Since 2011, over 10 million Smart Thermostat devices have been sold only by Nest and this suggests the magnitude of shift which is taking place from the non-programmable to programmable and now to Smart Thermostats. The right purchase, the right installation and the right use indeed lead to controlled energy bills as well as improved comfort. This surely happens and this is the prime reason why homeowners feel fascinated towards the Wifi-Smart Thermostats. If you are one such recently fascinated homeowner, this blog is for you. Before you miss out on the amazing features of your latest Wifi Smart Thermostat, we want you to explore it to the fullest. Here are the five features you must look for in your Wifi Smart Thermostat.

Algorithm-Based Learning

Your Wifi Smart Thermostat is really Smart. So as you set the temperatures and get into a routine of setting the same temperature, it automatically learns the settings and adjusts the Thermostat at those settings even if you forget to set. Also, with the geofencing feature, the Thermostat locates where you are. As you leave home or as you arrive home, it automatically makes necessary temperature changes so that you enter into a super comfortable home.

Zoning feature for desireable comfort

Almost all the latest Wifi Thermostats support the zoning feature. Which is that different rooms can be adjusted with different temperatures. With precise heating/cooling, savings on energy bills can also be made. So if you haven't yet used this zoning feature and desperately want zoning comfort, go on man!

Remote Access

The prime fascination about Wifi Thermostats is that it can be accessed remotely. So you can forget about making the necessary changes to your Thermostat and still be able to access it from office, from a grocery store or from a far away vacation point.

Also, with the wifi feature, important notifications can be received; as of maintenance reminder, filter change reminder, etc. This allows you to schedule an HVAC tech visit even when you're sitting idle somewhere away from home.

Monthly reports

Your Wifi Thermostat records every single thing. So it records your energy consumption and provides with monthly reports for you to access if you need to make any changes to your energy consumption.

In addition to these, one of the features Wifi Smart Thermostats offer is the voice command feature. You can choose your favorite assistant; Google, Siri or Alexa to help with the voice command features.

Who should not upgrade to Wifi Smart Thermostat?

While Wifi Thmerostats is an ideal technology for people who find it easy to be in the cradle of technology and save time & energy, it is not, however, ideal for elderly homeowners who find these technologies complex or those homes where the temperature and utility bills remain moderate. And this is because Wifi Smart Thermostats are the latest and the most expensive Thermostats in the market. There is no use of upgrading to a technology that you don't look forward to making the most use of.

But yes, if you're tired of hefty energy bills, indoor discomfort and find all the features of Wifi Thermostats worth trying, you must upgrade to enjoy the blessings of technology.

Choosing an HVAC contractor could be challenging, especially when a homeowner is doing it for the first time or has shifted to a place where he doesn't know much about the local contractors. And while it might seem a not so big deal, it is, because it is ending up with the right contractor that your appliance's right installation, its efficiency, and its warranty is dependant on but above all your wallet. All too often, homeowners hook themselves with the wrong kind of contractors resulting in them wasting thousands of dollars on HVAC related things annually. It is, therefore that wise persons are concerned about who they are choosing and research thoroughly before shaking hands with a contractor.
Below we share 5 hacks to ensure that the contractor you end up is a reliable contractor.

1. Don't trust phone quotes

Reliable contractors act reliably. If on the first interaction, a contractor gives a quote only by listening to the problem without first giving a in-house visit, don't trust. Such phone quotes are often given by people who are more interested in money than in getting your issue resolved. Also, certified and professional contractors find it a must to inspect the unit as well as a the situation and prefer to give in house quotes.

2. Your contractor is suggesting the same replacement model? Beware!

HVAC appliances like Furnaces and Air Conditioners expire after a long duration of 10 to 15 years and sometimes even more. During this time, a series of new models are launched which people upgrade according to their needs. If your contractor is suggesting you to replace the existing model with the same model, he is not being honest with you and most probably is trying only to rid himself of the old models which he has at his showroom. If he doesn't begin honestly, what would he do later? Time to look for some other nearby contractor.

3. Ensure the contractor is licensed

You will make a seriously bad deal if you choose an unlicensed contractor. The first thing, in this case, will be the voiding of HVAC warranty. Issues like faulty installation, overcharging, etc may as well arise. Licenced contractors have their licences displayed on their websites, social media pages or mention of them on their business cards.

4. Avoid one-brand contractors

These contractors want to make the most sales of the brand they are a dealer of. For example, a York dealer will not mention the latest Lennox models to you even if they are better, cheaper and more efficient. In this case, contractors intentionally make you choose not the best model. Hence recommended that when choosing a contractor, avoid those who are dealers of one particular brand.

5. Low-bidders are mostly the wrong people

Practically speaking, a company who has to pay salaries to its technicians, has to keep up with routine expenses and run the company, cannot afford to bid very low on the maintenance, tune-up, repair or installation costs. To keep up the quality, they have to charge for it. And here comes another sign; if the contractor is bidding very low and doing so very happily, he is either not licenced or at least not experienced enough. Pay for reliable and licenced services even if they are a little costlier. This will save you the pain later.

Have you ever had a bad experience with a trapper contractor? Were you able to identify him in time? If not, how did you get out of the mess?