During the seasonal maintenance of my air conditioner, I complained to the HVAC technician about the high cost of monthly energy bills.
I mentioned that I rarely remembered to adjust the thermostat before leaving for work in the morning.
The air conditioner or furnace would then run all day, maintaining ideal temperature in an empty house. On the rare occasions that I managed to lower or raise the setting prior to heading out, my whole family was unhappy about returning to an overheated or chilly house. The technician recommended a smart thermostat. I immediately began researching all the different makes, models and features available. I was surprised by the extent of the options. Today’s thermostats can learn the family’s schedule and adjust accordingly. They can track the locations of smartphones. They are also compatible with whole-home automation systems. I had never imagined implementing an entire automation system, but the more I read about the benefits, the more the investment made sense. With a bit of reading, I learned that modern automation systems provide a hub for the programming of all of the household’s smart appliances. The washing machine, dryer, oven, coffeemaker, water heater, lights and sound system can all be incorporated into the single source of control. I can access all of these appliances, systems and equipment by way of my phone, laptop or tablet. I’m able to watch real time video from surveillance cameras, unlock and lock doors, check the temperature on the oven and open the garage door. The convenience is amazing. Plus, I’m able to operate the household more energy efficiently and save money on monthly utility bills.