Stay Comfortable and Save Energy with a Smart Thermostat

Why You Need a Smart Thermostat for Your Home

As technology continues to improve and advance, so do our homes. The possibilities of innovative technology are endless, from smart appliances to home security systems. One smart device that is growing in popularity is the smart thermostat. These devices have been available for years but continue improving, offering numerous benefits that make them a smart investment for any homeowner.

If you’re looking to modernize your home, a smart thermostat is a fantastic upgrade. As the leading home automation and electrician group in the Santa Clara Valley, Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric wants to be your guide to smart home upgrades. Here’s what you need to know about the marvel of smart thermostats and their benefits.

What is a Smart Thermostat?

You may have heard the term “smart thermostat,” but have you ever considered what this piece of technology really is? A smart thermostat is a device that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and allows you to control your thermostat remotely. Using an app on your smartphone or via a digital assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, you can set the temperature, adjust the settings, and even schedule temperature changes.

A smart thermostat isn’t just a device you can control with your phone. A smart thermostat can learn your habits and temperature preferences over time when set up correctly. It can then automatically adjust your settings based on the time of day, whether or not you’re home, and weather conditions outside.

Smart thermostats come in a variety of shapes and sizes with endless capabilities. You can find advanced models from companies like Ecobee, Nest, Google, Honeywell, and Amazon with a price range of roughly $80 to $250 each, not counting the installation.

The Perks of Installing a Smart Thermostat at Home

Some homeowners may hire electrical contractors to install smart thermostats because they look and feel futuristic. Let’s explore their tangible benefits.

1. Energy Savings

One of the most appealing benefits of a smart thermostat is its ability to save energy. You can reduce your energy consumption and lower your bills by automatically adjusting the temperature.

For example, suppose you leave for the weekend and forget to turn down the heat. A smart thermostat can do it for you. On the same note, creating a schedule can ensure you’re not burning energy to heat or cool your home while everyone is at work or school. Of course, with lower energy consumption comes lower utility bills.

2. Convenience

Another benefit of a smart thermostat is the convenience it offers. With a traditional thermostat, you must manually adjust the temperature whenever you want to change it. With a smart thermostat, you can set it up once and forget it.

The days of getting out of bed and wandering through dark hallways to adjust the temperature at night are long gone. With a smart thermostat, you can adjust the settings without leaving the covers. You can even adjust the temperature while you’re away on vacation.

3. Comfort

Smart thermostats are designed to keep you comfortable all year round. They can adjust the temperature based on humidity levels and outdoor weather conditions. That means you can keep your home at the perfect temperature, no matter the weather.

4. Integration with Other Smart Devices

While you’re unlikely ever to be too far from your phone, your smart thermostat can be integrated with other smart devices throughout your home. For example, you can use Amazon Alexa or Google Home to control your home’s temperature via voice commands.

Thermostats can also connect to other smart home devices like smart lighting, security systems, smoke alarms, and more. You can enjoy more convenience, comfort, and confidence.

5. Customizable Schedules

Smart thermostats offer the ability to create custom schedules for temperature adjustments. You can set your thermostat to adjust the temperature when you wake up automatically, leave for work, come home, and go to bed. You can even create different schedules for weekdays and weekends to fit your unique lifestyle.

Smart Thermostat Installation

Many smart thermostat brands claim easy installation that anyone can do. Unfortunately, that may not be true for every home and thermostat model. More importantly, any time you work with electricity, risk is involved. Improper installation could damage your HVAC system, resulting in costly and untimely repairs.

Older homes can be especially tricky, as they may not have the expected wires. Smart thermostats typically require a “C (common) wire” to function properly. This wire supplies constant 24-volt power to the unit, allowing it to connect to the internet. Older HVAC systems do not have a C wire.

Older homes may also have outdated electrical systems that cannot handle the power demands of a modern smart thermostat. This setup could lead to issues like blown fuses, tripped breakers, or even electrical fires, not to mention damaging the HVAC system.

To ensure your smart thermostat is installed correctly, homeowners should work with licensed electricians, like those at Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric in Gilroy, CA. We can help inspect and upgrade your current electrical grid, add or repurpose wires to guarantee your thermostat has the appropriate power, and help you understand how to use your new tech toy.

Trust Watson’s With Your Smart Home Technology Upgrades

Whether you want to upgrade your Santa Clara County HVAC system with a smart thermostat or explore other smart home upgrades, let Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric be your guide to home automation. We’re here to help with all your electrical projects, from major repairs and smart home installations to simple electrical upgrades.