Summary
A smart thermostat can help improve the comfort and efficiency of your heat pump, but choosing the right model is important. Before purchasing, consider compatibility with your system, energy-saving features, Wi-Fi connectivity, ease of use, and professional installation to get the best performance from your heating and cooling system.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing A Smart Thermostat for Your Heat Pump
Technology has evolved in leaps and bounds from the coil switches used in the 1800s to programmable thermostats used today. With digital technology setting the stage for numerous inventions, we witness the ushering in of smart thermostats. Automated smart thermostats are a clever way to manage heating and cooling costs.
Smart thermostats allow homeowners to control their home’s internal temperature through an app. If you have a device with an internet connection, you can do this anywhere in the world.
Are you trying to decide whether you should purchase a smart thermostat for your heat pump? If so, we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros
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Convenience
Since smart thermostats work for both travellers and homebodies, their intelligent system allows you to change your heating and cooling schedule to fit your lifestyle.
If you’re a traveller and gone for extended periods, you can set your thermostat to absent/away/vacation mode. This allows you to set a wide temperature range for your house to stay within before heat or cooling comes on, which saves you energy. If you have a tablet or even a compatible app, you can monitor your home from wherever you are.
Upon your arrival home, take comfort knowing that you can have your house back to your desired temperature. Just make sure you set the temperatures before getting home.
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Maximum Control
Vacation properties are also moving towards home automation. Smart thermostats provide renters with maximum comfort while allowing the homeowner control on the utility costs. This also brings peace of mind when vacation properties are left vacant, to ensure things like pipes will not freeze, or mold will not build up.
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Send Alerts
If your family is constantly sneezing or complaining of itchy eyes and noses, it may be time to change your filters. But by this time, a lot of dust has been trapped in your heating and cooling system. And since we can’t always tell when the filters need changing, or we forget to check the filter, a smart thermostat can do the work for you and send you maintenance alerts.
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Easy to Set
A smart thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times, or zones, during the day. With all your preferred information and settings programmed in, you can rest easy. It will do the work while you carry on with your day.
Keep in mind that constantly fluctuating temperatures have been found to use up a lot of energy and may increase your heating bill and reduce the energy efficiency of the heat pump.
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Sleek Design
Most brands release thermostats that boast sleek and unique designs. Once installed, they can increase the value and overall look of any home.
Cons
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Compatibility
There’s a chance that your heat pump may not be compatible with the smart thermostat you’ve been coveting. Before purchasing one, always check to see if it is compatible. Most websites have compatibility checkers that can help you with the process.
Notably, conventional heat pumps work with several thermostat brands. Most people prefer mini-split systems due to their energy-saving ability. However, its compatibility with smart thermostats is limited to certain heat pump brands. When researching for your smart thermostat ensure that it will not override the variable speed technology in your heat pump.
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Cost
Costs depend on your heat pump brand. If you own a Fujitsu heat pump system, you will need to upgrade the thermostat to connect it to Wi-Fi and have it installed which adds an additional cost. Samsung ductless wall heads already come with Wi-Fi capabilities.
Due to cost, most people opt for a non-proprietary thermostat. But this will cost you the functionality of the system. That is, you’ll have no control over your auxiliary heat, which can make a massive difference in temperature control and the reduction of your heating bill.
As we’ve seen above, professional installation can be costly. This is probably why most people opt for traditional thermostats. However, there’s a way around this problem: opt for ones that are compatible with your heat pump or come with your heat pump system.
In conclusion, smart thermostats are perfect for those looking to save on energy and cost while away from the home for extended periods of time or running a vacation property. Still not sure if you should install a smart thermostat? Book a no-obligation in-home estimate and we can provide you with options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any smart thermostat be used with a heat pump?
No. Not all smart thermostats are compatible with heat pumps. Always choose a model specifically designed to work with your system or consult an HVAC professional.
Will a smart thermostat save me money?
Yes. By optimizing temperature schedules and reducing unnecessary heating and cooling, a smart thermostat can help lower your energy bills.
What features should I look for in a smart thermostat?
Look for heat pump compatibility, Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone control, programmable schedules, energy usage reports, and learning or occupancy-based features.
Should I install a smart thermostat myself?
While some models are DIY-friendly, professional installation ensures the thermostat is correctly configured for your heat pump, maximizing efficiency and preventing operational issues.
Is a smart thermostat worth it for a heat pump?
For most homeowners, yes. A compatible smart thermostat can improve comfort, increase energy efficiency, and give you greater control over your home’s heating and cooling from anywhere.
