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Smart technology is continually revolutionizing our buildings and our daily lives. It’s now reached the point where close to half of all U.S. homes with internet have at least one smart device, and this number is set to greatly increase in the coming years. One area where smart technology is proving extremely useful is in HVAC and indoor comfort control. HVAC systems have a massive carbon footprint and typically account for anywhere from 40% to 60% of a building’s total energy consumption. This is where the use of smart technology can be incredibly beneficial, as it allows HVAC systems to work more efficiently and use less energy without negatively impacting indoor comfort.
AI-Controlled Smart Thermostats
As with most other things these days, smart thermostat technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. One major advancement is the use of AI and predictive algorithms that allow a smart thermostat to fully optimize an HVAC system’s performance, ensuring the building stays perfectly comfortable and the HVAC system operates at its peak efficiency. For instance, the thermostat can monitor the current outdoor temperature and the weather forecast and then adjust its programmed settings accordingly without any user input.
A smart thermostat can start learning from the household’s behavior patterns. After a week or two, it can then program the temperature settings itself based on everyone’s daily routines. One way the thermostat does this is by using a built-in sensor to determine the times when the house is normally unoccupied for longer periods, such as when everyone is at work or school. It can also monitor the home Wi-Fi network to determine the times when no mobile devices with the smart thermostat app installed are connected to the network.
By continually monitoring the HVAC system’s performance, an AI smart thermostat can also accurately determine when maintenance is needed or if the system is at risk of breaking down. This is helpful for reducing repair needs and can even allow homeowners to get more life out of their HVAC systems.
Integration With Other Smart Home Devices
Smart thermostats and smart HVAC systems are also capable of integrating with other smart and IoT (internet of things) devices, which is useful for several reasons. One is just that it adds the convenience of being able to control and monitor the HVAC system from a smart home hub or smart speaker instead of using the mobile app.
Another reason is that it allows the smart thermostat to more quickly and more accurately learn the household’s behavior patterns, resulting in further increased comfort and even greater energy efficiency. For instance, the thermostat can connect to devices like motion sensors inside the house and doorbell cameras to learn when everyone gets up, leaves for the day, gets back home, and goes to bed. It will then automatically switch back and forth between the home and away temperature settings at these different times. That way, the house is always fully comfortable when everyone is home, and the HVAC system runs less when everyone is away.
Smart IAQ Monitoring and Control
Indoor air quality is becoming an increasingly major concern for many people due to how polluted the air in most indoor environments typically is. This is another area where smart HVAC technology can be a real game changer. Some smart HVAC systems can monitor the building’s indoor air quality in real time and then automatically control IAQ equipment like a HEPA filtration system, UV light purifier, ventilation system, humidifier, dehumidifier, etc.
Normal activities like cooking indoors or using many types of cleaning products result in an increased level of indoor air pollutants. If the HVAC system’s air quality sensor detects an increase in pollutants, pollen, and so on, it can then switch on the ventilation system or filtration system to quickly decrease the concentration of the contaminants.
Many smart thermostats can also monitor the indoor humidity level and connect to a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier. This ensures that the humidifier or dehumidifier will automatically run when needed while also preventing the unit from running unnecessarily and wasting energy.
Work with the Best HVAC Company in Greensboro!
Since 1998, Custom Air Inc. has been one of the premier HVAC companies in Greensboro and throughout the Piedmont Triad area. We’re a family-owned company that’s dedicated to helping homeowners with their indoor comfort and air quality needs. From new HVAC installations to maintenance and repairs, we’re ready to expertly assist however we can. For more information on your options for upgrading to a smart HVAC system or to schedule an appointment to install a smart thermostat, contact us today.
