Residential Controls

RSS

The internet has changed everything from how people interact with each other to how they get from place to place to even how they shop.

Programmable thermostats were first certified by Energy Star in 1995; however, they were removed from the government-backed program in 2009 because, on their own without proper programming, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disqualified them as energy-saving products.

The smart thermostat market is expected to grow rapidly at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.7 percent through 2022, according to a report by Grand View Research. One of the major drivers of the market is increased consumer awareness of the economic and environmental advantages of these devices. But, when making the switch from a regular, old thermostat to a smart, brand-new one, contractors across the country are finding that homeowners have some concerns.

It's no secret that the world is going digital. You check your bank account balance on your iPhone, pay your energy bill via email, and can tell Amazon Echo to play your favorite song — or adjust the temperature in your home — it's a digital world. So, thermostat manufacturers are keeping this trend in mind while developing products that will pique customers' interests.

Nest’s Thermostat E moves away from the striking stainless steel and black look of the third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat and replaces it with a subtle design, which is highlighted by a white exterior ring and frosted display.

Manufacturers of all sizes across the spectrum of HVAC are getting involved with demand response, and they are participating because the technology within thermostats has made doing so relatively simple.

The ESP-400 by Jackson Systems LLC has earned gold in the Residential Controls category of The NEWS’ 2017 Dealer Design Awards.

A major manufacturer recently conducted a survey of 2,000 consumers asking for their feedback on smart products. When asked about their interest in purchasing smart products, more than 60 percent of respondents said they were interested in purchasing an intelligent control for their home. Other industry data shows that actual smart home product penetration is less than 20 percent.

While some contractors are proceeding with caution when it comes to smart home automation products, further training and awareness may force their hands sooner than later.