Smart Thermostats for Families: Are They Worth It?

All families aspire to have a comfortable home, but balancing the comfort of the family along with the equal satisfaction of the family members while considering the cost factor is not always easy. Are they really worth the cost for families that do not need weatherproofing?

Tim Alagushov, an HVAC specialist at IRBIS Heating and Cooling in San Jose, points out that the thermostat is only part of the equation. How the household currently uses its system, the condition of the existing equipment, and the characteristics of the building all affect whether the upgrade pays off financially.

“A smart thermostat shouldn’t adjust to the way you use it; it should adjust your way of use to it.”  Alagushov. The insight into your home energy use needs before buying more technology is the important thing. 

The Savings Are Real but Smaller in Mild Climates

Smart thermostats can save a family money by conserving energy, but the savings may not be as great as people realize. According to the ENERGY STAR program of the Environmental Protection Agency in the USA, smart thermostats can lower the energy bill of an average household by $50 per year. However, the amount of the energy savings depends on the climate, usage pattern, comfort needs, and HVAC system of the household.

This is of special concern in the San Jose region where IRBIS is active. The ability to work with various property types and HVAC installations offers valuable on-the-ground experience that builders need to take into account: existing HVAC systems have their own condition and efficiency, which should not be overlooked, and are just as crucial as the thermostat itself.

A Family’s Schedule Decides Whether a Smart Thermostat for Families Pays Off

More than 40% of a household’s energy costs go towards heating and cooling. A smart thermostat can maximise efficiency and ensure that modifications are automated, so that heating or cooling isn’t used when no one is at home.

Common, everyday activities of the home can be the most beneficial. For instance, automation can be utilized in:

• School and work schedule: Lower the temperature or heat in school early in the morning and cool it before work ends in the evening.

• Night cooling: Automatically regulate the bedroom temperature during the night without getting up.

• Increasing flexibility in schedules and/or occupancy option during weekends: When the family engages in more activities outside or at locations off from the family home.

• Changing work patterns: Smartphone controls to alter temperatures when unexpected staff absence or earlier-than-usual returns.

Some families may have less opportunity for temperature control; however, for those with babies and/or young children or older members of the family or individuals spending most of the day at their home, a smart thermostat for families is crucial equipment.

Check HVAC Compatibility Before You Buy

The installation wiring system may be different compared to past installations, and some thermostats require a constant power source, also known as a C-wire, which ensures a consistent flow of power.

The family must decide whether:

• There is a conventional furnace, central air conditioning, or heat pump installed.

• It has multi-stage or single-stage heating and air conditioning on the thermostat.

• The existing wiring is according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

• Additional systems, such as humidifiers or zoning control, can communicate with the thermostat.

• The thermostat is compatible with installing additional controls suggested by the manufacturer.

Personal expertise is especially important to come in handy when considering HVAC compatibility. IRBIS services the diverse housing stock of San Jose and works on older homes with various HVAC systems, and is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer (FAAD).

Match the Thermostat to Your Household

User-friendliness is another factor that must be taken into account. Search for an easy-to-use application, easy-to-understand energy reports and easy-to-follow stickers.

If buying a water heater is an option, another clue is its Energy Star certification – the use of actual household data produces energy savings, not just manufacturer estimates.

In Conclusion

A smart thermostat for families is a valuable investment for a family, especially if everyone has a routine, is out of the home, and has different comfort levels. However, savings are not assured, particularly where there is mild weather. Before making any purchase, you need to consider your household calendar, as well as current heating and cooling systems and installations. This will guarantee that the investment is comfortable and convenient for you and your family through a compatibility test done by professionals.