6 Tips to Prepare Your Downriver Home for Winter
October 4, 2024
These days, new technology is arriving all the time to make our lives easier and more comfortable. One great example of this is the growing popularity of smart thermostats. These modern thermostats are becoming extremely popular in homes all over America, and for good reason. Having one will not only allow you to keep your indoors more comfortable, but it can also help you save quite a bit of money on energy. Plus, smart thermostats can make your day-to-day life more convenient and even improve the health of your HVAC system.
All of that said, you shouldn’t necessarily jump into buying a smart thermostat without giving it some thought first. To ensure that you’re truly doing what’s best for your household, there are a few factors you should consider before you purchase one of these devices.
If you’re thinking about upgrading to a smart thermostat, you may be tempted to do so right before the summer or winter. After all, those are the seasons when you’ll be relying on your HVAC system the most. That means that they’re the seasons with the most potential for energy savings. However, it may be wiser to make your change during a milder time of the year—especially if you’re opting for a DIY installation. When you install your own smart thermostat, there’s a chance that something might go wrong. If that happens, you could be stuck without heat or AC for a while until you can get help from professionals. During the scorching Michigan summer or the freezing winter, that could mean dealing with some serious discomfort.
If you plan to install the new thermostat yourself, doing so in the spring or autumn might be a safer bet. You’ll still enjoy the same benefits when the harsher seasons arrive, but if you end up having a problem, it will be much easier to get by without relying on your HVAC system. Alternatively, if you’d rather get professional assistance installing your smart thermostat, you can always give us a call at Flo-Aire.
Now that they’ve become so popular, there are many different types of smart thermostats available on the market. And while it’s important to select one that has the features you’re looking for, it’s even more important to select one that’s compatible with your home’s HVAC system.
For most smart thermostats, you need to have a 24-volt or “low voltage” system. This refers to the units that are commonly called “central air” or “central heat” systems. You may not be certain whether or not this describes the system in your home. If the following criteria describe your situation, then you have a 24-volt HVAC unit.
If you don’t have a 24-volt HVAC system in your home, then you most likely have a line voltage unit. Rather than using 24 volts, these systems use between 120 and 240, and they generally aren’t compatible with smart thermostats. Typically, if you have a line voltage system, you’ll have a different thermostat for each room of the house. You may also have vents in your walls or floors, and there will likely be a “high voltage” warning under the cover of your HVAC unit.
If you’re having trouble determining what type of HVAC system you have, our team at Flo-Aire can help. We can assist you in identifying your system, and if necessary, we can send someone out to your property to look. We’ll also be able to tell you whether a smart thermostat is a viable option for your household.
Finally, it’s important that you choose a good location in your home to install your new smart thermostat. For one thing, most smart thermostats require a Wi-Fi connection for many of their features. So, you’ll want to find a spot where the internet connectivity is solid and reliable. Otherwise, you may end up having trouble getting the most out of the thermostat.
You’ll also want to select a place in your home where the thermostat can get the most accurate and consistent temperature readings. Ideally, it should be somewhere near the center of your house and away from any windows or doorways. If the thermostat is placed in a spot where the temperature experiences regular fluctuations, it can throw off the climate of your living space. For example, if it’s placed in front of a window that gets direct sunlight, the thermostat will regularly think your home is significantly warmer than it is. As a result, it will frequently instruct your air conditioner to start cycling, which will probably make your household much colder than you’d prefer.
When you’re searching for the right spot for your smart thermostat, try to choose an area where the climate is as neutral as possible. If there’s a hallway near the center of your home’s ground floor, that’s usually an excellent choice!
When you need expert HVAC services in Downriver area, you can always count on us at Flo-Aire Heating, Cooling & Electrical. Over the years, we’ve built our reputation for high-quality workmanship, dedicated customer service, and absolute professionalism. If you’re considering a smart thermostat for your home, we’d be more than happy to guide you through the process. Give us a call today at (734) 285-1809 if you’d like to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Locally owned and operated in Southgate, MI since 1955, Flo-Aire Heating, Cooling & Electrical is one of the top heating & cooling companies in Southeast Michigan. Flo-Aire provides residential, commercial and industrial HVAC services throughout all of Metro Detroit.
