A smart thermostat is not a regular one – it is way cooler! It can read your mind about whether you are feeling too hot or too cold. What's more, it puts a friendly arm around your wallet by saving energy and money. You just need to know how to install a smart thermostat, that's it.
On that note, we will unravel the secrets of setting up your smart thermostat for winter. So, get ready to stay warm while keeping your energy bills cool!
- What is a Smart Thermostat?
- How to Install Smart Thermostat?
- Does a Smart Thermostat Save Money and Energy?
- Energy-Saving Thermostat Settings in Winter
- Best Energy Efficient Thermostat
- Integrate Your Smart Thermostat with EVVR Center Lite
What is a Smart Thermostat?
A smart thermostat is like a high-tech boss for your home's temperature. It is not just any ordinary thermostat; it is super smart. It can do lots of things to keep your house comfy.
Imagine if your thermostat could understand your feelings about being too hot or too cold. Well, a smart thermostat is like that mind-reading friend! You can tell it what temperature you want, and it listens. But the cool part is that you can talk to it using your phone, tablet, or even a super smart speaker.
And guess what? When you use a smart thermostat, it can help you save money on your energy bills. It is a money-saving pet that lives on your walls!
These thermostats are also fashionable. Forget the old, boring thermostats. They look like they are from the future, not similar to those clunky rectangles from the past.
How to Install Smart Thermostat?
Now, we are going to learn the installation process of a smart thermostat. Will cover everything, from highlighting the requirements to the cost of installation. So, let’s begin.
The Requirements
Before you install a smart thermostat in your home, the following requirements must be filled.
- Check Your Wi-Fi: First off, your home needs Wi-Fi. Smart thermostats communicate through the internet. So, make sure your house has high-speed internet.
- Know Your HVAC System: Smart thermostats work best with modern systems, but you need to choose the right HVAC system for the job. Make sure your smart thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system.
- Meet the C-Wire: Some homes have a C-wire in their thermostats. If yours doesn't, don't worry! You can get a smart thermostat that comes with an adapter kit. C-wire is important to set up the wiring system.
- The Installation Capability: Installing a smart thermostat is not hard. The adapter kit comes with instructions, so you don't have to worry. If you feel confident about the installation process, you can do it yourself. But if you are not into cables and tinkering, ask a professional for help.
Installation Process
If you want to add a special feature to your home, installing a smart thermostat can be a good idea. The installation process is pretty straightforward. Just follow the steps below to set up a smart thermostat in your home.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you start, you must keep all the necessary tools in hand. Generally, you will need a screwdriver, maybe some wires, and of course, your smart thermostat.
Step 2: Remove the Old Thermostat
Say goodbye to the old, boring thermostat. Use your screwdriver to carefully take it off the wall. For safety purposes, don't forget to turn off the power to your thermostat.
Step 3: Check the Wires
Look at the wires hanging out; each one has a special job. You can take a picture to remember where each wire goes.
Step 4: Connect the New Thermostat
Now, it is time for the magic moment! Install your new smart thermostat. Tighten the screws to keep it in place. According to the picture that you took in Step 3, connect all the wires.
Step 5: Program Your Smart Thermostat
Turn the power back on and watch your smart thermostat come to life. Next, use your tablet or phone to tell your smart thermostat what to do. You can automate a schedule. Set cool temperatures when you are not home, and warm ones when it is chilly outside.
Smart Thermostat Installation Cost
So, are you curious about how much it costs to install a smart thermostat? Well, let us break it down for you.
To get this job done safely, it is best to call an expert. Electricians, HVAC technicians, or handymen know the nooks and crannies of a smart thermostat. So, it is good to rely on them for installing a smart thermostat.
Now, there are some considerations related to costs while hiring them. Electricians might charge around $85 for small tasks. If you are on a time-based schedule, it could be between $40 and $120 per hour. Handymen or professional HVAC technicians may ask for around $130 for smaller jobs. As for an hourly rate, it can range from $50 to $100.
You might be wondering, "Why not do it myself?" Well, these experts can ensure everything runs smoothly. You can have a piece of mind when you are less tech-savvy.
Putting all the pieces together, the average cost for the whole smart thermostat installation process may stand at $100 to $200.
Does a Smart Thermostat Save Money and Energy?
If you are wondering whether a smart thermostat can save money and energy for your home, let us clarify that. A smart thermostat is your best when it comes to saving money and energy. It keeps your home cozy when you want it to be. Plus, it doesn't waste energy when it is not needed.
Smart thermostats operate cleverly. These tiny geniuses know when to make your home warm or cool. By only working when needed, they save a bunch of energy and, you guessed it, money!
Smart thermostats have a special power called scheduling. When you tell your thermostat, "Hey, be warm when I get home from school!" or "Make it cool when I'm playing outside," it will do that. This way, it doesn't waste energy when no one is around. Like magic, right?
Another cool trick is that smart thermostats can use smart sensors to know which rooms need extra warm hugs. Instead of warming up the whole house, it can warm or cool specific areas. This feature saves even more energy.
A smart thermostat will give you notifications when it needs a checkup. When you are notified, you won't hesitate to run a checkup on your smart thermostat. This keeps your heating and cooling system in tip-top shape. Therefore, it can save energy in the long run.
Energy-Saving Thermostat Settings in Winter
After installing a smart thermostat, you can reduce your heating expenses by optimizing its settings. Also, it puts some extra dollars back in your pocket.
Make the most of your energy-efficient thermostat by adjusting the temperature based on your daily routine. Set the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F when you are active at home. Lower the temperature when you're asleep or away.
According to EnergyHub, you can save big by lowering your thermostat by 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day. For every degree you lower your heat, you can save 3% or more on heating costs. This simple adjustment can reduce heating expenses by up to 10% annually.
To maximize comfort and efficiency, focus on heating specific rooms. In addition, keep the temperature within a range of 18 to 21 degrees.
An expert tip - try to keep the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures small. This will lower your overall heating bill. Aim for a balance that keeps you comfortable while minimizing energy consumption.
Best Energy Efficient Thermostat
A key step towards reducing your energy consumption is to choose the right energy-efficient thermostat. For your convenience, we have listed the 3 best smart thermostats you can find on the market right now. No matter which one you choose, you can set them up brilliantly with the EVVR Energy Monitoring Smart Plug & Relay.
01. Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings
- Screen size: 4.05" x 1" x 4.05"
- C-wire requirement: Yes
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
- Control: Ecobee mobile app or On-unit
- Remote Sensors: Yes
This is ideal for smaller spaces. It is a cost-effective alternative without compromising on essential features. For its remote sensing compatibility, it is a great option for wide homes. Sadly, it lacks built-in voice controls and the ability to control other smart devices directly.
To solve that, you can purchase a separate Ecobee remote sensor.
02. Amazon Smart Thermostat
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa
- Screen size: 3.56" x 3.56" x 0.84"
- C-wire requirement: Yes
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
- Control: Alexa mobile app or On-unit
- Remote Sensors: No
It is a top pick for budget-conscious consumers since it comes at an affordable price point. It is specifically designed for compatibility with Amazon Alexa smart gadgets. While it may not support Google, Apple, or Samsung devices, you can easily control it. Using the Amazon Alexa app, you can manage temperature settings, create schedules, receive notifications, and more.
03. Google Nest Smart Thermostat
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings
- Screen size: 3.31" x 3.31" x 1.07"
- C-wire requirement: Not necessary
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
- Control: Google Home mobile app or On-unit
- Remote Sensors: No
If you don't require advanced learning or remote sensors, then this smart thermostat is your best option. This thermostat provides a straightforward yet stylish interface. You can control it by tapping and swiping on the tactile touch bar. Like its Learning model counterpart, you can manage temperature settings, set schedules, and more through the Google Home app.
Integrate Your Smart Thermostat with EVVR Center Lite
Maximize the efficiency of your smart home this winter by integrating your energy-saving thermostat with EVVR Center Lite. Here is how EVVR Center Lite collaborates with your smart thermostat to create a harmonious and efficient smart home environment.
● Seamless Compatibility:
EVVR Center Lite can effortlessly connect with your energy-efficient thermostat. Bid farewell to compatibility concerns as EVVR Center Lite unifies your smart devices. You can use Wi-Fi, Zigbee 3.0, and Z-Wave Plus for connectivity.
● Simple Control Hub:
EVVR Center Lite acts as the central hub for your smart devices. The user-friendly EVVR app allows you to monitor, control, manipulate, and troubleshoot your smart thermostat and other gadgets in real time. Pair it with the EVVR Smart Plug and Smart In-Wall Relay Switch for added convenience.
● Automation for Energy Efficiency:
Take advantage of automation with the EVVR app. Create rules that control all your smart devices, including your thermostat. Automation rules can save big on your heating costs. Plus, optimizing your winter home's energy consumption is a fantastic way.
● Offline Connectivity:
Enjoy the security and functionality of your smart devices, even without an internet connection. EVVR Center Lite ensures that your connected devices can communicate offline.
● User-Friendly Interface:
The EVVR app and website offer a friendly user interface. Control all your smart accessories, including your thermostat, from a single platform. With this level of customization, you can tailor your winter home environment to your liking.
● Extended Coverage:
Connect all your smart devices seamlessly across larger spaces. EVVR Center Lite expands your smart home network. It creates a stable single-star network that blankets your entire winter home. So, your thermostat will work effectively even if it has limited coverage.
Conclusion
A smart thermostat is your home's temperature wizard. It understands what you want, talks to you through your gadgets, and saves you money. It is a smart move to integrate your smart thermostat with EVVR Center Lite. It can open up a world of possibilities, especially when you are using a smart thermostat.
If you want to learn more about integrating EVVR products with your smart thermostat (or other devices), you can always contact us. We will be glad to help.
