Are Smart Thermostats Worth the Money?

In addition to the convenience of controlling your thermostat remotely, smart thermostats save energy and money by minimizing comfort loss. This is done through programmable scheduling, geo-fencing and learning algorithms.

They also integrate with smart device platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to allow for voice commands. Saying, “Alexa, good morning,” can turn on the lights and start your smart coffee machine.

Cost

Heating and cooling account for half of the average home’s energy costs, so a smart thermostat can offer significant savings. However, they’re not cheap to purchase or install.

Less expensive models cost between $100 and $200. They offer basic functions like smartphone connectivity and the ability to manage temperature settings remotely, but they lack some advanced features such as geofencing and learning algorithms.

More expensive smart thermostats include voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, which let you control the device using simple commands. They can also connect to smart home devices like lights and coffee machines, making it possible to create a whole-home “routine” that adjusts the temperature when you arrive or leave.

Many smart thermostats come with smart sensors that can be placed in doors, windows, or rooms to detect movement. These can trigger the HVAC to shut off if the house is unoccupied. Connected devices present new gateways for hackers to access your home’s network, but regular software updates help reduce security risks.

Learning Curve

During the first couple of weeks with your new smart thermostat, you might notice some initial fluctuations in energy usage and settings. This is because smart thermostats need some time to “learn” your habits and preferences in order to make accurate adjustments.

The good news is that this adjustment period is typically a small price to pay for the added benefits of an automatic, customized thermostat that takes some of the work out of controlling your home’s temperature. Additionally, many smart thermostats provide you with energy reports and tips to help you save even more money.

Finally, a smart thermostat’s compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allows you to change the temperature by simply giving a command to your device. That’s one of the most convenient and user-friendly ways to adjust your thermostat. It’s a feature that could be particularly useful in lowering your home energy usage during hot summer temperatures and frigid winter weather.

Security

Many smart thermostats are designed to collect data about your home’s energy usage and your daily schedule. However, this information can be exploited by advertisers, hackers, and burglars. Learn how to safeguard your data and protect yourself from potential threats.

If you’re concerned about privacy issues, consider using an alternative email address when registering your device and creating a unique password for its app. This way, you can use your primary email account for other functions, while keeping your thermostat’s data private.

Another feature that could be important to you is whether a smart thermostat can connect to other smart home devices. For example, some thermostats work with Alexa and Siri to let you control your heating and cooling with voice commands. This allows you to set up morning routines that automatically turn on your smart lights and brew a pot of coffee. You can also use smart switches to control ceiling fans to help disperse the air and lower your temperature.

Installation

A smart thermostat will give you big energy savings and make your house more comfortable. However, there are some factors to consider before making a final decision.

The most obvious benefit of a smart thermostat is that it can be controlled via a smartphone app. This allows you to change your home’s temperature from anywhere. This feature is especially useful when you’re away from your home and want to cool it down or turn on the heat before arriving home.

Some smart thermostats also allow you to control the system by voice. They use a system like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to communicate with you and respond to your commands.

You will need to be reasonably tech-savvy to make good use of this feature. However, if you’re not comfortable with the idea of being able to control your home’s heating and cooling systems through an app on your phone, then a smart thermostat may not be worth the investment for you.