Most homeowners are aware that Wi-Fi thermostats have the ability to cut their energy costs while maintaining a comfortable home temperature. Additional things like having your thermostat installed by a professional and understanding auto mode can also help you get the most out of the Wi-Fi thermostat in your Cottontown, Tennessee, home.
Do Your Research
With so many Wi-Fi thermostats available in the market today, it can be overwhelming knowing which one to buy. Keep in mind that not all Wi-Fi thermostats are the same. Some have basic functions while others have advanced features, like the ability to adjust your home’s temperature remotely or based on the different zones in your house.
Other Wi-Fi thermostats have learning capabilities which mean they monitor your temperature preferences and then adjust settings based on that information. Additionally, some thermostats have the ability to pull information from outside sources like weather sites and GPS location to know which temperature is ideal and when. Consider which features in a Wi-Fi thermostat will benefit your home, including the level of control and automation capabilities.
Leave the Installation to a Professional
There are a few situations in which it would make sense to have your Wi-Fi installed by a professional. If your current thermostat is manual or not programmable, a professional technician can help you choose the right Wi-Fi enabled one. Additionally, just because your previous thermostat was in a specific location doesn’t mean that it’s the best location for your new one.
The location of a thermostat can affect its efficiency. For example, if your thermostat is located near a window or door, it can lead to an inaccurate reading, which can cause it to activate the heat or air when you don’t need it. Additionally, if your thermostat is not in a central location, it may not turn on when you need it, and you could be left with hot or cold spots within your house. The location of the thermostat plays a significant role in maximizing its efficiency rating.
Understand Auto Mode
Many programmable thermostats have an auto mode. This mode either controls your blower fan or the transition from heat and air settings. The problem with this setting is that it could potentially activate the heat during the summer and the air conditioning during the winter. If you are away from home, you may not realize this until you have returned. Consistently swapping between heat and air can also add a lot of unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC unit. Understand what your thermostat’s auto mode means and then adjust your use accordingly.
Take Advantage of Wi-Fi Capabilities
Dropping your thermostat to 60 degrees when you leave the house and braving the cold or heat when you return is a thing of the past. In fact, dropping the temperature too low can make it difficult for your HVAC system to recover when you return, and make it take longer to reach your intended temperature.
Instead, take advantage of the Wi-Fi capabilities and manually adjust your temperature settings remotely. Gradually increase the temperature in the house throughout the day in preparation for your return home. Even better, go with a programmable thermostat that allows you to create a schedule based on your daily habits. This ensures that you are met with a comfortable home temperature, regardless of the temperature setting when you were away.
Read the Owner’s Manual
There are many different types and brands of Wi-Fi thermostats available today. In order to get the most out of your individual thermostat, it is important to understand exactly what it is designed to do. While it may be tempting to throw out the owner’s manual and learn the features on your own, the owner’s manual often has valuable tips for maximizing the efficiency of your new thermostat.
Having a Wi-Fi programmable thermostat installed is the first step to greater heating and cooling efficiency. Understanding the available features of your thermostat and creating a schedule based on your habits can help you maximize its use. Call us today at Bentley’s Air Conditioning at (615) 754-2665 to learn more about the advantages of a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat.
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