What Is a Smart HVAC System?

By Anne Fonda

A smart HVAC system leverages sophisticated technology and an internet connection to improve equipment performance and overall comfort. These smart comfort systems gather data, use predictive algorithms, and may use automation to enhance your home comfort and increase energy efficiency.

A smart HVAC system starts with a smart thermostat. This energy-saving thermostat connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network. A smart thermostat is a programmable thermostat with many added features to help you customize your home comfort.

Smart thermostats use HVAC sensors, automation, and remote access to maximize comfort and efficiency, from anywhere at any time. 

“Smart HVAC systems are a game-changer. By intelligently optimizing temperature and airflow, they not only deliver superior comfort and air quality, but also significantly cut energy waste, putting money back in your pocket and giving you long-lasting peace of mind.” 

-Michael Morey, Product Management Leader, Hardware

American Standard has some of the best smart thermostats available today, including two that work with other brand HVAC systems.

In addition to the smart thermostat, the basic components are an energy-efficient heat pump or central AC unit on the outside and an energy-efficient gas furnace or air handler on the inside. Or, you might have a packaged system.

While its main function is controlling heating and cooling, your smart thermostat may also control indoor air quality (IAQ) equipment such as your whole-home humidifier, whole-home dehumidifier, energy recovery ventilator, or whole-house air cleaner.

While not required in order to be a smart HVAC system, a Link™ communicating variable-speed system can help maximize your comfort and energy savings. Lastly, a zoned HVAC system offers the highest level of comfort, allowing you to customize temperature, humidity, and other settings for each zone. No more hot upstairs and cold downstairs!

We’re glad you asked. Benefits include:

When you have an American Standard smart thermostat, you simply download the Home App to your smartphone to give you control of your system from anywhere, at any time.  

Need to adjust the temperature because your mother is visiting and says it’s cold? No problem. Left for a long-awaited road trip and forgot to set a vacation schedule? No problem. With the Home App, you’re always connected and have full HVAC control.

You can also access your system via a tablet, laptop, or paired voice assistant such as Amazon Alexa® or Google Home®. If you have an American Standard smart thermostat in your vacation home or other property, you simply add that into the app as well.

In addition to programming temperature changes tailored to your schedule and preferred temperature, a smart HVAC system is flexible. Without leaving your chair, bed, or party, you can cool things off or warm things up.

Use the Home App on your phone or say a few words to your voice assistant, and presto! The air or heat comes on to adjust the temperature for precise comfort.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), for the average American home, heating and cooling account for more than half (52%) of your household’s energy usage. Energy-efficient HVAC equipment combined with a smart thermostat can help you reduce your energy consumption and maximize savings on your utility bills.

Set a schedule that raises or lowers the temperature (based on the season) while you’re away from home. There’s no reason to keep your home toasty warm or chilled with AC when no one is home.

The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates you can save as much as 10% annually on your heating and cooling bills by scheduling your thermostat to raise or reduce the temperature by 7-10°F for 8 hours a day. Geofencing on the Home App can also help raise or lower the temperature as you’re nearing your home if you’re earlier than usual.

If you have a heat pump, make sure that you have a smart thermostat that is compatible. Your American Standard dealer can help you with that.

In addition, your smart thermostat will display maintenance alerts and send notifications in the app. These can include when you need to change the HVAC air filter, change the humidifier pad, or schedule professional maintenance of your HVAC equipment. By taking care of regular HVAC maintenance promptly, you can help prolong the life of your system and avoid costly HVAC repairs.

For some additional energy-saving tips, check out the following articles.

Whether you’re in the market for HVAC replacement or you just want to take advantage of all of the benefits an American Standard smart thermostat has to offer, your local American Standard dealer can help find smart HVAC solutions tailored to you and your home.

Anne Fonda

LinkedIn

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need. 

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.  

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

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