At an age where convenience is king, smart homes have rapidly become a popular trend. With heating and cooling accounting for the largest portion of energy bills, most homeowners are today switching to the Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat to cut costs. Before upgrading to this green option, there are a few pointers worth noting.
Ensure your HVAC is Compatible
Before purchasing your green thermostat, be sure it is compatible with your HVAC unit. With the green options being a fairly new technology, the more modern HVAC systems tend to have greater compatibility than the old ones. Thermostat wiring is often the most limiting factor. A professional can help you pick the thermostat that will best work with your unit. Note; if you install a thermostat that is not compatible with your HVAC system, it could lead to the damage of the unit’s control board.
Confirm you have Sufficient Wiring
Having a compatible HVAC system does not automatically mean you have enough wires. Most green thermostats will require you to have an extra wire for plugging into the C-terminal for continuous power supply of 24-volt energy. Note; green thermostats have a built-in colour display, which depends on power from the batteries. Given that the batteries can’t provide the needed power for a long time, C-wire power from the heat-source will be required. However, not every thermostat will require the C-wire, so be sure to have your unit checked by a professional. There are options that do not require a C-wire, but these are known to malfunction or stop working.
Have a WIFI Connection
A smart thermostat can be installed without WIFI and left to operate like a traditional one. However, the lack of a WIFI control means missing out on key features. Get the most of your Wi-Fi thermostat by ensuring your wireless network is fully functional and strong. Some of the benefits you can expect from the thermostat include alerts, in-depth reporting and features that encourage heat control. The extra features mean more control, which ultimately saves money on the heating and cooling bills.
Compatibility with your Smart Home System
In addition to monitoring and automating temperature settings, green thermostats are also built to integrate with your home. When switching to these smart options, be sure to purchase one that is compatible with your smart home system. If you are yet to switch to a smart home system, get a professional to guide you on the preferable thermostat to install based on your future objectives. The good news is; a majority of green thermostats are compatible with a large variety of systems. With a green thermostat, you will require to install an app on your laptop, smartphone or tablet. All green thermostats come with an easy and freely downloadable mobile app for remote access.
Determine what Happens to the Wall Behind the Old Thermostat
For some people, switching from an old to a new thermostat is easy. While the older thermostats are small, smart ones tend to be larger. It might mean handling extra repair on your wall in addition to making a replacement. Some of the most common problems noted are mismatched painting and a damaged wall that may not be fully covered by the new installation. If you are lucky, your thermostat may come with a wall plate that will cover the mismatched paint or the damaged wall. If you do not have the wall plate or are not planning to use it, you can have your wall repainted or repaired after the installation of your new thermostat.
Green Thermostats Should be Installed by an Electrician
Unlike traditional thermostats, which only need a single wire to deliver the required power, the green and modern ones require extra wiring to complete the circuit. A wrong installation of the smart model could mean causing damage to your home and lead to a potential electrical shock.
Smart thermostats are ideal for homeowners looking to monitor how much they are spending on their heating. They are also recommended for people with a busy lifestyle and those interested in programming and scheduling their heating when on the move. Also, if you plan on staying on your property for an extended period and looking to save money on energy bills, this is the thermostat to invest in. With these thermostats, you will fully enjoy comfort, convenience, energy savings and control.
