The Department of Energy (DOE) advises advanced HVAC controls for all U.S. households. There are several key reasons for the nationwide recommendation as it applies to Montana. Here’s what you should know about upgrading your system and home.
Professional Smart Thermostat Installation
The best way to upgrade your thermostat is to schedule a professional consultation and installation. There are many thermostat brands and models on the market. An experienced technician can ensure you choose a compatible thermostat. They can also help you maximize your budget and make certain you get the features you want. That can include exploring rebates and other incentives that can help you recoup your investment sooner.
If you’re upgrading from an older thermostat style, you may lack the necessary common wire (C-wire). A C-wire provides a steady power supply to modern thermostats. A technician can install it by running a new line from your HVAC equipment to the thermostat. They can verify optimal placement and, if necessary, move your thermostat. You’ll also benefit from professional setup, including Wi-Fi connectivity and programming.
The Top Benefits: Lower Energy Bills and Smaller Environmental Footprint
Energy savings are the key reason for the DOE recommendation. All smart thermostats provide automatic temperature scheduling as a core feature. When set appropriately, it can reduce a household’s annual heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. For many homeowners, that means a smart thermostat will pay for itself in the first year or two of use. Those savings not only affect your wallet but also significantly lower your CO2-equivalent emissions.
Many smart thermostats also provide additional energy-saving mechanisms. Some notable features to consider for your home include:
- Vacation mode
- Energy rate awareness
- Real-time weather monitoring
- Energy monitoring and insights
Another consideration is a demand response program, which many Montana utilities offer. With a compatible thermostat, you don’t need rate awareness as a feature. You simply opt in, and the provider will automatically adjust your unit during peak rate periods. The benefit for you includes immediate savings in those moments, as well as perks like bill credits.
Other Smart Thermostat Benefits
While energy savings may be the most notable smart thermostat benefit, it isn’t the only one. Let’s consider some other ways an upgrade can make your home more comfortable and convenient.
Remote Access and Control
Wi-Fi capabilities let a smart thermostat connect to your local network and the internet. Via an app on your phone, you can control your thermostat from your couch. You can also control it from your office at work or while travelling to the airport.
Improved HVAC Maintenance
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that a clogged HVAC filter can increase energy costs by 15% to 30%. Many smart thermostats can provide filter replacement reminders. They can also remind you to schedule AC maintenance in spring and heating maintenance in fall.
Home Automation Integration
A smart thermostat is a smart device in every sense. That means it can connect to your other smart devices either via a hub or an ad hoc network. It can communicate with smart ceiling fans, shades, blinds, refrigerators, voice assistants, and much more.
Profiles and Adaptive Learning
Profiles encapsulate automatic thermostat schedules, which allow you to have different schedules for a range of applications. You can create a schedule for weekdays, weekends, seasons, cold snaps, warm spells, and more. With adaptive learning capabilities, you may not even need to use these features directly. The thermostat can monitor household usage and develop its own schedules and profiles to maximize comfort and efficiency.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Optimal thermostat scheduling limits HVAC cycles, which can make a notable difference in your indoor air quality. Smart thermostats can provide advanced control for air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. You also have the option of zone control for IAQ benefits, even greater energy savings, and personalized comfort.
Smart Thermostat Installation in Billings and the Surrounding Areas
Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC is proud to have served this region for over 40 years from our location in Billings, MT. Our company offers a broad selection of smart thermostats from the top brands. We perform new installations, replacements, thermostat setup, maintenance, and repairs. To schedule an appointment, call today or contact us online.