Of all the quick improvements you can make to your home, installing a smart thermostat just might be the best. This simple upgrade pays for itself and gives you much more flexibility in controlling your home.

The traditional thermostat

Traditional vs. smart thermostats are a lot like “dumb phones” vs. smartphones. When comparing the basic phones of 2002 with the smartphones of today, there is no question. Traditional thermostats and smart thermostats are very similar.

The traditional thermostat usually has a temperature sensor. The temperature control system heats or cools the house until the temperature threshold is reached. The system turns off for a moment, then starts heating or cooling again after the temperature changes. This means your home is heated or cooled 24/7, even if no one is home! You might as well be burning money.

Some traditional thermostats offer minimal programming, but it’s often disappointing and unintuitive. The interface on older thermostats can be cumbersome and difficult to use, causing many to forget to program the thermostat. As a result, you may find yourself manually changing the temperature all the time.

the smart thermostat

Smart thermostats, like the offerings from Nest or ecobee, actually learn the temperatures you prefer. In addition, these systems have user-friendly interfaces. Just set the temperature to your liking, and after a couple of weeks the Nest or ecobee will start to adjust the temperature on its own!

These devices also have some amazing features. Motion sensors allow thermostats to detect when people are in your home. When the house is empty, thermostats intelligently change the temperature to save you money. However, the device is also smart enough to learn when you return home regularly. Then it will set the temperature to where you like it right before you arrive, so you always come home to a comfortable home.

Smart thermostats can be controlled through the main device itself, a smartphone app, or with your voice. These methods allow for ease of control from anywhere. You can control your home from your desktop at work. When you go on vacation, simply use the app to put your home in vacation mode. It will then keep the house at a low-cost temperature while you’re away. If your thermostat has a microphone or has a smart speaker like an Amazon Echo or Google Home, setting the temperature is as easy as speaking out loud.

The main benefit of these intelligent temperature control systems is energy savings. ENERGY STAR requires smart thermostats to save an average of $75 a year to become certified, but many people see even greater savings. In the long run, a smart thermostat will pay for itself, and then start putting money in your pocket. Using less energy is also better for the environment! Plus, you get all the great features mentioned above.

Smart thermostats are easier to use, make your home more comfortable, and save you money! What could not be loved? Help yourself and the environment by installing a smart thermostat in your home.