Between the extremely cold winters and intensely hot summers in Sterling, Virginia, you need an HVAC system that can handle all temperatures. While you can opt for a standard furnace and a basic AC, you can also invest in a smart HVAC system. Smart systems can save you money in the first month and in the coming years. Now is a good time to learn more about smart HVAC systems, what they do, and why you need one in your home.
What is a Smart HVAC System?
The term HVAC stands for a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. You know that it gives you access to features you can use on hot and cold days. A smart system is slightly different because it lets you do more. You can choose from a variety of programs that use the heat and AC only when you need them. Not only can you schedule settings for future use, but you can let the system learn from your past choices. Some systems even work with your lights and other smart home features.
Are There Any Benefits?
At Meade’s Heating and Air, we want to make sure that you know about the benefits of a smart HVAC system long before you call us. One benefit is that it gives you climate control. If you have a home with multiple zones, you usually need a device to monitor and adjust the settings in each one. A smart system gives you access to all of those zones in one convenient place because it acts as a central unit. You can turn up the heat in one room, cool another zone, and ensure that a different space has enough ventilation.
The biggest benefit for most Sterling homeowners is that the system saves them money. With an older HVAC system, you use an old-fashioned thermostat. When you adjust the temperature, it can take a lot of time for the thermostat to kick in and hit that level. If you have one that’s even older, it may only let you turn the heat or AC on and off, which causes you to waste a lot of energy and money. A new smart system lets you adjust the temperature to a specific degree and even control the system when you’re on the go to only use it when you need it.
Have you ever left for vacation and suddenly remembered that you left the AC running on high? Smart HVAC systems include a schedule setting that lets you use the furnace and AC when you’re not there. You can use the system’s app to set up weekly or daily schedules. The app even lets you adjust the temperature when you’re hours away from home.
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is around 10 years to two decades. Many systems show signs of wear and tear as they near the end of their lives. You may need to pay for a lot of expensive repairs or deal with using space heaters and fans to maintain the temperature you want. Smart systems help the components run more efficiently, which reduces some of the general wear and tear. This extends the life of the system and helps you save on repair bills. Keep in mind that it can add value to your home, too.
How Does a Smart HVAC System Work?
A smart HVAC system consists of several key parts:
- Cloud server
- Sensors and actuators
- Gateway
- Smart device
The sensors and actuators inside your home monitor the pressure, humidity, and temperature levels. They send the data to the gateway, which transfers them to both the cloud server and your smart device. Smart devices include phones, tablets, and computers. You can use your device to connect to the gateway and reach the cloud server to view the data. It’s also possible to add motion sensors to the system which tell you when someone is home.
A smart HVAC system allows you to use your device to check on your settings and adjust them as needed. You can set up alerts that let you know when the temperature hits a certain level. The cloud server maintains all of your data and sends any decisions you make back to the sensors, which causes the system to adjust the temperature. You can also use the system to add more ventilation to your home.
Options for Smart Systems
One of the reasons you might prefer a smart HVAC system to another type is that you can customize it with so many different features. Smart vents are just one option; these vents automatically open and close with a touch of a button. You can connect them to the system and decide when to use them. Opening the vents will allow more air to reach a certain room. Closing the vents will block airflow to that room.
A key part of your home’s system is a smart thermostat. You don’t want to use the same old thermostat that you did in the past, especially if you want to save on your energy costs. A smart model works with other devices like Alexa and Siri to let you adjust the controls as you speak. When you’re away from home, you can use a connected app to make those same changes. The app also gives you a convenient way to set up schedules for your HVAC system.
Though not as popular, some homeowners like using smart window covers. They come in designs such as blinds and shades that block the world outside. You can press a single button to raise the covers when you want more light and lower them just as quickly. We often recommend that our clients look at smart air conditioners and remotes, too. You can control a smart AC with voice commands or an included app. With a smart remote, you can turn the AC on/off and adjust its settings from anywhere in your home.
If you worry about the indoor air quality in your home, add an air purifier. This device cleanses your air and makes it safer to breathe. A smart model will even check your home’s air for pollutants and let you know when it needs to run. You can easily tell the air purifier to turn itself on when it reaches a higher level. Many South Jersey homes use an air purifier with a humidifier. A smart humidifier controls the humidity level in your home, even if you’re out of town.
You can integrate other features into your HVAC system to make a smart home, including:
- Security cameras
- Windows and door alarms
- Motion and occupancy sensors
- Smart lights
Invest in Smart HVAC Today
You have options today that go far beyond a traditional furnace and air conditioning system. Some of the top brands in the world now offer smart HVAC systems that will transform your home. Just imagine using the sound of your voice to turn on the heat or coming back from work to a cool and comfy house waiting for you. These systems also work great with optional products like smart lights, motion sensors, alarms, and air purifiers. Contact Meade’s Heating and Air to get help picking the best smart HVAC system that will benefit your home.
