Are you a do-it-yourself kind of person? Looking to install a smart thermostat but not sure if it is worth the hassle? There are many reasons to install a smart thermostat. But first, what is the difference between a programmable and smart thermostat?

What is the Difference Between a Programmable vs Smart Thermostat?

While both smart and programmable thermostats are “programmable,” only the smart thermostat can learn your HVAC needs over time, automatically adjusting the temperature to match your home’s needs. While programmable thermostats are better than traditional radio dial thermostats, only a smart thermostat can save you money and improve the air quality within your home.

What are the Reasons to Use a Smart Thermostat in Your Home?

There are many important reasons to consider when installing a smart thermostat in your home. The following are only some of the reasons to choose a smart thermostat:

Save Money

One of the biggest reasons to install a smart thermostat in your home is to save on energy bills. Energy costs can quickly skyrocket, especially if your energy is on a tiered system. The higher the tier, the more you pay for energy usage. Some energy companies even offer a rebate for those homes that install an ENERGY STAR Certified smart thermostat. Saving money is smart.

Automated Response

A smart thermostat will not only turn on and off when you want it, it will also learn your household’s patterns adjusting the heating and cooling based on the home’s occupants. Plus, the smart thermostat can reduce heating and cooling when nobody is in the house.

Your smart thermostat can also tell you when to clean your filters to improve the air quality in your home. Your HVAC system will even know when to schedule your next maintenance call. It allows you to set and forget your smart thermostat.

Remote Access

Did you forget to turn off the air conditioning when you left the house? Do you want to start the heater, so you don’t come home to a cold house? Most smart thermostats can be accessed with an app and a smart phone. Having a smart thermostat allows you to check your HVAC system from anywhere on your smart phone.

Energy Efficiency

Do you have a traditional thermostat that clicks on and off based on the heat level in your home? If you want to conserve energy and not come home in the winter to a hot house over 80 degrees, then a smart thermostat is the best option. It has a digital screen so you can choose the exact temperature to heat or cool your home to and over time will learn your heating and cooling patterns. You will even get recommendations from your smart thermostat to save energy, or you can set it to be energy efficient all on its own.

Can I Install a Smart Thermostat Myself?

Most smart thermostats have easy to use instructions and installation can be completed in about 20-30 minutes. The Google Nest offers an app with step-by-step instructions to install and wire your thermostat. You will need to have access to Wi-Fi, mobile apps, and smartphone controls. Do you already have a smart home system? Consider adding a Nest to your Google Home or ecobee to your Apple HomeKit.

Can I Replace My Thermostats with a Smart Thermostat?

There are many smart thermostats that work on low voltage 24v HVAC systems. Most homes use low voltage HVAC systems but make sure to check your voltage levels. Two low voltage compatible smart thermostats are Nest and ecobee.

Nest

Made by Google, the Nest Learning Thermostat programs itself by monitoring your HVAC usage. Nest was the first thermostat to get ENERGY STAR certified. It also learns what temperature you like and builds a schedule around your schedule.

Change the temperature to save energy and you’ll be rewarded with a Leaf. The Leaf learns how to help you save, so it appears at different temperatures for different homes. The Nest Learning Thermostat can use sensors and your phone’s location to check if you’ve left, then sets itself to an Eco Temperature to save energy.

Ecobee

Ecobee smart thermostats is ENERGY STAR Certified, controllable using Wi-Fi from a smart phone or Apple watch, has built-in radar occupancy sensors, built-in indoor air quality monitoring, your choice of Siri or Alexa, Spotify and Bluetooth streaming, with hands free calling and intercom. Ecobee saves you money by not heating or cooling an empty home. All ecobee thermostats are thoughtfully designed with features that bring you comfort at home and control from anywhere.

Final Thoughts

Do you like to use new technology? Looking for a career that keeps you out of the office and helps residential and business customers stay comfortable using an HVAC system? Ohio Business College offers a 12-month diploma program in HVAC/R. Not only do you learn a new trade, but you will get the necessary hands-on experience to build your confidence to work on HVAC systems outside of the classroom. Ohio Business College also offers job placement assistance after graduation to help you find a rewarding career in HVAC.

With the advancements in home technologies, HVAC technicians are needed to transform traditional homes into smart homes. Join the energy efficiency revolution and learn more about Ohio Business College’s HVAC/R program today.

Want to Learn More?

If you have a passion for heating and cooling, working in the HVAC/R industry might just be for you. Entering a career in a field as potentially rewarding as HVAC/R all starts with an HVAC/R trade school training program. At Ohio Business College, we can help you gain the skills and knowledge that can serve as the foundation of a rewarding career as an HVAC/R technician.

 

Contact us today to learn more about our HVAC program.