Can Installing a Smart Thermostat Extend the Life of Your HVAC System?

There is no getting around the fact that all appliances have a lifespan. Depending on the amount of daily usage, maintenance, and so on, your washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and even your HVAC system will all eventually need to be replaced. Especially with your HVAC, replacement is simply a matter of when, and not if.

Your HVAC system is a household workhorse that the whole family relies on. Whether it’s keeping you cool during the hot summer months or warm and toasty during the fall and winter, your HVAC system is constantly working to keep you and your family comfortable all year round. But all this comfort can come at a price, replacement cost for a new HVAC system can range for $8k-$20k depending on the size of the unit. For this reason, we’ve provided some advice that can help extend the life of your HVAC system: the smart thermostat.

Believe it or not, aside from regular, routine maintenance, one of the best ways to extend the life of your HVAC system (and save money) is by installing a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat differs from a programmable thermostat, and those differences make a smart thermostat the clear choice between the two.

Programmable Versus Smart Thermostats

Though there are similarities between programmable and smart thermostats, there are also many differences. Both programmable and smart thermostats allow you to set your home’s cooling and heating system to desired temperatures throughout the day and evening. However, a smart thermostat takes it a step further by learning your temperature preferences, then automatically adjusting the temperature setting on your thermostat to meet your daily needs. Smart thermostats can also be accessed and adjusted remotely using your smartphone, iPad, or computer. Plus, they can remind you when your HVAC system needs a filter change or routine maintenance.

In contrast, programmable thermostats are limited to manually programming specific temperature setting for a specific time of day. They also don’t have the capability to learn your temperature preference and can’t be adjusted remotely.

Smart Thermostat Learning Curve

Since your smart thermostat tracks your temperature setting patterns, it needs a little time to learn your temperature preferences. On average, it can take about a week or two before it begins learning and setting your desired temperatures. For example, if you like to maintain a specific temperature during the day and a cooler temperature at night, a smart thermostat will learn this preference. As a result, you won’t have to continually adjust your thermostat back and forth – your smart thermostat will do it for you. This will help reduce the number of times your AC compressor is switched on and off, reducing wear and tear.

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Extend HVAC Life with Improved HVAC Efficiency

Another significant benefit of installing a smart thermostat is its ability to maximize efficiency when cooling or heating your home. A smart thermostat will suggest “eco-friendly” temperatures and offer options that can help reduce your heating or cooling bill. This will help your system operate at a more efficient setting (extending the life of your HVAC system). This feature is a win for you, the overall power grid, and for your HVAC unit, which won’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool or warm. Plus, since you can adjust your home’s temperature remotely, you can reduce energy usage even when you’re not at home by setting the desired temperature you want when you arrive home. So, if you are looking to lower energy costs and operate your system more efficiently throughout the year, a smart thermostat is an inexpensive way to do it.

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Bonus: Reduced HVAC Repairs

With our busy schedules we can all benefit from a few friendly reminders. A smart thermostat will notify you when various HVAC maintenance tasks are needed (filter changes and routine checkups). Keeping up with necessary maintenance will help you avoid costly repairs. This feature alone will help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system dramatically by ensuring your system is operating efficiency throughout the year. So whether it’s cooling your home during the summer months or keeping you warm and toasty during the winter, you can rest assured that your HVAC unit is working correctly, ready to take on the task of cooling and heating your home efficiently in the months ahead.

Professional Smart Thermostat Installation

Although the installation of a smart thermostat seems like a small addition, it can provide big returns. Improved efficiency, scheduled maintenance, and less wear and tear will all help extend the life of your HVAC system. If you want to learn more about how installing a smart thermostat can extend the life of your HVAC system, contact your local Aire Serv professional today. Our HVAC experts will help you select a smart thermostat that meets your family’s needs and install it for you so you can relax in comfort throughout the year.