Did you know that incorporating smart home technology and home automation systems increases your home’s resale value? Not only that, but smart devices, like smart thermostats, also offer many other financial benefits.
At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, we encourage our customers to install smart thermostats to increase control over the HVAC unit in their homes. We want each customer to have the best possible experience with your HVAC unit. That means we want you to achieve both energy efficiency and utility bill savings.
What is a Smart Thermostat?
A smart thermostat basically works like a traditional thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home. However, a smart thermostat includes Wi-Fi functionality that allows for remote control via a smart device, like a phone, tablet, or smart speaker.
Common Smart Thermostat Features:
- Schedule temperature settings
- Change settings remotely
- Integrate into a home automation system
- Learn behavior patterns
- Diagnostics to detect problems with an HVAC system
- Maintenance reminders, like changing the air filter
- Energy use analysis
Benefits of Smart Thermostats:
- Modern look and features add to the home’s value
- Increased energy efficiency
- The convenience of remote access
- Better temperature control
- Financial savings
- Improved understanding of HVAC unit
How a Smart Thermostat Differs from a Programmable Thermostat
Most homes now have programmable thermostats which save homeowners money on energy costs and offer better temperature control. A programmable thermostat works by allowing the homeowner to preset the temperature based on the time of day. A programmable thermostat does not connect to the internet and does not allow for remote access.
With a programmable thermostat, most homeowners set a different temperature during the day when the occupants aren’t home and at night while people sleep. Programmable thermostats offer less nuance. Also, a programmable thermostat doesn’t offer the other smart features presented with a smart thermostat, like diagnostics, reminders, and analytics.
If you currently have a programmable thermostat, it is worth it to upgrade to a smart thermostat to benefit from the added features. Over time you’ll realize more financial savings. Plus, for Florida homeowners, you have the added benefit of connecting to your home’s HVAC unit during extended times away from your home, like during a hurricane evacuation or for snowbirds living somewhere else for a season.
Financial Benefits of a Smart Thermostat
The most obvious financial savings are through a lower energy bill. However, smart thermostats offer other financial benefits. As we said above, many homebuyers now desire smart home features. A smart thermostat increases the desirability and value of your home.
Another big money saver comes from the diagnostic tools. When you know about an issue with your HVAC unit quickly, you can avoid more major damage. For example, if your smart thermostat notifies you of a loose belt, scheduling repairs right away may keep that belt from flying off and slamming into other delicate equipment. A quick response means less damage and fewer repairs.
The same goes for maintenance notifications. For example, when you keep your air filter cleaner, your unit runs better. You achieve more consistent energy savings which translate to lower energy costs.
In fact, with a smart thermostat, most homeowners achieve $130 to $145 in annual energy savings. A new smart thermostat pays for itself in a relatively short amount of time. Get smart by installing a smart thermostat so you too can begin to save!
Snowbird? A Smart Thermostat Gives You More Control
Snowbirds that spend only a part of the year in Florida especially benefit from a smart thermostat. Even though you can set your programmable thermostat to the recommended temperature while you are away, you cannot communicate with your HVAC unit.
Consider our current pandemic situation. What if you can’t return to your Florida property in the fall? The temperature setting for winter months is different than during the summer. With a smart thermostat, you can make changes from anywhere.
Also, a programmable thermostat won’t tell you if your HVAC unit has an issue. With a smart thermostat, you’ll know if your system needs attention. You can then schedule repairs or an inspection even though you are out of town.
Get peace of mind while you’re away by installing a smart thermostat! Plus, this doesn’t just apply to snowbirds. It works great for rental properties and regular vacations.
J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing Knows HVAC Systems
At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, we know the best brands, upgrades, and maintenance options to keep your unit in top shape. With over 60 years of experience serving the Jacksonville, Florida area and surrounding communities, we know the importance of trusted customer relationships. Therefore, we want you to understand how best to maintain your HVAC unit.
Adding a smart thermostat to your home keeps your unit in better shape and saves you money. A smart thermostat allows for earlier repairs and more regular maintenance, both of which means you have a better experience with your HVAC unit. We also provide commercial thermostat services!
We are here to serve you! Contact J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing for questions regarding smart thermostats or to schedule maintenance, repairs, or installation services for your Jacksonville area home.
