Smart Home Thermostats Are the Future
Thermostats have come a long way from being archaic dials on the wall. Nowadays, “smart” thermostats connect to users’ phones, allowing them to change their homes’ temperature any time, any place.
Yet, despite glowing reviews from online users, homeowners may wonder what smart home thermostat best meets their needs. The answer depends on the home’s already-existing technology, how often homeowners use smart home assistants (like Alexa), and their budget.
It’s also important to know when an old thermostat needs replacing. After considering all of these factors, homeowners can give (or get) the best gift this holiday season: a brand-new, high-tech thermostat.
Signs of a Failing Thermostat 
However, signs that a thermostat is reaching the end of its life include:
- Age: The average thermostat lasts about 10 years. Once it reaches this point, homeowners may notice faded display screens, inconsistent temperatures, and chronically low batteries.
- The heat or air conditioning runs constantly: This generally means that the house isn’t getting to its desired temperature. While this isn’t a major concern, homeowners may see a marked increase in their energy bills.
- The HVAC system inconsistently runs: Some days, the HVAC system might work perfectly. Other days, it might not even turn on. This is a major sign that the thermostat needs replacing. If the thermostat can’t give instructions to the HVAC unit, nothing will work properly.
Homeowners may consider consulting a thermostat replacement service to learn what constitutes a failing thermostat.
Smart Home Thermostats Come with Endless Benefits 
Smart home thermostats are the latest frontier in home improvement technology. Many major companies, including Nest, Honeywell, and ecobee, have affordable, cutting-edge thermostats on today’s market. Yet, before breaking out their wallets, homeowners might wonder: “What’s the point?”
The benefits of installing a smart home thermostat include:
- Lower energy bills: Many smart home thermostats come with apps where homeowners can monitor their energy usage and estimated bills. For example, per the New York Times, Google Nest Thermostats can reduce homeowners’ energy bills by about 15 percent.
- Efficiency: Science has come a long way. Smart home thermostats utilize sensors, timers, and other components to maximize efficiency. No wasted energy here!
- Convenience: No more walking into a cold house and going, “Who changed the thermostat?” Using the app, homeowners can prevent family members (like kids) from adjusting the thermostat or making unauthorized changes. They can also set schedules where the thermostat will adjust the home’s temperature during certain times of the day.
There’s Endless Smart Home Thermostats to Choose From
Each year, smart home companies release more and more thermostats on today’s market. Some noteworthy thermostats include:
- The ecobee smart home thermostat – According to the New York Times, ecobee claims it can reduce homeowners’ energy bills by 23 percent. This device pairs with Alexa and even turns the air conditioning off when a door or window opens (with a paid subscription).
- Google Nest – Google has one of the cheapest thermostats on today’s market, ranging from just over $100. These devices pair with the Google Home app, conserve energy when no one’s home, and come in eight different models.
- The Honeywell Home Smart Thermostat – This all-in-one device not only comes with an app and remote programming, but it also comes with a water leak sensor. This Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat alerts homeowners to potential problems before they turn into huge issues.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Livermore and Tri-County California residents know who to call when they have home improvement problems. Barker Heating & Cooling professionals specialize in smart home thermostat installation and a suite of other same-day services. Interested parties can call them today for thermostat services!
