Is a Smart Thermostat Worth the Money?

With the wide variety of smart technology available, it can be tough to know which gadgets are worth the investment. One popular device among homeowners is a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can control your heating, air conditioning, and ventilation from your smartphone or internet-connected device.  They can be expensive upfront, but may have additional benefits overtime that outweigh the cost. We will explore some of the major pros and cons of investing in a smart thermostat so you can determine if it is worth it to make the switch in your home.

Pros

Here are some of the positive aspects of a smart thermostat that can benefit your household. These qualities are important to consider before making the purchase.

Energy Savings

Smart thermostats are programmable and can adjust the home’s temperature throughout the day based on if the house is occupied or not. This system can help save energy by preventing the system from running non-stop and reduce temperatures at high-peak energy times. A case study conducted by Nest found that homeowners can save anywhere from 10-12% on heating and cooling costs each year with a smart thermostat in their home. It’s possible that the money saved from this energy efficiency may balance out the higher upfront cost of the system.

Your smart system also has the ability to track and report your energy usage overtime to your smart devices. This can help provide you with tips for energy efficiency so you can make alterations for the future and keep energy usage down.

Convenience

A smart thermostat can be controlled from any internet-enabled device and adapts to patterns and schedules within your household. This provides convenience for homeowners since the system can be controlled from anywhere. You can adjust the temperature of your home remotely when you are on vacation or out of the house. Smart thermostats can also detect when the house is empty and adjust temperatures accordingly to prevent the system from continuously running. This added convenience can take the worry out of wondering if your system is working properly or if you forgot to make temperature adjustments before leaving home.

Many smart thermostats will also be compatible with your voice recognition devices such as Alexa, Google Home, or Siri. This means that you can control the temperature of your home simply by using your voice. This additional convenience can prove to be a selling point for these smart systems.

Stores Data

Another benefit of a smart thermostat is its ability to store important data and notify you if it is time for maintenance on your HVAC system. You can easily see when your last maintenance check was performed and receive notifications to your devices when preventative maintenance should be scheduled with a qualified technician.  This can help keep your HVAC systems working properly and may extend their lifespan since you can stay on top of the upkeep of the system.

Smart thermostats also have an interactive display which can make it easy to read and understand the information being shown. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart thermostats have a full screen with simple interfaces that you can comprehend at a quick glance or, can be viewed from your smartphone.

Cons

There are also some negative aspects of a smart thermostat you should consider before making the purchase.

Upfront Price

One of the biggest deterrents for homeowners to buy a smart thermostat is the initial cost to purchase the system. On average, a smart thermostat can cost up to four times the cost of a regular thermostat. Some of the well-known brands can run anywhere from $100-$500, depending on the features they include. When considering a smart thermostat, it is important to look at the quality of the product but also determine what type of system will work best for your home. You may find that the $100 model is just as effective as the more expensive version. This upfront cost may be difficult to look past, however, it may balance out over time with the savings on your future utility bills.

Staying Home

Smart thermostats will detect if the house is occupied and adjust temperatures accordingly. If a member of the household is working from home or is home throughout the day, the system will not get the chance to adjust the temperature to the lower-energy state. This could cause an issue as the system may run constantly all day to accommodate the guests. With more time spent from home recently, you may need to endure some less comfortable temperatures throughout the day to maximize the energy savings.

Compatibility

Not all smart thermostats are universal, meaning you will need to do some research before making the decision to install a smart thermostat in your home. It is important for homeowners to make sure their thermostat is compatible with their HVAC system to avoid additional work. If a smart thermostat is purchased that is not compatible with your home’s system, the process can be quite expensive to link the systems. You will likely need a professional to help evaluate the compatibility and help with installation to ensure it is done properly.  For questions on compatibility or installation with your HVAC system, contact Chas Roberts to help.

The Verdict

So, is a smart thermostat worth it after all? That is up to you, but at Chas Roberts, we believe so! As long as homeowners understand the upfront cost and ensure the compatibility of their HVAC system prior to purchase, the benefits of smart thermostats still outweigh the downfalls. The added convenience and energy-savings will prove valuable in the long-term. Your thermostat is an important part of your HVAC system so it is important to make the correct decision for your home.

Chas Roberts is here to help

For all of your HVAC system and thermostat questions, turn to the experts at Chas Roberts. We’re here to help you choose the right thermostat for your home. With over 75 years of experience, we’ve never wavered from the standards of integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness that our founders instilled upon us. Contact us today for repairs, replacements, and more.