In the middle of showing a home, has a prospective home buyer ever asked you about thermostats? A question like this can catch you off-guard. Believe it not, some thermostats can add tremendous value on the home. This is because, when used properly, certain thermostats can help homeowners save 10%-20% annually. Knowing the different types of thermostats on the market, (smart or programmable) can help you better sell the energy efficiency features of the home. If you’re able to quote the energy savings statistics on a certain type of thermostat, you’re more likely to appeal to the crowd who values utility savings within the home.
Heating and Cooling Consume a lot of Energy
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating and cooling accounts for a major share of energy consumption within the United States. This high energy consumption contributes to a large part of the electricity bill. Because of this, it makes sense for you to call out the energy savings associated with a thermostat when showing a home.
Programmable Thermostats
With a programmable thermostat, homeowners are not boxed in to manually adjust the temperature. Instead, they’re able to program the temperature for specific times throughout the day. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save as much as 10% on their heating and cooling bills. They can do this by resetting their thermostat when sleeping or away from home. A programmable thermostat is simple: simply set it and forget it.
One of the biggest perks with programmable thermostats are the price. Good for the budget- conscious and low-tech family, programmable thermostats can be purchased for as little as $15. Though the family can set it and forget, in comparison to smart thermostats, it’s features are limited.
Brands like Honeywell and Emerson have a variety of programmable thermostats that allow your homeowners to program it for 7 days. Most people with a programmable thermostat program their system to shut off when they leave for work and program it back on when they come home. But what about the times when they’re actually away or at home during a specific time they set outside of the programmable feature? In a scenario like this, it’s up to the homeowner to program it.
Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat in comparison to a programmable one is well, …smarter. Keep in mind, programmable thermostats aren’t dumb. They don’t have the same amount of features that a smart thermostat would have.
These types of features are not only convenient but when used correctly, they can save energy and money. One of the biggest perks of a smart thermostat is the ability to control them remotely. Most smart thermostats can be controlled from a computer, smartphone, tablet, or in some situations with their voice. Some brands don’t need to be adjusted because their sensors can detect, learn, and program itself based off of your behaviors. Neat, huh?
Nest, ecobee, Honeywell, Emerson, Aprilaire, and Carrier all have their own line of smart thermostats. Each of their specific “smart” features may vary. But for the most part, a quality smart thermostat should be able to adjust the temperature based on the family’s normal routine. And if that routine breaks, the thermostat should adjust itself. That way, your homeowners can forget it.
The infographic below from Ohio State University uses data provided by Nest to show consumers the savings that could be had with a smart thermostat. While the data comes from Nest, home owners interested in a smart thermostat can also enjoy recognize some of the benefits associated with a smart thermostat in general.
Takeaways on Thermostats
Thermostats are not quite like what they used to be. The days of adjusting the thermostat are a thing of the past. Technology today allows everyone to be more comfortable in our homes while also saving money. A win-win for everyone.
Knowing the differences between smart and programmable thermostats is key for you because as sales agents you may encounter the question. Being able to identify the thermostat, its features, and savings can benefit not only you but the homeowner in the long run.
