Upgrading to a smart thermostat can save you money and frustration. To experience all the benefits of a smart thermostat, you’ll need to learn how to get the most out of the system. Let’s explore seven tips, from setting up the system and syncing the thermostat with your devices to managing customizable features.
Choose an Energy-efficient System
Smart thermostats are more energy efficient than older models. This decision can have cost-saving benefits in the long term, as you will likely see your monthly energy bills go down. Your new smart thermostat might even make you eligible for tax benefits.
Ask Questions
You must understand how your home’s smart thermostat works. Upon installation, don’t hesitate to ask our team questions that you have. For example, you might have specific questions about how to use certain system features, or you may want to know how often you should schedule maintenance.
Download the App
One major perk of a smart thermostat is that you can control the system anywhere. Without downloading the app, you can’t take advantage of this benefit. Once you have the app, you can use the system’s features, such as remotely changing the temperature at home.
Use the Features
Smart thermostats come with many helpful features that you should enable. Make sure you’re allowing for alerts so that you know if something goes wrong at home. For example, if the temperature suddenly drops or increases while you’re away on vacation, your smart thermostat can send a notification to your phone.
You can pair your smart thermostat with voice-controlled devices in your home. Instead of having to walk downstairs to adjust the thermostat, for example, you can ask your voice-controlled device to change the temperature for you.
Furthermore, some smart thermostats give you control over more than just the temperature in your home. For instance, some can also work to combat humidity. The system’s ability to optimize humidity control can also help you to save money.
Check the Weather
Your new smart thermostat can likely also check the weather, though it depends on the model. Instead of waiting for the report to come on the television or to update on your phone, you can check your smart thermostat to know how to prepare before leaving the house.
Set a Schedule
A smart system allows you to set a schedule based on your heating and cooling preferences. You might want the heat to start shortly before you rise in the morning, or you may wish to program the air conditioning to turn on a little while before you get home from work. A schedule allows you to optimize both home comfort and energy efficiency.
Your smart thermostat likely comes with a vacation mode setting, allowing your system to stay on schedule even when you’re out of town. While you are away on vacation, you might have pets at home that a relative is taking care of. You may also be concerned about the heat damaging sensitive electronics during the summer. In these cases, a smart thermostat can help ensure a comfortable environment.
Take System Suggestions
Some smart thermostats have learning capabilities, allowing them to learn your preferences and then make adjustments to optimize heating and cooling in your home. You might want to override those adjustments, but the best option is to leave them alone. At the least, give the suggestions a try, and you can always change them later.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat can save you money, make your home more comfortable and even increase the sale price of your house. To take full advantage of the benefits, take some time to learn about the smart thermostat and all its features. To learn more about smart thermostats and their benefits, contact us at Griffith Energy Services, Inc. today.
Image provided by iStock
