Pros And Cons of Smart Thermostats

The cold winter months have no doubt put your heating system to the test and keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is no easy task for your HVAC system, especially when the weather can be so unpredictable.

One day, outside temperatures can be ten degrees below freezing only to jump up to spring-like temperatures in the low fifties a few days later. To that end, many consumers have begun opting to have Smart Thermostats installed in their homes.

Smart thermostats have been on the market for several years, but recently have become more popular. UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is an HVAC company that has a lot of experience with smart thermostats. Our HVAC contractors have installed them in many homes for clients and are very familiar with the benefits they offer to customers. If you do not have a smart thermostat already, should you get one?

We are going to take some time to go over the pros and cons of smart thermostats, so you can decide for yourself!

PROS:

1. Smart Thermostats Can Save You Money: One of the main things that smart thermostats claim to do is save consumers money. While the amount of savings may vary depending on several factors, this is actually true. The main area where smart thermostats save you money is through electricity use. Smart thermostats learn your habits and can sense when you are home or away, and many of them even have an “Eco Mode” that prioritizes saving electricity. All of this information helps smart thermostats know when to turn heating or cooling on, so your HVAC system is only running when it actually needs to. On average, consumers who have a smart thermostat installed in their home save 10% on their electricity bills.
2. Smart Thermostats Are Easy To Use: Nearly every smart thermostat on the market makes use of a touch screen and a user interface that is very simple and easy to navigate. Consumers can use their smartphones to make temperature changes while in another room. You can even control your smart thermostat when you are not in your house. Many smart thermostats can even be controlled using a virtual assistant like an Alexa or Google Home.
3. Smart Thermostats: Can Help With Maintenance: When was the last time you changed your filter? Do you remember how long it has been since an HVAC company has come out to perform preventative maintenance? If you have trouble with remembering these things, your smart thermostat can help you. Some smart thermostats can send you reminders via e-mail and text or even notifications on your phone as to when you need to change your filter or when preventative maintenance was last performed. These two simple things can increase the longevity of your HVAC system, so it can work as intended for as long as possible.

CONS:

1. Smart Thermostats Can Be Expensive: The cost of a normal digital thermostat can be as low as $30.00 but many smart thermostats can be a bit more expensive. Smart thermostats range anywhere between $100 to $250 or more. This prohibitive cost can be a big barrier to entry for some consumers. While the savings in electricity can eventually pay for a smart thermostat, it may take longer to recoup the cost of one than you would like.
2. Installation Can Be Daunting For Some: If you are someone who is not handy or comfortable with exposed wiring, the installation of a smart thermostat may not be something you want to take on. Step by step instructions are always included with each smart thermostat but this can still seem intimidating if you do not have experience with installation. The type of heating and cooling you have with your HVAC system can come into play as well. If you are unsure about installation or compatibility with your system, one of our knowledgeable HVAC contractors can help you decide if a smart thermostat is right for you.
3. Security Can Be An Issue: As with anything that is connected to the internet, security can be a potential concern for some consumers. Smart devices in your home could be a potential gateway to access your home’s network by bad actors or hackers. Most manufacturers release updates and patches that address security flaws as they become known, but there is always the potential for a new threat.

Hopefully, this information has provided you with enough information to decide as to whether or not a smart thermostat is right for you and your home. If you think it is, consider contracting us so that we can have one installed for you. UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has a host of residential here to offer. How can we help you today?