Should Your Business Install a Smart Thermostat?
Every business owner knows that a comfortable workforce is a productive workforce, and although it may only seem like a minor annoyance, a workspace that isn’t the right temperature can have a negative impact on output and worker morale. If the office is too hot, workers will be lethargic and more prone to drowsiness, and if it’s too cold, workers will be distracted and irritable.
Oftentimes, climate control issues can be traced to a malfunctioning thermostat. The lifespan of most thermostats is about 10 years, and after that, you may notice your HVAC system won’t turn on or off, or the temperature in the room doesn’t match the temperature on the thermostat, or your thermostat is simply ignoring your input.
When it comes time to replace your thermostat, it might be worth considering a smart thermostat as opposed to the conventional one that you likely have in your office at the moment. Read on to learn how smart thermostats work and why they might be a better choice for your business.
What Is a Smart Thermostat?
Smart thermostats are sophisticated, Wi-Fi-enabled electronic devices that give you a high level of control over the operation of your HVAC system. Older mercury-switch manual thermostats serve as little more than on/off switches for your heating and cooling systems. Using older thermostat technology is a little bit like using a sledge hammer for a job that requires needle-nose pliers.
The main drawback of older thermostats is that they are imprecise, in that no matter how much heating or cooling is needed, they turn on the HVAC system when the indoor temperature falls below or shoots above the thermostat’s setting. The HVAC equipment then runs on a single level that consumes large amounts of energy.
When the desired temperature setting on the thermostat is reached, the HVAC system shuts down until the thermostat again detects changes in indoor temperatures and restarts the cycle. Not only is it hard to maintain a consistent temperature with a conventional thermostat, it also wastes a lot of energy.
Now, to be fair, a smart thermostat also works to turn your heating and cooling systems off and on in response to indoor temperature changes, but it can also regulate the HVAC’s system output, meaning that you get the amount of heating or cooling that you actually need.
Furthermore, smart thermostats allow you to control when the HVAC equipment runs, how long it runs, and (again) at what level it operates. Not only can you keep your workspace at a consistent temperature, but you also save energy and money.
Energy efficiency and affordability are just two of many benefits of installing a smart thermometer. Here are some more.
Set Points
Set points are pre-programmed — but adjustable — temperature settings that precisely control the operation of your cooling system. You can use these set points to turn the HVAC system down when it’s not needed, such as when your business is closed for the day.
The set point control can then automatically turn your cooling system on before you open the next day, ensuring that indoor temperatures are comfortable when business resumes. Set points allow you to conserve energy by only heating or cooling when needed.
Remote Access
Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via smartphone or online apps. This allows you to take a more direct role in responding to temperature changes in your facility even when you are not there. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple thermostats in different buildings.
Remote access also lets you correct building temperature during times of unpredictable weather, or when your workspace is closed for an extended period of time.
Thermostat “Learning” and Response
Smart thermostats are programmed to “learn” your usage needs and respond accordingly.
If you establish a pattern of heating or cooling over a certain number of days, the thermostat will respond and automatically adjust the HVAC system according to those patterns. It will make optimal modifications throughout the day, and can even sense when you’re gone and make the right adjustments accordingly.
Alerts When Issues Arise
Many smart thermostat models alert owners through email or text when there is an issue. This can be especially handy when you’re out of the office and there’s a power outage or similar issue.
Alerts can keep you ahead of potential problems since the thermostat might not be the only thing malfunctioning at your business. Or, if your workplace is at an unusual temperature, you may be able to track down underlying issues, such as a broken window or improperly sealed door.
Save Money
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save 10% a year when you lower your temperature 7-10° Fahrenheit for eight hours a day. If you work those changes around your business hours, you could invest those savings back into your business while still keeping your employees comfortable. A smart thermometer makes such programming and monitoring easy and hassle-free.
Energy Usage
Smart thermometers provide you with a detailed report on the amount of energy that’s actually being used to keep your indoor spaces cooled or heated. This information gives you insight into how much energy (and money) is being consumed by your HVAC system.
You can then more easily make the needed adjustments to reduce waste and avoid overuse. You can also identify issues in your HVAC system with this information and correct problems before they become major inconveniences.
Get Expert HVAC Services for Your Commercial Business
If you would like to discuss the benefits of installing a smart thermostat in your workplace, and are located in the Twin Cities Metro Area, we here at Quality Systems Heating & Cooling would love to talk you through your options, so you can save money on your energy bills while also providing an ideal climate for your employees.
Contact us today for a free quote! We bring three generations of experience to our HVAC business and are leaders in the installation of smart thermostat technologies.
Financing options are available, and we guarantee kind and responsive customer service and quality craftsmanship!