Is a Smart HVAC Right for Your Home?
As a part of smart home technology, homeowners can use the technology for their home’s heating and air conditioning. Smart technology connected to the HVAC system provides homeowners with greater comfort, greater energy efficiency, and monitoring. If you’re not familiar with smart home technology, you may be wondering how it can help you. Some examples include:
- cleaner air by integrating indoor air quality products.
- Monitor the HVAC system’s startup and operation to detect problems with the system.
- Notifies the homeowner when service of specific components is required.
- Provides notification of impending failure based on the measure of performance.
- The ability to adjust settings based on local weather data.
- And much more…
Smart HVAC – Always Informed
The smart HVAC system communicates through your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can access reports, manage your HVAC system at home or remotely, and receive alerts. It can even contact your specified HVAC technician for servicing or repairs when you authorize it to do so.
How a Smart HVAC Works
Smart technology pairs with your HVAC system through a smart thermostat, humidity, pressure, temperature, leak, and other sensors. You or your service technician can access previous data, this is helpful when components fail and it has sent alerts. This benefit can potentially mean the technician arrives with the required part. This saves time avoiding the need to return to the shop. In some cases, repairs may be provided remotely, eliminating the need for a service call.
When to Call for HVAC Installation
Depending on the component you are adding, you may require an HVAC technician. For example, installing a smart thermostat to an existing HVAC system requires knowledge of the electrical wiring involved. Otherwise, you could end up with your AC going out. Improper wiring can also reduce the increased energy efficiency that a smart HVAC system can provide. No homeowner wants to lose efficiency or money, and a professional installation ensures a proper operation and installment.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are all WIFI compatible. Models vary as do the features they offer. For example, the “smart setback” feature senses the environment of a room and determines the needs of the occupants. The thermostat then adjusts the programmed settings, improving energy efficiency while maintaining your comfort. Energy reports are another feature available on some models. They are provided in real-time and with monthly energy reports. This enables you to manage your costs for energy.
With “connection” being a major advantage of smart thermostats, they can monitor equipment attached to your HVAC system. Examples include improving the air quality by controlling equipment such as humidifiers or air purifiers. Some smart thermostats can even notify you when someone changes the settings. Features can include connecting with your home’s security system and controlling your home’s lighting. This advantage is great when you’re away, giving the appearance of someone being home. It can also turn the lights on before you return home. No one wants to come home to an overly hot or cold home, and with a smart thermostat, there is no reason to. The thermostat can be programmed to adjust the temperature before your return home.
More Advantages from Smart Thermostats
Other advantages include filter and service reminders. If you forget to change the filter, a smart thermostat can notify you of the need to change it. This saves you energy and money while extending the unit’s service life. Energy monitoring thermostats can report excessive use occurring without a malfunction of the HVAC unit. For example, if a duct was leaking air the energy consumption would increase, and you’d be notified. Eventually, additional sensors will include more factors, enabling you to correct problems ahead of elevated electric bills.
A few other available sensors include:
- Water sensor- Notifies you when the condensate drain is clogging. This can prevent costly damage to your home.
- Chemical sensing for contamination in the indoor air.
- Pressure, flow, and humidity.
These are just a few examples that smart HVAC technology can offer you.
Trane offers the XL824 Smart Thermostat. Utilizing Nexia Bridge enables you to use remote control and system monitoring. This thermostat provides real-time information on the performance of your system. With Nexia diagnostics, an alert is sent when a problem occurs. If you’re at work when notified, you can rest assured your technician has already been informed and will be contacting you.
Cons of Smart HVAC Technology
For all of its advantages, some homeowners recognize that connectivity can place your private information at risk. The industry and security experts recognize this and are already at work to improve your security. One company already currently developing protection for network connectivity is the Trusted Computing Group. Their recent spotlight in the Internet of Things (IoT) field promises to provide greater security for your connected home devices including HVAC equipment and control.
