Thermostats can significantly impact electricity consumption in a home when it comes to heating and cooling. The way they handle temperature settings and control the heating and cooling systems can determine whether electricity is saved or wasted when nobody is home. There are two main types of thermostats that handle this scenario differently: conventional thermostats and smart thermostats.
Conventional Thermostats: Conventional thermostats work on a simple set-point basis. You manually set the desired temperature, and the thermostat maintains that temperature until you change it. If you forget to adjust the temperature or turn off the system when leaving the house, the heating or cooling system will continue to operate even if nobody is home. This results in wasted electricity as the system consumes energy unnecessarily.
Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats are designed to be more energy-efficient and save electricity by offering additional features and automation. They can learn your schedule, preferences, and even detect when you're away from home. Here's how smart thermostats help save electricity:
a. Remote Control: Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely through smartphone apps. If you forget to adjust the temperature before leaving, you can do it from anywhere. This prevents unnecessary energy consumption when the house is empty.
b. Geofencing: Many smart thermostats use geofencing technology, which relies on your smartphone's GPS to detect when you leave a certain perimeter (your home) or return to it. When the system detects that nobody is home, it can automatically adjust the temperature to an energy-saving setting.
c. Learning Algorithms: Smart thermostats can learn your behavior patterns over time. They adapt to your schedule and temperature preferences, optimizing heating and cooling cycles when you are home and reducing energy usage when you're away.
d. Occupancy Sensors: Some smart thermostats are equipped with occupancy sensors. These sensors can detect movement or occupancy in the house. If there's no movement detected for a certain period, the thermostat may assume the house is empty and adjust the temperature accordingly.
e. Vacation Modes: Smart thermostats often have vacation modes that allow you to set a specific temperature range for an extended period when you're away for vacations or business trips.
By utilizing these features, smart thermostats can effectively save electricity and reduce energy waste when nobody is home, making them a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option in the long run.