Smart thermostats can reduce your home energy consumption by optimizing the heating and cooling programming for optimal efficiency. These devices learn patterns to find ways to increase comfort and reduce unnecessary usage.
Smart Thermostats
One simple thing you can do to reduce your home energy usage is to install a smart thermostat. This is easy and efficient. Smart thermostats can reduce your energy usage lowering your electric bill but also will help you have a more sustainable home. Today, sustainable design is of the utmost importance not only for its obvious long term cost savings, but also for helping us bring environmental equilibrium back to our planet. We have another post if you are looking for more Sustainable Home Design Ideas.
Reduce Energy Consumption
According to the US Department Of Energy, heating and cooling account for 48% of home energy use. This means reducing energy consumption from heating and cooling would have a drastic impact on the overall energy use.
According to Nest, a study on their product the Nest Thermostat showed energy savings on homes after installing Smart Learning Thermostats.
Energy Savings Data
Energy Savings Results according to Nest for their Learning Thermostat
- 10% -12% Reduction in Energy Usage for Heating
- 15% Reduction in Energy Usage for Cooling
A 10% – 12% reduction in heating and 15% reduction in cooling is quite significant for the overall home.
How Do Smart Thermostats Work
Smart Thermostats or Learning Thermostats work by tracking your habits and programming your heating and cooling usage. The device will aim to provide maximum comfort based on your preferences and reduce your energy usage through optimization of the program.
Do smart Thermostats Work With All Heating and Cooling Systems?
In some cases, certain smart thermostats will not work with certain products. You can check with the manufacturer and or a licensed professional. Compatibility may be an issue so make sure you are working with professionals who know what they are doing and stand by their work.
Energy Star
We typically recommend Energy star products there are learning or smart devices for your home that are Energy Star Rated.
Nest Learning Thermostat
Smart Thermostats Use and Applicability
In this article, we discussed some general ideas with regards to Smart Thermostats. We are not endorsing any specific products, rather providing an idea for home sustainability. Not all products are appropriate for everyone and not all thermostats will work with all heating and cooling systems.
Thank you for reading our blog post on Smart Thermostats.
I hope this was helpful. If you would like to speak with an architect about a potential project you can contact us at Fontan Architecture directly.
This post was written by Jorge Fontan AIA a Registered Architect and owner of New York City architecture firm Fontan Architecture. Jorge Fontan has earned 3 degrees in the study of architecture including two degrees from the City University of New York and a Masters Degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. Jorge has a background in construction and has been practicing architecture for 20 years where he has designed renovations and new developments of various building types.
