These days, everything is “smart” – televisions, phones, and even our homes are becoming increasingly advanced as technology continues to grow. So why not have a smart thermostat? 

Installing a smart thermostat is no longer a thing used in futuristic movies. Homeowners can now install a thermostat that can be programmed to run during certain times and accessible from anywhere. Not only are smart thermostats easy to use, but their countless benefits have homeowners in Rockwall ditching their old-school thermostats and switching to smart, programmable versions. 

If you’re ready to replace your traditional thermostat with a smart device, the Rockwall thermostat service experts at Lyons Air & Heat can help. To schedule your smart/programmable thermostat consultation, call Lyons Air & Heat today at (214) 432-2859.

Smart Thermostats vs. Traditional Thermostats

Most homeowners are familiar with traditional thermostats. If you start to get too cold or warm, you walk over to your thermostat and change the temperature setting manually. Once you’ve set the thermostat to your desired temperature, you’ll have to wait for your HVAC system to adjust and catch up to the updated temperature settings. 

Simple enough, right? Unfortunately, regular thermostats can waste energy since they constantly run heating and cooling systems while homeowners are away. This wasted energy can lead to higher energy bills since you have no control over what your HVAC system is doing while you’re gone. 

That’s where smart thermostats come in. Smart thermostats can help increase energy savings by allowing homeowners to have the freedom to adjust their heating and cooling settings no matter where they are. Most smart thermostats have the option to pre-program your heating and cooling settings and make adjustments while you’re away. Having more control over your home’s heating and cooling costs can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re on vacation or away from home for an extended period of time. 

How Do Smart Thermostats Work?

Smart thermostats function by connecting your HVAC system to your home’s internet, which is how you can access the temperature controls with your phone. Using your smart devices, you can change the temperature setting, create a schedule, access your usage, and more. Once you upload your preferred settings, that information is carried over your internet to your HVAC system. 

Your smart thermostat can sense the temperature inside your home and send a signal to the HVAC system to adjust the temperature in order to reach your uploaded temperature preferences. For example, if the smart thermostat senses the temperature is higher than you prefer, it will send a signal to the HVAC unit that it needs to lower the temperature. 

How Do Smart Thermostats Integrate Into Home Automation Systems?

Home automation systems allow homeowners full control of their HVAC system both at home and while away. These smart home devices create a cohesive system for homeowners to control their temperatures, lighting, security system, speakers, and more. 

Adding a smart thermostat device to your home automation system can increase your energy savings by making your home even more energy efficient. Plus, most smart thermostats can work with your other home automation devices to learn and improve energy usage throughout your home. 

Benefits of Installing Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats have many benefits that make them appealing to homeowners. People don’t realize how much their HVAC system runs while they aren’t home, which wastes both energy and money. 

With a smart, programmable thermostat, you can set your system only to run when you’re home. If you’re worried about the Texas heat making it impossible to cool your home once you get home, you can set your thermostat to kick on at a certain time so that it can get your home cooled off by the time you get there. 

Another benefit of smart thermostats is that many can learn your habits the longer you use them and make adjustments accordingly. Hence the name “smart!”

In addition to saving on energy costs, your smart thermostat can help you improve your home’s indoor air quality. Your smart thermostat system can monitor your home’s humidity levels and make adjustments to prevent the air from being too dry or damp.  

Key Features of Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats also have great features that can vary depending on the type of system you choose. When shopping for smart thermostats, research their different features to ensure you get the most out of your new thermostat. 

Some key features that many smart thermostats offer include: 

• WiFi compatibility: If you’re going to make the change from a traditional thermostat to a smart one, you want to make sure it can connect to WiFi. 
• Programmability: Accessing your smart thermostat online is great, but being able to set a schedule is even better. Creating a schedule is how smart thermostats help homeowners with energy savings.
• Energy reports: Smart thermostats can provide reports on your monthly energy usage so you can assess where you can make some adjustments. Some can even offer suggestions on ways you can reach your energy-saving goals. 
• Alerts and notifications: Receiving notifications from your smart thermostat about your HVAC system is a great feature to have. Not only can it notify you when the filter needs to be changed, but it can also alert you to energy usage, power outages, maintenance needs, and more. 
• Compatibility: A smart thermostat that works with your other smart devices can help you create the optimal home automation system.  

Not all smart thermostat systems come with the features mentioned above, so it’s important to consult with your Rockwall HVAC technician when comparing different models. 

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smart Thermostat

One of the most important factors to consider before choosing a smart thermostat is the price. Depending on what features you want your system to offer can affect the price, so if certain things aren’t as important as others, you may want to consider living without those features. Generally, smart thermostats can range anywhere from $30 to $500.

Homeowners must also consider wires and voltage since smart thermostats require thin, low-voltage wires. Most traditional thermostats use “line-voltage,” which isn’t compatible with smart thermostats. If you remove your current thermostat cover and find thicker wires, that may mean your system isn’t compatible. Smart thermostats receive power through the C-wire or common wire. If your current system doesn’t have a C-wire, you may still be able to switch to a smart thermostat, but it may limit your choices. 

Smart Thermostats Compatibility with HVAC Systems

An obvious factor to consider before purchasing a smart thermostat is whether it will work with your current HVAC system. If your system was installed after 1975, it should be compatible with a smart thermostat. If your HVAC system is multi-stage, variable speed, or zoned for different parts of your home, you must consult an HVAC expert to ensure your smart thermostat is compatible with those HVAC systems. 

Smart Thermostat Installation

Once you’ve chosen the perfect smart thermostat for your home, it’s time for the installation. As always, we recommend using an experienced heating and cooling technician to handle the installation of your smart thermostat. Depending on the type of HVAC unit you have, installing your smart thermostat could be more complicated. 

Our Rockwall smart thermostat experts can handle your installation from start to finish in no time. 

DIY Installation vs. Professional Smart Thermostat Installation

While there are many videos online explaining how to install your smart thermostat at home, it’s always best to consult with a professional when handling wires, voltage, and your HVAC unit. Installing your smart thermostat incorrectly can have dangerous consequences and can affect its overall efficiency. Don’t take your chances with installing your smart thermostat, and trust the pros at Lyons Air & Heat. 

Installation Costs for Smart Thermostats

Installing a smart thermostat can cost a homeowner an average of about $350. Generally, people can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500. However, your current wiring and HVAC system can affect installation costs. 

Before we begin installing your smart thermostat, your technician will evaluate your wiring system and HVAC unit so they can provide you with an accurate installation cost. When you choose Lyons Air & Heat for your heating and cooling needs, you can trust there won’t be any hidden costs or surprises when you get the bill. 

Are Smart Thermostats Worth the Investment?

Smart thermostats are perfect for homeowners tired of paying high heating and cooling bills. When you install a smart thermostat, you have temperature control while you’re at home and while you’re away. With that much control at your fingertips, you can choose when your HVAC unit runs and when it can cut back, saving both energy and money. 

Can Smart Thermostats Really Save Money on Energy Bills?

Yes, smart thermostats can save you money on energy bills depending on your personal usage and the type of smart thermostat you choose. In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that smart thermostats that meet Energy Star criteria can save homeowners an average of 8% on their energy bills. 

Some smart thermostats have been shown to save even more on energy costs, like the Ecobee smart thermostat, which can reduce energy costs by up to 23%. 

Call the Rockwall Smart Thermostat Experts at Lyons Air and Heat Today!

If you’re ready to save energy and money, it’s time to schedule an appointment with the Rockwall smart thermostat experts at Lyons Air & Heat. With all the benefits that come with installing smart thermostat systems, it’s an obvious choice for homeowners in Rockwall an all the surrounding areas. 

To schedule an appointment for a smart thermostat consultation, call Lyons Air & Heat at (214) 432-2859 or reach out online today!