Thermostats are a critical part of HVAC systems, and modern programmable and smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular. If you haven’t jumped on the smart thermostat trend, you might wonder what the big deal is. The simple answer is superior performance. If you are not a smart thermostat owner and want to know how the newest technology could enhance your HVAC, here is a closer look.

Efficiency Improvements

For most homeowners, the biggest selling point of a thermostat upgrade to a smart model is their ability to improve HVAC efficiency. Smart thermostats have a host of features that can help you save money. Many models can save you 10%-15% annually on your HVAC bills. Smart thermostats can typically pay for themselves in about 12 to 18 months.

Programmability is central to efficiency improvements. Homeowners can set their smart thermostats to operate as efficiently as possible. For example, you might not be home most of a typical weekday because you’re at work. Consequently, there isn’t much value in cooling your house aggressively at noon. For example, you can program the thermostat to back off cooling from 9 a.m. until you return at 5:30 p.m.

High-end smart thermostats go further. The best models have AI-based pattern recognition. As you make adjustments to conditions in your home, the thermostat records the data and adapts. It quickly learns when you like to have the heating or cooling up, leading it to make the adjustments for you automatically. For example, you might turn the thermostat down at night because you sleep better in a cool bedroom. The thermostat will learn your patterns and start making adjustments without your intervention.

Some models also leverage occupancy sensors. If you have friends or family members over for dinner on a warm summer night, the sensors will tell the thermostat there are more people present. It can then apply more cooling automatically to compensate for the number of occupants.

Load management is another great benefit. If your utility company offers demand-based rates, your smart thermostat can communicate with their servers. You can then set the smart thermostat to operate more aggressively when rates are lowest and more conservatively when rates are higher. Not only does your smart thermostat help you save money, but it allows you to better contribute to grid efficiency and stability.

Zoned HVAC

One of the top ways to get the most value out of a smart thermostat is to incorporate it into a larger zoned HVAC setup. A zoned HVAC has controls that allow the system to distribute targeted heating and cooling to designated spaces. For example, many homeowners set a zone for the sun-exposed side of their house to keep it from heating up too much in the summer. You also can create zones for individual rooms. You might configure a zone for your kitchen so that the HVAC provides more cooling when you’re cooking a lot.

Zoned HVACs and smart thermostats make it easier to accommodate multiple household members, too. You can set up a zone for someone who needs tight conditions due to a respiratory condition. They can set climate control in their bedroom without changing anything for other rooms. This is also a great way to make underutilized rooms more efficient. A common zone scheme is to set a guest bedroom to have limited heating and cooling, except when you have a guest. People often configure zones for craft rooms, workshops, home theaters, finished basements and attached garages.

HVAC Longevity and Maintenance

Tracking system performance makes it easier to extend the lifespan of your HVAC through regular maintenance. Smart thermostats track data like system run times and total cycles. This information is useful in determining when your HVAC needs regular maintenance. Especially if your HVAC has run hard during a heat wave, our smart thermostat can inform you that the system is due for early maintenance.

Smart thermostats can log maintenance calendars, too. The best models will even send you notifications that maintenance is coming so that you can schedule an HVAC appointment.

Likewise, a smart thermostat can detect signs that system components are starting to fail. For example, short cycling may indicate that the compressor is getting overworked and triggering an automatic shutdown. A smart thermostat can note that this has happened several times and then tell you there might be an issue. About 70% of HVAC failures have early symptoms, a smart thermostat gives you another set of eyes on the problem. Even a reminder about a filter replacement can go a long way toward extending an HVAC’s lifespan.

Efficient operation using a smart thermostat tends to extend system longevity, too. Smart thermostats can control heating and cooling cycles to prevent overworking your HVAC. They can employ low-power or fan-only modes that reduce wear and tear on key components.

Many models also have humidistats or similar sensors allowing them to detect moisture levels. Wet air has a higher mass for heating and cooling. Consequently, it costs you more to heat or cool a cubic foot of wet air by one degree than it does dry air.

Indoor Air Quality

Smart thermostats can connect indoor air quality (IAQ) systems to sensors for comprehensive coverage. Foremost, this means you will get better data about the IAQ in your home. Secondly, eliminating dust, pollen, dander and other particulate matter can improve system efficiency and longevity. Clean systems struggle less because their air filters offer smoother airflow. Likewise, improved IAQ keeps components like burners and coils cleaner for longer, meaning your HVAC stains less to exchange energy internally and externally.

Some systems also include carbon dioxide monitors (CO2). Your home’s CO2 level is a good proxy for its fresh air intake. The CO2 level rises as people breathe, and the sensors can detect this increase. If the CO2 level gets too high, the smart thermostat can trigger an intake and ventilation cycle to improve IAQ.

Integration

Today’s smart thermostats generally offer great integration with other systems. The vast majority include smartphone apps that allow you to securely and directly control your system. Many of these also integrate with home entertainment and security systems so that you can control everything from the comfort of your bedroom or living room.

Integration also makes the system very convenient when you’re not home. If you go on vacation and want to have a family member check on your home, you can set the HVAC to provide a comfortable environment while they’re present. You can even grant them guest access if they need to be around for a bit.

Many high-end systems include integration with weather data. If your smart thermostat learns that a rainstorm is due soon, it can boost dehumidification to counter the expected effects. This functionality also allows the HVAC to make seasonal and daily adjustments. Combined with AI-based capabilities, this functionality makes a smart thermostat impressively proactive.

A smart thermostat is a great addition to any Sacramento, CA, home or business. At Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air, we offer complete residential and commercial HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation services as well as air quality options. Call us today to schedule your appointment.