If you’re getting into smart home gadgets, you might ask yourself, “Is a smart thermostat worth it?” But it comes down to your home and how you use energy.
What Is a Smart Thermostat?
A classic device allows you to adjust the temperature by using a control panel right on the wall.
You can set up a heating and cooling schedule that connects to Wi-Fi, matching it to your daily routine, temperature preferences, and outdoor weather conditions.
How does it work?
Imagine you’re coming back from work on a chilly winter day. You can crank up the heat at home using an app on your phone, so it’s nice and cozy as soon as you step inside.
Your smart thermostat takes care of things for you. It connects with motion sensors or your phone app, allowing it to adjust the temperature automatically.
It can pick up on your habits. For example, there’s a feature called Vacation Mode that lets your device know when you’re going to be gone for a while, which helps prevent frozen pipes and keeps things from getting too hot.
Savings from using a smart thermostat
An upgraded device helps save around 8% on heating and cooling costs each year. This adds up to about $50, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Your savings may vary based on your location, the number of people in your household, the temperature you set at home, and the type of heating and cooling systems you use.
The cost of a smart thermostat
You can find devices ranging from around $60 to over $400, depending on the brand and model you choose.
The price of a smart thermostat comes down to what features it has. You can find some brands selling smart thermostats for under $100.
On the flip side, there are more advanced smart devices, such as the ecobee® Smart Thermostat Enhanced. Priced at about $200, this model comes packed with features, including sensors that figure out which rooms are occupied and adjust the temperature accordingly. It also works seamlessly with all the major smart home systems.