If you’re a homeowner in Akron, OH, you may have wondered whether you can update from your regular thermostat to a smart thermostat. Fortunately, the answer is yes. However, it’s not quite as simple as popping your old thermostat off the wall and replacing it with your new thermostat.
For a smooth smart thermostat installation, your home should have a C-wire, which many older homes do not. There is a work-around, but it’s definitely more difficult to install a smart thermostat if your home is missing a C-wire. So, your best bet is to turn to a professional HVAC company in Akron, such as Bernard Heating & Cooling.
Why Is a Smart Thermostat Desirable?
A conventional thermostat doesn’t connect to the internet, and it requires you to use manual input to change your home’s temperature. On the other hand, a smart thermostat connects to Wi-Fi and actually learns your habits, so it’s able to adjust the temperature automatically.
Other perks include of a smart thermostat include:
- Reducing energy bills
- Using a smartphone app
- Letting you change the temperature remotely
Let’s say your current traditional thermostat is tricky to operate due to an incorrect reading of your home’s internal temperature. Whenever you try to set your thermostat to 68 degrees, it either stays stuck at 65 degrees or soars to 71 degrees. There’s no need to shrug your shoulders and try to get used to it. Rather, this should be your sign to seek a more modern design.
Benefits of Installing a Smart Thermostat
When you have a smart thermostat, it’ll keep your Akron home’s temperature within a degree or two of your desired setting. Even better, it provides several benefits that make it the wiser choice.
Efficiency and Energy Savings
According to Consumer Reports, upgrading to a smart thermostat will save you an average of 8% annually. Smart thermostats gauge the indoor temperature by utilizing a digital sensor, thereby providing a faster response time and increased accuracy. Additionally, you can use the smart thermostat’s eco mode when you’re away from home, and this cuts your energy usage back even more.
Advanced Features
While every smart thermostat utilizes a digital sensor, some rely on an entire team of sensors. If this is the type you purchase, you’ll experience even better results as your thermostat takes temperature readings in multiple rooms.
Reduced Temperature Fluctuations
Smart thermostats reduce your overall wear and tear on your HVAC system via their digital sensors.
Scheduling and Automation
Take advantage of features such as automation and scheduling to achieve greater comfort and save money. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have remote access to your smart thermostat, so you can always adjust the temperature no matter where you are.
What if the C-Wire Is Missing?
If you live in an older house in Akron, the odds are high that your home doesn’t have a C-wire. There are two possible ways to address this issue.
First off, a professional might suggest installing a smart thermostat that doesn’t require a C-wire. There are several of these to choose from, so it’s not as big of an inconvenience as you might have thought. Alternatively, you can select a power extender kit, which should enable almost any smart thermostat to work in your home.
Be aware that certain HVAC systems may not be compatible with your chosen smart thermostat. Therefore, it’s wise to verify your HVAC unit’s compatibility before you make a mistake. You can also ask a professional HVAC installer in Akron for a recommendation.
Ensure You Have Strong Enough Wi-Fi
Your smart thermostat requires Wi-Fi to operate properly. Check to see if your home Wi-Fi provides a strong enough signal to reach your thermostat. If it doesn’t, you might be better off with a digital thermostat without smart capabilities.
Consider Future Integrations
Having a home voice assistant such as HomeKit or Alexa will make it even easier to use your smart thermostat. If you don’t have one yet, though, never fear. Although it’s easier to set everything up at once, you can always go back and add a voice assistant later on.
Other technological integrations that are on the horizon include:
- Predictive scheduling
- AI
- Machine learning
- Enhanced voice control
- Biometric integration
You can also expect greater smart home interconnectivity, an enhanced user experience, increased sustainability, and better energy efficiency. A smart thermostat is the way of the future, and it will make your life much easier.
Learn From Your Energy Profile
Although you can purchase a smart thermostat, set it up and then forget about it, this isn’t the best way to save money. Instead, set up your energy profile, and your thermostat will work with your HVAC unit to ensure you get the most out of it. Plus, it’ll provide important insights that can help you adjust your overall energy usage.
Track Your Energy Use
Another helpful way to reduce your energy usage and improve your home efficiency is by tracking how much energy you use. Your smart thermostat offers energy tracking, and it typically comes with some tips to help you cut your overall usage. This is a good way to anticipate and budget for your future needs.
Keep Track of the Weather
Sitting inside your perfectly warmed house can make it easy to forget about the outside temperature. Fortunately, some smart thermostats also come with weather tracking to help you stay on top of outside conditions.
Of course, there is another fantastic use of weather tracking that you’ll probably get much more out of. Your smart thermostat may have the power to make adjustments based on upcoming weather forecasts. For instance, if the weather has been around 70 degrees for weeks but a big dip is predicted, your smart thermostat and HVAC unit will work together to get ahead of this major change.
Why Make the Switch?
All the technology in your home is becoming increasingly integrated, which means there has never been a better time to choose a smart thermostat. In fact, by switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle.
Consider the difference that one of these devices can make. If you leave home in a rush and forget to lower your thermostat, you can simply pull your smartphone out of your pocket to make an adjustment. Plus, if you’re on vacation when a cold front moves through, your thermostat will be smart enough to change its settings for you.
It’s typical for adults to make as many as 35,000 decisions in a day. By eliminating some of them, you can help avoid decision fatigue, along with poor choices and impulsivity.
Akron’s HVAC Company Since 1991
Bernard Heating & Cooling has been proudly serving the Akron area since 1991. Our locally owned and operated company is here to help with all your heating and cooling needs, including smart thermostat, heating repair, and air conditioning installation. We employ NATE-certified technicians and have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Are you ready to replace your existing thermostat with a smart thermostat? Contact Bernard Heating & Cooling in Akron today!
