According to statistics compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence, 18% of American households use smart thermostats to control their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The adoption rates are higher in the business sector, where 40% of commercial properties have installed smart thermostats in recent years.
Homeowners and business property managers who haven’t upgraded to smart thermostats are missing out on significant energy and equipment savings. At Ahoy! Cooling & Heating, we strongly recommend smart thermostats to all our commercial and residential customers.
Smart Thermostat Basics
The evolution of modern thermostats began with the introduction of digital controls. Solid-state electronics replaced analog systems in the late 20th century. This advance allowed for more precise temperature settings, programmable schedules, and improved system control. This shift marked a major change in how homeowners and businesses managed indoor comfort.
As digital platforms advanced, manufacturers added features like scheduling, maintenance reminders, and indoor air quality monitoring. These improvements laid the groundwork for smarter, more responsive HVAC controls.
The smart thermostat era officially took off with the introduction of the Nest Learning Thermostat in 2011. Its ability to learn user behavior, optimize energy use, and support the longevity of HVAC equipment was a game-changer.
What Makes a Thermostat Smart?
Analog thermostats were retired over three decades ago. Modern HVAC systems are controlled by thermostats running on digital or smart platforms. We get many questions on this topic because not all new HVAC systems ship with smart thermostats. Your current installation may feature a programmable unit instead. It may look like a fancy device. However, it is only smart if it offers at least four features identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- Remote access and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Energy usage reporting and system monitoring
- Adaptive and learning algorithms
- Occupancy and location awareness
When you upgrade to a smart thermostat, you qualify for rebates and energy savings programs if your unit is certified by ENERGY STAR. In the Tampa Bay region, for example, TECO offers rebates up to $50 for homeowners who purchase smart thermostats. Duke Energy customers can enroll their smart thermostats in the EnergyWise program to get up to $150 in annual credits.
Smart Thermostats and Energy Efficiency
The EPA expanded its ENERGY STAR program to include smart thermostats because they can easily improve HVAC energy efficiency by up to 15%. They also offer additional savings through HVAC performance optimization. This can prevent breakdowns, reduce repair costs, and prolong equipment lifespan.
To understand how smart thermostats improve energy efficiency, we’ll explain specific features offered by the Mitsubishi MHK2 Kumo Touch RedLINK Wireless. Ahoy! Cooling & Heating is a Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Contractor for the Tampa Bay region, and we often pair the MHK2 with high-efficiency heat pumps.
Algorithmic Learning and Adaptive Recovery
Like other advanced smart thermostats, the MHK2 learns your household and workplace schedules to avoid wasting energy. This learning is based on data collected from weather forecasts, plus occupancy and temperature sensors. The adaptive recovery feature learns how long it takes your HVAC system to reach various temperature setpoints. Instead of cooling at full blast and rushing to the setpoint, the MHK2 calculates the most efficient ramp-up time. This reduces heavy energy use during sudden temperature changes.
Dual Setpoint Automatic Changeover
This is particularly useful when the Tampa Bay region goes through transitional seasons. The changeover features allow you to set an idle range. For example, a low setpoint at 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a high setpoint at 75 degrees. With the changeover setting, the system will go into cooling mode if your living spaces are getting too warm. When temperatures drop, the system will only activate heating if it gets too cold. This feature prevents your HVAC system from fighting itself and wasting power.
Remote Cloud Integration and Geofencing
The MHK2 connects to the Mitsubishi Kumo cloud for remote scheduling and system monitoring. This feature prevents cooling or heating empty spaces if your plans or situations change, so you can adjust settings from a mobile app while you’re away. The Kumo cloud service also enables geofencing through a wireless interface adapter. Geofencing uses GPS technology to automatically and efficiently trigger the “Home” and “Away” settings. It’s designed to augment the learning features with real-time movements. For instance, you can set a “virtual fence” with a 5-mile radius so that the thermostat detects when you are returning. This technology adjusts the temperature to a comfortable level before you get home.
RedLINK 3.0 Wireless Precision
This feature provides a stable connection that ensures the MHK2 and the HVAC unit are always in sync. It eliminates lags that can lead to over-cooling or inefficient cycling. When smart thermostats operate with reliable connections, they offer more precise control of advanced HVAC systems. They pair well with high-efficiency heat pumps and ductless mini-splits with variable speed motors.
Weather forecasting is another advanced feature enabled by RedLINK 3.0 connectivity. When the MHK2 connects to Kumo cloud services, you can view local weather conditions on your smartphone. If you install a RedLINK™ Wireless Outdoor Sensor, the smart thermostat gets real-time temperature and humidity readings for precise temperature control.
Other Smart Thermostat Features for Convenience and Optimal Performance
Beyond energy efficiency, some smart thermostats also offer advanced features for maximum comfort and performance. Occupancy sensing, system monitoring, and notifications can improve your HVAC experience.
Space Occupancy Sensors
If you have a multi-zone temperature control HVAC system, you should look for smart thermostats with occupancy sensing features. Examples include central HVAC systems with airflow dampers and mini-splits with multiple indoor air handlers. Occupancy sensors are also essential for homes and businesses with irregular schedules. Instead of following rigid timelines, these sensors detect real-time movement and adjust temperatures accordingly. When living spaces or property sections are empty, smart thermostats can go into energy-saving mode. This prevents wasting money on cooling or heating vacant spaces.
System Monitoring and Alerts
This core smart thermostat feature can prevent early failure and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. By continuously tracking system performance, modern thermostats can detect early warning signs of technical issues. An example would be the system taking longer than usual to reach the setpoint. In this scenario, the system would send a notification to your smartphone. These alerts let you address minor issues before they escalate. You can also get maintenance reminders for air filters and seasonal tune-ups to ensure your system operates at peak efficiency.
Contact Your Local HVAC Experts
At Ahoy! Cooling & Heating, we have been serving the residents of Tampa Bay, FL since 2010. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. We also specialize in technologies to reduce heating and cooling costs while improving comfort. As a locally owned business, we focus on developing long-term customer relationships. This means you can expect quality work at reasonable prices. Contact us today to learn more about smart thermostats and how they can benefit your household.
