Every West Boylston, MA, homeowner knows that heating and cooling costs are an expensive household budget item. Our state government knows it, too. That’s why they created the Mass Save program to help homeowners increase their home’s energy efficiency. However, you don’t always have to make major improvements to your home to cut your HVAC costs. Installing a smart thermostat offers a relatively inexpensive way to save significant sums on your energy bills. Here is how a smart thermostat does that and how much you can expect to save by installing one.
Energy-Saving Smart Thermostat Features
Most ordinary thermostats offer only basic controls for your HVAC. They can turn your system on and off, and some offer simple scheduling abilities. Smart thermostats offer a wide range of energy-saving functions beyond those. Here’s what they are.
Smart Scheduling
Smart scheduling is an advanced version of the basic scheduling function you’ll find on the average programmable thermostat. What sets it apart is the use of various data to help you choose the perfect HVAC schedule. For example, smart scheduling can let you know if it spots any patterns in how you manually change the temperature. Then, you can use that information to adjust your HVAC schedule accordingly. Although different smart thermostat models vary, most even allow you to set four or more temperature changes each day. That allows them to generate the maximum amount of energy savings without harming your comfort.
Occupancy Sensing
Most smart thermostats also use the GPS data from your smartphone to figure out when you come and go. This allows them to override your temperature settings to prevent energy waste when appropriate. The way the feature typically works is fairly ingenious. Most smart thermostats, for example, wait until you’re a preset distance away from home before changing settings. And then, when they detect your approach back home, they change again. The result is that your home will reach the temperature you want at the exact moment you arrive home. Some smart thermostats allow this feature to track multiple smartphones. This makes it so no one in your family ever has to come home to an uncomfortable home.
Advanced Energy Usage Data Analytics
Smart thermostats also help you make smarter usage choices by collecting energy usage data. Most offer easy-to-understand energy use charts to help you see where, when, and how you’re using the most energy. Some even apply advanced analytics to give you helpful suggestions on how to cut your energy usage. You can then act on those suggestions or let the smart thermostat do it for you.
They also show you projected energy impacts for the schedule and setting changes you make. This can help you decide if turning the temperature up or down is worth the cost or savings it would create. The projections are also very accurate. Smart thermostats achieve this by analyzing your usage data but also comparing it to vast data sets in the cloud. This makes your smart thermostat’s predictions as accurate as possible from the moment it’s installed.
Sensor Integration
Smart thermostats can also work with remote sensors to further control your HVAC energy use. For example, some allow the use of remote temperature and humidity sensors. This gives the thermostat more insight into the conditions around your home. It also lets you prioritize different sensors at different times. So, you could, for instance, tell your thermostat to use the temperature sensor in your bedroom while you sleep. That ensures you get the perfect sleeping environment you want.
Some smart thermostats also integrate with door and window sensors, too. This allows them to automatically turn off your HVAC if you leave a door or window open for too long. They can even alert you to an open window or door so you can close it to allow your HVAC to work efficiently.
Remote Operation
Smart thermostats also allow you to use a connected smartphone app to control them while you’re away from home. This can save you energy if you have a sudden change of plans and won’t be home at your usual time. This is handy if you’re not using occupancy sensing since you can change your HVAC schedule remotely. Or, if you’re on vacation and decide to extend it, you can make sure your HVAC stays off for longer than you planned.
HVAC System Notifications
Smart thermostats also monitor your HVAC’s performance and let you know if something’s amiss. They can send you alerts to let you know when to replace your air filter. They can also let you know when your HVAC is due for regular maintenance so you can schedule an appointment. Some smart thermostats can also use the data they collect to detect when your HVAC may be malfunctioning. By comparing your HVAC’s ordinary energy use with real-time usage data, they can often detect trouble before you do. Some can even provide you with an educated guess as to what the underlying HVAC malfunction is.
How Much Energy Do Smart Thermostats Save?
There’s no exact way to tell how much energy a smart thermostat will save you. That depends on how you use it and the specifics of your home and HVAC system. However, there are enough smart thermostats now in use to come up with some ballpark savings estimates. For example, the ENERGYSTAR program estimates that their certified smart thermostats should save you about 8% on your HVAC bills. Plus, ENERGYSTAR-certified thermostats qualify for a $100 rebate through the aforementioned Mass Save program. That can make some basic smart thermostat models completely free to purchase.
Major smart thermostat manufacturer company Nest also publishes energy savings estimates for its products. According to their data, you should save between 10% and 12% on your heating costs with a Nest thermostat. You can also expect an approximate savings of 15% on your cooling costs. That translates into an average savings of $131 to $145 per year. That’s enough to make most Nest thermostat models pay for themselves in a single year!
According to Ecobee, another major smart thermostat manufacturer, its models can save you even more. Their data indicates an average annual savings of 26% on heating and cooling costs by its North American customers. Those savings, however, assume an average set temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your Local Smart Thermostat Experts
For over 90 years and four generations, West Boylston homeowners have trusted DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling with their HVAC needs. We offer comprehensive HVAC services, including installation, repair, and maintenance. That includes, of course, the installation of the latest smart thermostat models. We also offer complete plumbing, heating, and cooling services, too. Plus, we’re Better Business Bureau-accredited with an A+ rating and a spotless customer service record. We even have a long list of positive reviews from local customers just like you. So, if you’re interested in a smart thermostat for your West Boylston home, contact the experts at DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!
