Smart HVAC Systems in Maryland

Five Reasons Why Smart HVAC Is the Right Choice

Smart homes help their owners live better. They save time by automating routine tasks and money by regulating the use of electricity and other resources more efficiently. Nowhere are the benefits of smart home technology more evident than in home heating and cooling systems.

When most people think of smart heating and cooling systems, they think of high-tech programmable thermostats that can sync with their smartphones to allow remote programming and regulate usage based on whether people are present. However, there is more to smart HVAC systems than that.  Other smart technologies used in HVAC systems include zoning systems that heat and cool only portions of the home that owners want climate-controlled.

If you are not entirely sold on purchasing a smart heating and cooling system for your home or business yet, consider these benefits of smart air conditioning systems:

Save Money on Utility Costs

Smart homeowners are always looking for ways to save money on routine household expenses, and a smart heating and cooling system offers a great way to do it. Smart heating and cooling systems ensure your air conditioner only runs when needed, avoiding unnecessary operations that cost you money. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heating and cooling accounts for about 48% of homeowners’ monthly power bills and is the single largest residential energy expense. Altogether, air conditioners use about 6% of all electricity consumed in the U.S. Unfortunately, a lot of the energy used in heating and cooling homes and other buildings is wasted. Leaking ducts, clogged air filters, and inefficient operating schedules can result in hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in excessive energy bills each year for the average homeowner. Consider all the times you’ve left the air conditioner or heater running while you were away from home. Smart heating and cooling systems put an end to waste. Buildings.com estimates that systems incorporated into an overall energy management system can result in energy savings of between 24% and 32%. The older and more inefficient the system you currently use is, the greater the savings you’ll see from a modern heating and cooling system. A smart HVAC system represents a significant leap forward in technology from systems that are even just a decade old.

Indoor Cooling & Heating Comfort

Smart heating and cooling systems that allow homeowners to control which rooms are heated and cooled will help them feel more comfortable in their homes. For couples with different temperature preferences, a zoned system will help keep the peace, as they will no longer have to fight over the thermostat. Some smart heating and cooling systems also have features that allow homeowners to better control humidity and air quality. Indoor air quality is a big concern in the U.S. The air inside our homes is often two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, but we spend about 90% of our time indoors. Air conditioners that improve air quality have a significant impact on health, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory problems. New air conditioning systems have filters and other options to ensure the air circulating through your home is fresh air.

Heating & Cooling Convenience

A smart HVAC system is far more convenient than a traditional heating and cooling system. Smart HVAC systems even outperform advanced Wi-Fi thermostats that allow you to program a heating and cooling schedule for the device. With a smart heating and cooling system that syncs to your phone, you can remotely control your heating and cooling system. This convenience means never coming home to a house that is too hot or too cold or having to worry about whether you turned the unit down or off when you left the house. All you need to do is access your system via phone when you are not home and adjust the temperature as you desire. Vacation property owners’ ability to remotely regulate the air conditioner can be convenient for their guests. Property owners can cool or heat the home in anticipation of a visit. Smart, energy-efficient HVAC systems can also help save money by avoiding operating the heating and cooling system when no one is present.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Improvements made to your home boost its price when it is time to sell. As energy efficiency and environmental responsibility are significant concerns these days, a smart heating and cooling system will greatly increase your home’s desirability and the price you can command for it. Prospective homeowners want new, energy-efficient systems, but they do not want to have to be the ones to pay for them and oversee their installation. If your home already has a smart system, buyers will be more interested in purchasing your home. Combined with other smart renovations and a good sales pitch, a new air-conditioning system can greatly increase the chances of getting the price you want for your home.

Help the Environment

When heating and cooling units run, they consume electricity from sources of energy that cause carbon emissions like coal or natural gas-fired power plants. Air conditioning units themselves release potentially harmful chemicals into the air. Finding ways to operate air conditioners more efficiently will help reduce the environmental impact of heating and cooling your home.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of your smart HVAC system depends on what you choose to purchase. Smart thermometers typically cost between $200 and $300. Replacing your HVAC system with a new energy-efficient system that offers zone control can cost several thousand dollars. When considering a smart system for your air conditioner, it pays to consult experienced heating and cooling contractors. They can help property owners develop a realistic idea of how much they can expect to save with a new smart thermometer or air conditioning system. When choosing a contractor, be sure to ask about the company’s experience installing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Check out online reviews to ensure you are working with a qualified, reputable air conditioning company like Barstow & Sons.

Additional Smart Technologies for Your Home

Heating and cooling system manufacturers have just begun to explore the options made available by internet technology and advanced sensors. Future products may include systems that can detect when leaks in ductwork are present, allowing property owners to call heating and cooling contractors to fix problems before they become severe. Advanced air conditioning thermostats and systems are not the only forms of smart technology that can make your home more efficient. Energy management systems do for your home’s overall electrical use what smart, automated thermostats do for its heating and cooling system. With energy management systems, homeowners can reduce energy use during peak demand times, lowering their power bills. Energy management systems can also turn lights off when they are not in use and cut power to unused appliances.

Contact Barstow & Sons

If you are ready to enjoy the benefits of a smart HVAC system, contact Barstow & Sons for a free quote. Barstow & Sons is a heating and air conditioning firm that has served the Annapolis, MD area for more than 30 years. We combine experience and expertise with great products to ensure all customers have the quality air conditioning duct service they deserve. To install a smart air-conditioning system or for any other heating and cooling needs, don’t hesitate to call Barstow & Sons today!