Have you been dreaming of having an HVAC system that allows you to create a personalized comfort zone, adjust specific room temperatures, control humidity levels, and monitor air quality in your home with a simple tap on your smartphone or voice command? Dream no more. The smart HVAC is here and ready to make your dream a reality.
Technology changes rapidly. In what seems like a blink of an eye, we went from dial-up Internet connection to Wi-Fi and corded phones to smartphones. Many have embraced these new technologies with open arms, and this “smart” way of doing things has evolved to include smart HVAC systems for your home. A smart HVAC is the next generation of home comfort that can save you time and money.
Understanding Smart HVAC Systems
We know nothing beats a reliable HVAC system for keeping your home comfortable. If you’re already enjoying the perks of living in a smart home, you can also upgrade your existing AC unit to a smart HVAC system. But how do you make it work smarter?
We all know the heart of a traditional AC unit is thethermostat. A thermostat controls the temperature settings of your existing AC. But now, you can make your AC unit “smarter” by installing intelligent control boards and sensors.
Integrating your existing HVAC system for home automation requires a combination of hardware and software. A smart HVAC has control boards and sensors that can take in information, process it, and communicate with other equipment in the AC system.
Smart HVAC systems react to temperature changes outside and inside your home. These intelligent add-ons do all the work for you! They can react to weather changes and indoor room temperature and make adjustments automatically. A traditional AC unit will only respond to the changes happening in the same room as the thermostat. A smart home climate control system will include an HVAC smart thermostat, which you can control via your smart device!
Smart HVAC technologies include:
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Voice activation
- Mobile app control (use your mobile phone, tablet, etc.)
- Integration with your Smart Home System
- Geofencing
- Zoning
It’s worth noting that if you lose your Wi-Fi connection, you won’t be able to use any of the smart HVAC device features. However, your air conditioner will still work. What’s more, It’s still a good idea to schedule annual AC maintenance. Just like any other appliance, there may be a time when your AC will require repairs.
Not every HVAC system can be made into a smart HVAC, especially older models. If your HVAC is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may want to consider having a new AC installed before integrating it with an HVAC smart thermostat.
Benefits of Installing Smart HVAC Systems
Being able to take control of your HVAC system, even when you’re not home, is a benefit many homeowners will appreciate. You can control your smart HVAC from the comfort of your couch or even when you’re out running errands or vacationing. Effortless control is great. But there are many other benefits to integrating to a smart home heating and cooling system, such as:
Energy Efficiency
Are you tired of high heating and cooling costs? A smart thermostat is designed to optimize the way your HVAC operates. Since smart HVAC systems can operate at slower speeds, they have longer cycles. So, unlike a traditional HVAC that uses a lot of energy for each heating and cooling cycle, a smart HVAC system runs a shorter cycle, maintaining your desired temperature and using less energy in the process.
And with multiple zoning features, you also have the power to control the comfort of each zone in your home. Essentially, zoning treats each room as its own individual temperature zone. For example, you can direct more conditioned air to the rooms that need it, such as a room with appliances or one that receives more direct sunlight. Consistent comfort can reduce energy consumption and match your family’s needs.
Sure, upgrading to smart HVAC systems has initial investment costs. However, once in use, you will start to see lower energy and gas bills. A smart HVAC will adjust to your daily habits, too. Do you like to turn on the cooling system before you go to bed? An HVAC smart thermostat learns to recognize your behavioral patterns.
Convenience
Do you ever leave your house feeling like you forgot something? We’ve all been there. But when we leave our home for a long vacation, there’s nothing worse than the gut feeling that you left your heater or cooling system running in an empty house. Fortunately, with a smart HVAC, you can always remotely check and control it using a mobile app.
Smart HVAC systems don’t require you to make any manual adjustments either. Plus, there’s no need to adjust the vents or inspect the air filter because smart technology can handle all these tasks. And if you have enabled geofencing your mobile app, the smart HVAC will know when your mobile phone has left your home and power off the unit!
May Increase the Resale Value of Your Home
Home improvements are an excellent way to increase the resale value of your property. By investing in a smart HVAC, you can help make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Prospective real estate buyers appreciate homes with new technology that can reduce energy consumption and bills.
Environmentally Conscious
Traditional air conditioners use massive amounts of energy. Smart HVAC systems are designed to operate more efficiently than traditional AC units. A more efficient heating and cooling system that uses less energy can reduce your carbon footprint.
Install Your Smart HVAC System Today
More and more home builders are opting to install smart HVAC systems. But you don’t have to move into a new home to take advantage of this smart way of controlling your home’s temperature. When you are ready to make the switch to smart home climate control systems, be sure to call the HVAC experts at Bill Howe. Our certified technicians stay up to date on the latest technologies and know how to properly install smart home climate control systems.
