Four Ways That Smart Thermostats Reduce Energy Use at Home
There are a few ways that you can use a smart thermostat to cut down on your energy usage at home. One of the first things that you can do is to set a schedule. This way you’ll be sure to have your thermostat on at the appropriate time every day. Another thing that you can do is to make sure that you don’t overheat your home.
Access and alter your thermostat remotely
Smart thermostats allow you to control your heating and cooling remotely. This can be a useful way to save energy when you are not around to use your home. These programmable devices let you set your thermostat to the ideal temperature while you are away, as well as when you return. Using smart thermostats can save you money while also keeping you comfortable.
Smart thermostats can be controlled via an app or smartphone. You can choose from a variety of quality options. They come with Wi-Fi and app features that make managing multiple thermostats simple.
Most popular smart thermostats provide reports about how much energy your home uses. The energy charting feature is especially helpful, as it can alert you to the need to replace insulation, windows, or other components in your home.
One Texas utility company, Oncor Electric Delivery, has a program that automatically adjusts your thermostat during times of high demand. It is referred to as a “demand-response” program.
Another company offering remotely-controlled thermostat programs is CenterPoint Energy. Their “EnergyHub” program allows customers to control their thermostats via their internet-connected smart thermostat. To qualify, a customer must opt-in to the program, which requires having a smart thermostat connected to the Internet. In addition, the program includes a rewards system. Customers who opt-in to the program are automatically entered into a $5,000 sweepstakes.
A third company, Resideo, makes a smart thermostat under the Honeywell Home brand. It offers remote access, an energy charting feature, and an alarm that warns of dirty filters.
Although it was not designed to be a smart thermostat, the Carrier Cor does offer a remote-control feature. The thermostat is compatible with Apple and Android phones and tablets, and it comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Thermostats are a relatively new technology, but it is just the beginning. In the future, power companies may even be able to control your hot water heater, refrigerator, and rooftop solar panels. For now, a quality smart thermostat will make you feel a lot more comfortable. So if you’re looking to save money on your electric bill, consider buying one.
Set a schedule
If you want to cut energy use in your home, you might consider setting a schedule for smart thermostats. These devices are wireless, programmable, and work with a smartphone. They can also be set to receive notifications about when your system is functioning properly. Some models are also able to send reports of your energy use. This can be very useful for lowering your electricity bill.
In addition to saving on your electricity bills, you can reduce the pressure on the energy grid by setting a schedule for smart thermostats. It is important to remember that your actual savings will vary depending on your location and what temperature you prefer.
Depending on the type of thermostat you own, you can choose between a day-by-day schedule or a week-by-week schedule. The day-by-day schedule gives you the most flexibility and allows you to program your thermostat according to your specific lifestyle.
Most models allow for daily, weekly, and even daily/weekend scheduling. You can also choose between thermostats that work with geofencing or sensors to detect when people enter or leave your home. Geofencing works by pairing a mobile device with the thermostat and tracking the device’s location.
Another feature that many programmable thermostats have is a vacation mode. This allows you to change the temperature when you are away. This helps you avoid wasting energy while you are away from home.
For optimal energy savings, set the temperature to 7 degrees to 10 degrees lower than the temperature of your home. Your family’s schedule should also be taken into account. Consider how your family will use your house during the different seasons. Also, keep in mind that the warmer months are generally more energy-efficient.
For example, setting your thermostat to 78 degrees can help you cut down on your heating and cooling costs. Similarly, adjusting your thermostat’s temperature by only two degrees during the day and night can make a big difference.
Lastly, you can check to see if your energy provider offers a Demand Response Program. This allows the utility to pre-cool or pre-heat your home during peak times, which helps prevent rolling blackouts.
Try a change in temperature
If you’re looking to conserve energy at home, it pays to be smart about your thermostat. For instance, you can save up to 15% on your utility bill just by changing your temperature. You can do this with the help of a programmable device or a mobile app. This can be especially helpful in a high-cost area like the Pacific Northwest. However, you need to be willing to put in the effort to see the benefits. Here are some tips to get you started.
The US Department of Energy has created a list of suggested thermostat settings based on your geographical region. To maximize energy efficiency, try to keep the thermostat at 68 F during the winter and 80 F during the summer. When away from the home, set the temperature to a higher number to maintain your desired indoor temperature. Also, consider a low temperature setting during nighttime hours. Using ceiling fans or portable fans can help cool down your household during the night.
While you’re at it, you may want to consider getting an intelligent thermostat to reduce your monthly power bills. These devices can learn your schedule and adjust your temperature automatically as needed. It’s a smart investment that could pay for itself. Smart devices are often the least expensive option, and they are not all that difficult to install. Some models even come with a smartphone app. Just make sure you don’t have your thermostat turned up all day long or you could wind up paying for all those extra degrees you threw off.
The best way to get started is to pick a programmable device that you are comfortable with and stick with it. You’ll be glad you did. Depending on your locale, you may be able to take advantage of city-wide programs that adjust your thermostat automatically during peak usage periods. Make sure to check with your provider before making any commitments. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. This will help you choose the right solution for your family and your budget.
Be mindful of over-heating
Smart thermostats are a great way to control the temperature of your home. They use Wi-Fi technology to provide remote control of your heating and cooling systems. This allows you to set a schedule and then turn your thermostat on and off when you’re in the house. In addition, you can set a weekly schedule to keep your ambient temperatures at a comfortable level. The best smart thermostats can learn your preferences and then adjust your thermostat automatically. However, you should be aware that you may be consuming more energy if you set the temperature to a higher level than your home requires.
The biggest reason people buy a smart thermostat is to save money on their energy bill. You can reduce the amount of money you spend on your electric bill by reducing the amount of time your heating and cooling systems are on. Using a smart thermostat can help you save up to PS100 per year on your energy bill. As mentioned, a smart thermostat can be programmed to automatically change the temperature of your home based on the weather. If your thermostat is not programmed to go to the appropriate temperature during a certain time of year, you can set the thermostat to lower the temperature while you’re asleep and to raise it when you’re awake. A smart thermostat can also be programmed to turn off the heat when you’re leaving the house, making it easier to conserve energy.
