Columbus homeowners have embraced advanced technology throughout their homes. You’ll see it in big-screen TVs that offer sharper images than anyone could have imagined a generation ago. You’ll find it in kitchen appliances that take the guesswork out of cooking. Plus, there’s that high-speed internet – what an improvement over the “you’ve got mail” days! But there’s one piece of technology in many Columbus homes that’s downright old-fashioned and is probably costing the homeowners money.
When was the last time you noticed your home’s thermostat? For most people, it’s such a familiar sight that it kind of blends into the wall on which it’s mounted. If your Columbus home has one of those round dial-type thermostats, it uses very old- fashioned technology to manage your home’s temperature … and your comfort. In most cases, the thermostat uses a narrow strip of metal formed into a spiral coil. The metal is temperature-sensitive, so it expands when it gets warmer and shrinks when it gets cooler. When it detects a temperature that’s lower or higher than you desire (depending upon the season), it turns your heating or cooling on.
You may have a thermostat with a digital readout, but that doesn’t mean it’s a high-tech device. Early technology simply combined the old-fashioned approach with a different readout. Put another way, your modern-looking thermostat may rely on really old technology.
Smart thermostats are internet-connected devices that Columbus homeowners can use to take greater control of their home’s heating and cooling system. These advanced controls allow you to use voice commands, smartphone apps, and may even pay attention to your preferences and start making automatic adjustments to keep you comfortable. Many smart thermostats can also work in cooperation with other smart home devices like personal assistants or lighting controls.
One thing that really sets smart thermostats apart is their ability to learn from the behavior of users. In addition to having built-in sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and occupancy, they use complex algorithms to analyze your preference and regular habits. For example, if they notice that you lower the heat as you leave for work on weekdays, they’ll begin to make that adjustment automatically. Some automatically recognize your normal bedtime and cool your room slightly to help you fall fast asleep … then increase your home’s temperature before you awaken so the bathroom isn’t as chilly.
While you’ll be happier with the comfort delivered by a smart thermostat in your Columbus home, what will really put a smile on your face is the improved energy efficiency. Because smart thermostats are more precise and can tailor your heating and cooling to your lifestyle, they make more efficient use of energy … and for most homeowners, that means lower energy bills. Over time, those lower bills can add up to big savings. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy claims homeowners with smart thermostats can save up to 10-12% on heating costs and 15% on cooling costs.
If you’re ready to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency by replacing your ancient dial thermostat or a digital model with no features, turn to the home comfort experts at Johnson Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. We’re happy to assess and identify the smart thermostats that will provide the best performance in your Columbus home and give you the comfort and convenience you’re after. We’ll handle the installation and show you how to make the most of your thermostat’s features. Why keep putting up with a thermostat that uses old-fashioned technology? Call us today at (317) 714-0936!