When it comes to saving money on energy costs, homeowners are always experimenting with new technology that makes it easier and more convenient. You might already own a smart thermostat, but what about smart vents? Are they as helpful an investment as they look like at first glance?
Three Rivers Heating & Cooling will walk you through what you need to understand about smart air vents. You’ll understand pluses and disadvantages, and if adding smart vent technology to your home is a smart decision.
What is a Smart Vent?
In most residences, your thermostat connects with your HVAC system to hold one temperature.
Smart HVAC vents offer much greater and more fine-tuned control, including:
- Noticing when someone is in an area through motion or proximity sensors.
- Establishing different temperatures on a room-by-room basis.
- Using motorized covers to open and close exactly how you want them to.
A smart vent system is more capable of moving airflow than just opening and closing registers by yourself.
4 Pluses of Using Smart Vents
Investing in smart home vents may feel like going too far. But you’ll be relieved to learn there’s many different perks to getting smart vents.
1. They Can Improve Hot and Cold Spots
You likely have an area or room that’s not as warm or cool as you want. Smart vents can help push more airflow to these problem spots.
2. They Are Compatible with Other Smart Home Technology
We operate with trusted brands to bring you reliable technology that can function without help or be installed with other smart home systems.
Flair smart vents and Keen smart vents are a couple of the most popular brands. Here’s how they stack up with two popular smart thermostats.
- If you use a Nest: Keen smart vents aren’t compatible, but they can work alone. Flair links with Nest via Google Assistant.
- If you have an Ecobee: Flair and Keen are both compatible with Ecobee via third-party apps.
3. You Can Control Them from Your Phone
Like other smart systems, all the most important functions are available using an app for your phone. It may be tough to move louvers on vents with your hand, especially if they’re on the ceiling. With a smart vent, you can fine-tune the temperature room-by-room quickly and conveniently.
4. They’re Affordable
In general, zoning systems are generally much more expensive, as dampers are placed inside the ductwork. If you have a large home, a home that’s being constructed or has rooms that need very defined settings, a zoning system could be the ideal fit.
If you go with smart vents, you don’t need to replace all your vents with smart vents. If you have a small number of rooms with trouble spots, a smart vent can provide more control at a lower cost.
What Should I Be Aware of Before Installing Smart Vents?
When utilized properly, smart vents could help you save money. They can also give several other benefits. Here are some you should know when thinking about adding them to your house.
Smart Vents Can Help You Save on Energy Costs in Portland, OR
In most cases, smart vent technology is easier on your wallet than manual equipment like dampers or zoning. Smart vents can be noninvasively installed outside the ductwork, offering you more control and less mess. And if you control your temperatures well, you may also save on overall energy expenses.
Smart Vents Are a Safe Solution
You may have been told that smart vent technology can be bad for your HVAC system. Contrary to what you’ve been told, adjusting or sealing a few vents won’t damage your furnace or air conditioner. When picking out a smart vent, we encourage choosing a manufacturer with a great record of safety and customer satisfaction.
Three Rivers Heating & Cooling Can Help You Pick Smart Vents
There are a wide range of brands on the market today, so choosing the best smart vent can seem intimidating to begin with. Particularly since some brands work better with certain smart thermostats.
Three Rivers Heating & Cooling will help you browse the possibilities, so you can select the best kind for your Portland residence. If you’re interested in how smart vent technology could assist you, contact us at 503-213-4433. Our heating and cooling experts will provide you with the information and help you need, every step of the way.