Image

McCutcheon Air Conditioning and Heating Blog

Looking to Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat?

Smart-Thermostat-Blog

You’ve probably heard by now, that Smart Thermostats can reduce your HVAC-related energy consumption by a lot, but energy savings are just the beginning…

Before we get into all the bells and whistles, let’s begin by defining our terms…

There are 3 basic types of thermostats: Manual Thermostats that allow you to set the temperature and nothing more, Programmable Thermostats that can automatically adjust the temperature based on a pre-set schedule, and Wi-Fi enabled Smart Thermostats that connect to an app on your smartphone (thus the name) or tablet.

Entry-level Smart Thermostats just allow you to adjust the temperature remotely. Middle-of-the-road models use motion sensors (and sometimes geofencing) to learn your preferences and routine, automatically adjusting to an energy-saving temperature when you’re asleep or away. Higher-end models do much more than automatically adjusting the temperature in your home so you can realize those HVAC-related energy savings.

For instance, ecobee brand thermostats can help you improve Indoor Air Quality with built -in air quality monitors and alerts, as well as air filter change reminders. They can also help you eliminate hot and cold spots in your home with SmartSensors that detect which rooms are occupied and automatically adjust the temperature in those rooms.

Premium ecobee models include built-in smoke alarm detection, advanced sensor technology to alert you of issues when you're away from home, freeze detection to prevent burst pipes, and you can control all of that with your voice by using Siri or Alexa.

Similarly, Honeywell’s Total Connect® Comfort App allows you to monitor and adjust your heating and cooling usage, as well as indoor humidity levels, and you’ll automatically receive email alerts related to safety, comfort and energy usage.

The right Smart Thermostat can easily pay for itself with energy savings and other features that make your home safer and more comfortable, but Smart Thermostats are not one size fits all. In fact, some HVAC systems are designed to work better when they run constantly, at a fixed temperature, so a Smart Thermostat could actually work against you, and not all Smart Thermostats work with all HVAC systems, so save yourself a lot of headaches and expense by calling 941-921-7208 and speaking to one of our comfort specialists.

When you purchase your Smart Thermostat from a contractor, like Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, you don’t just get the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’ve purchased the best Smart Thermostat for your HVAC system and your lifestyle, you get a longer warranty than you would if you purchased the same unit from your local Home Depot or Lowe’s or, worse yet, online, so it’s truly a win-win situation!

Continue reading
  5216 Hits
02 April 2025
AC Blog
If your ductwork is over 20-30 years old, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement. While it’s easy to overlook, aging or damaged ducts can cause major issues—especially during the summer heat when your AC is working its hardest. One of...
02 April 2025
AC Blog
Living in a condo often comes with the benefit of less exterior maintenance. However, many homeowners don’t realize that some maintenance issues are beyond their direct control—especially when it comes to air conditioning. In many condominiums, AC dr...
24 March 2025
AC Blog
You’ve probably seen advertisements for HVAC maintenance specials as low as $29. While this might seem like a great deal, it’s important to ask yourself—what are you really getting for that price? The reality is that no reputable company can send a q...
14 March 2025
AC Blog
Your home’s return vents play a crucial role in keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently. These vents pull air back into your system, allowing it to properly regulate temperature and airflow. However, if they’re blocked by furniture o...
12 March 2025
AC Blog
Our industry is constantly evolving to meet new regulations, and one of the latest changes is the transition to R-454B refrigerant. While we won’t dive deep into the legislation behind it, the key takeaway is that this change impacts air conditioning...
07 July 2021
AC Blog
Show your AC some love! Just like regular tune ups for your car, regular preventive maintenance for your AC will help you avoid those breakdowns that almost inevitably come at the worst possible time,...
10 May 2015
AC Blog
There is an enormous temptation for business owners to be a "Jack of All Trades". After all, none of us want to turn away potential business and "one stop-shopping" is very convenient for the customer...