Benefits of Smart Thermostats for HVAC Efficiency
Before we get into all the bells and whistles, let’s begin by defining our terms…
There are 3 basic types of thermostats: Manual Thermostats that allow you to set the temperature and nothing more, Programmable Thermostats that can automatically adjust the temperature based on a pre-set schedule, and Wi-Fi enabled Smart Thermostats that connect to an app on your smartphone (thus the name) or tablet.
Entry-level Smart Thermostats just allow you to adjust the temperature remotely. Middle-of-the-road models use motion sensors (and sometimes geofencing) to learn your preferences and routine, automatically adjusting to an energy-saving temperature when you’re asleep or away. Higher-end models do much more than automatically adjusting the temperature in your home so you can realize those HVAC-related energy savings.
For instance, ecobee brand thermostats can help you improve Indoor Air Quality with built -in air quality monitors and alerts, as well as air filter change reminders. They can also help you eliminate hot and cold spots in your home with SmartSensors that detect which rooms are occupied and automatically adjust the temperature in those rooms.
Premium ecobee models include built-in smoke alarm detection, advanced sensor technology to alert you of issues when you’re away from home, freeze detection to prevent burst pipes, and you can control all of that with your voice by using Siri or Alexa.
Similarly, Honeywell’s Total Connect® Comfort App allows you to monitor and adjust your heating and cooling usage, as well as indoor humidity levels, and you’ll automatically receive email alerts related to safety, comfort and energy usage.
The right Smart Thermostat can easily pay for itself with energy savings and other features that make your home safer and more comfortable, but Smart Thermostats are not one size fits all. In fact, some HVAC systems are designed to work better when they run constantly, at a fixed temperature, so a Smart Thermostat could actually work against you, and not all Smart Thermostats work with all HVAC systems, so save yourself a lot of headaches and expense by calling 813-921-4333 and speaking to one of our comfort specialists.
When you purchase your Smart Thermostat from a contractor, like Air Care
Pros, you don’t just get the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’ve purchased the best Smart Thermostat for your HVAC system and your lifestyle, you get a longer warranty than you would if you purchased the same unit from your local Home Depot or Lowe’s or, worse yet, online, so it’s truly a win-win situation!
In addition to its stated aim of curbing inflation, the
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which was signed into law in August of 2022, is the largest federal investment to fight climate change in U.S. history.
It accomplishes this by offering tax credits and point-of-sale rebates to lowincome (under 80% of Area Median Income) and moderate-income (between 80% and 150% of Area Median Income) consumers who purchase electric vehicles and other energy-efficient appliances, including high-efficiency air conditioning systems, between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2032.
Eligible air conditioning systems include ENERGY STAR certified “split systems” with a SEER2 rating greater than 15.2 (a split system has an outdoor cabinet that houses the condenser and compressor, and indoor cabinet that houses the evaporator coil, and an air handler – this is what most homeowners have) and all ENERGY STAR certified “packaged systems” (a packaged system has the evaporator coil, condenser, and compressor in one cabinet that is usually placed on the roof or a concrete slab by the home’s foundation – this type of system is also used for small commercial buildings).
If you’ve been toying with the idea of upgrading to an energy-efficient air conditioning system, and you want to see if you can take advantage of these rebates and tax credits.
Even if you don’t qualify for a rebate or credit, a new high-efficiency air conditioning systems can literally pay for itself in energy savings (e.g. a typical 18 SEER2 system uses 57% less electricity than a 12 SEER system with the same tonnage) so, if you’re about due for a new HVAC system, call 813-921-4333 – we’ll help you find the perfect heating and cooling solution for your comfort and budget needs!