When the summer heat is at its highest, air conditioning can really drive up your bills. Thankfully, there’s a nifty little device that can actually help keep your home cool while not emptying your wallet, and this is the smart thermostat. Here are just a few simple tricks to put your smart thermostat to work and save money while you’re at it.

Creating a Smart Schedule: Cooling When You Need It

One of the coolest features of a smart thermostat is the ability to learn your habits and make a cooling schedule suited to your life. Consider that if your house is empty all day long when you’re gone for school or work, there is no need to have your AC running all the time. With a smart thermostat, you can program it to raise the temperature a few degrees when everyone is out of the house. Then, you can cool things back down just in time for your return. For instance, if you leave home for school at 7 a.m. and return at 3 p.m., you might program the thermostat to warm to 78 degrees while you’re gone and then re-cool to 72 degrees around 2:30 p.m. That way, you come home to a comfortable environment without having wasted electricity.

Efficient Zoning: You’ll Only Cool the Rooms You Use

Some luxury smart thermostats can even accommodate multiple zones. That way, you can set different temperatures in different parts of your house. Say you are downstairs most of the day and want to cool this area but only want to cool your upstairs bedrooms at night. You can program the thermostat to focus the cooling downstairs during most daytime hours and upstairs in advance of bedtime. That way, you don’t have to cool rooms you don’t need cooled and can lower your power bill.

Remote Control: Change From Anywhere

Let’s say you have left the house on a warmer-than-expected day and neglected to adjust the thermostat. Many homeowners have done this without even thinking about it. The good news is that a smart thermostat is typically controllable from your smartphone or tablet, even when you’re away from the house. What this means for you is that if you forget to make any adjustments before leaving, you can do so remotely. This remote access allows you to change the temperature setting immediately. If the weather takes a sudden turn or if your schedule changes, you can quickly adjust the temperature settings so that the house isn’t unnecessarily cooled while you’re away or stuffy when you return. All this real-time control allows you to have a much greater say in your energy use and comfort.

If you do not currently have a smart thermostat, now is the time to get one. If you are unsure which model to choose, consult with an HVAC technician because they can go over your options with you and help you choose which is best for your needs. For help choosing a smart thermostat for your Lethbridge, Alberta home, contact our team at Charlton & Hill.