Installing a Smart Thermostat – Making the Right Choice
Photo by Erik Mclean:
There are a lot of advantages to having a smart thermostat in your home. For example, you will be able to have greater control over your energy usage, helping you keep those bills affordable. You can also control your heating and cooling system remotely, often when you are not even home – perhaps when you are traveling or at work. Making the right choice when it comes to purchasing is important, and here are a few considerations you may want to factor into your final decision.
Ensuring a Thermostat is Compatible
It may sound like a silly question, but is your new thermostat totally compatible with your HVAC system or heating system? If you are not upgrading your heating system at this point (and you are not looking to do so in the near future), then you must ensure compatibility right now. If a thermostat is not compatible – what do you need to do to make it compatible? You want to be able to use your device freely, and you want to get the best results, so this is a step that should not be overlooked.
Do You Have the Right Wiring at Home?
Even though your smart thermostat is likely to run and work through your Wi-Fi connection, you will still need to ensure you have the right wiring and electrical connections. Without them, you might not be getting the best from your smart thermostat, and of course, this will leave you feeling frustrated. To make sure you have the correct wiring at home, you need to look at the connections you have to your existing thermostat and heating system. Or, if this feels too much, you need to speak to a professional installer or technician, especially if you are wondering if you have a common wire or not – you can find more information online answering what is a common wire? Having the right wiring and connections in place is going to make the installation of a smart thermostat much easier and more straightforward, so do not overlook the importance of the proper wiring/connection.
Choosing a Brand or Supplier
You want to ensure that your smart thermostat always works well. To be sure of this, you need to choose the right brand or supplier. Choosing one that has a positive name and reputation is essential. Trying to save money by going for an unbranded thermostat or one from another country can be a false economy. It may not work as well as you thought, and it may leave you feeling disappointed. To choose a brand or supplier, you need to look at the reviews and ratings and see who other homeowners have put their faith and trust in.
Self-installation or Technician Required?
It is important to realize that some smart thermostats can be installed easily and quickly by homeowners (without the use of technicians). However, it is also important to realize that sometimes a technician can be highly beneficial, especially when connecting to an older heating or HVAC system. A professional installation will give you mind, and although it will cost more than self-installation, it will most likely be less stressful and quicker.
