty smart move.

What are the pros and cons of smart thermostats?

What are the pros of a smart thermostat?

Can smart thermostats ruin your furnace?

While these devices are convenient, they are known to cause damage to heating systems both old and new. The reality is that unless properly installed, Nest Thermostat problems can cause damage to furnaces, or destroy them entirely.

What is the difference between a smart thermostat and a Wi-Fi thermostat?

A smart thermostat can learn and make decisions for you. A smart thermostat, just like a Wi-Fi thermostat, can be controlled by a connected device, such as your cell phone, via an app. Wi-Fi thermostats, however, don't have the ability to learn from your usage.

How much does it cost to install a smart thermostat?

The average cost of installing a smart thermostat is about $200 to $500. Most homeowners spend around $300 for the installation of C wire and a smart thermostat with auto-schedule function and two-year warranty. On the lower end, smart thermostats with only basic features and an existing C wire cost around $170.

Do smart thermostats work better?

“Nothing saves energy more than something that's not running,” Holohan says. Aside from turning down the heat or reducing the AC when you're not around to use it, smart thermostats save energy by changing the set temperature in small ways at times when you don't notice it as much, so you don't use as much energy.

Will a thermostat save me money?

The higher your energy rates, the more you can save by using a smart thermostat because every percentage you save equals a larger amount of money. For vacation homes, cottages and cabins, smart thermostats work well because you can ensure heating is off (or to a minimum) when you are not there.

How does a new thermostat save money?

However, a smart thermostat takes energy savings to the next level by using algorithms that precisely learn your heating and cooling preferences and then make adjustments to ensure the HVAC system is achieving optimal efficiency.

Are wireless thermostats reliable?

They're also incredibly accurate when it comes to temperature monitoring, enabling homeowners to keep every room of the house at the perfect temperature.

Is a digital thermostat better?

Digital thermostats are much better than analog or mechanical thermostats. Analog thermostats not only use more energy, but also maintain a higher temperature than their setting. On the other hand, a digital thermostat is more accurate and offers more control, resulting in energy savings.

Is it better to leave your thermostat at a constant temperature?

The startup process for a furnace consumes more energy than simply running the entire time at one set temperature, costing you additional money. To maximize efficiency, it's best to keep your furnace (or AC) at the same consistent temperature for long periods of time.

How long does it take for a smart thermostat to pay for itself?

The big smart thermostat manufacturers claim you can recoup the cost of a smart thermostat in as little as under 2 years. Coupled with rebates from your local utility company, that “break even” wait could be even shorter.

What smart thermostat saves the most money?

What is the most efficient thermostat?

According to ENERGY STAR, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) when you're home is the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency.

Can I replace my old thermostat with a smart thermostat?

Strictly speaking, smart thermostats don't work with all homes, but they do work with the vast majority. You typically need a central HVAC system in order to be able to install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats also require Wi-Fi and a smartphone for full control.

Can you manually operate a smart thermostat?

Smart thermostats are hardwired just as traditional thermostats are, but you'll also need a Wi-Fi connection to make them work remotely. If your Wi-Fi goes out, you can still manually operate a smart thermostat just as you would a regular one.

Can an electrician install a smart thermostat?

Pros do More

Also, the electrician will do more than just install the new thermostat, move it to a new location, and/or add new wiring. They will likely service your HVAC system and check on any other electrical issues throughout the home.

Do you need an electrician to install a Nest thermostat?

Your best option is to have a C-wire properly installed and run to your new thermostat, which means it will require an electrician's expertise. Even if you find a DIY article or video online, the risk to your health or home isn't worth it when dealing electrical wiring.