Managing energy costs in commercial properties is no small feat. After all, property managers are continuously balancing energy efficiency with the need to provide comfortable and living environments.
There are costs associated with providing seamless living spaces. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), utilities typically account for 25% to 35% of overall operating costs. Fortunately, smart thermostats give property managers the ability to optimize consumption without compromising comfort.
Commercial-grade smart thermostats offer far more than climate control––they provide actionable insights into energy usage and continuously adjust to reduce wastage. But what exactly is a smart thermostat? How do you install a smart thermostat? And are smart thermostats worth it?
What is a Smart Thermostat?
Put simply, a smart thermostat is a thermostat that allows for automated temperature control. Commercial smart thermostats are often part of an integrated system, working in tandem with software to optimize settings based on real-time occupancy data, allowing property managers to remotely monitor and adjust for maximum energy efficiency.
Yet, not all smart thermostats are created equal. Of course, properties such as student housing, hotels, senior living residences, and MDUs require commercial-grade solutions rather than consumer-grade smart thermostats, such as those offered by Nest and Ecobee.
Notably, commercial-grade smart thermostats ( e.g. VX4, VX and ZX Smart Thermostats ) come equipped with a range of features consumer options often lack, from night occupancy and dynamic recovery mode to advanced humidity control, flexible setbacks, and energy savings reports. These smart thermostats represent low-cost infrastructure that yields significant ROI and lower energy costs.
Smart Thermostat FAQs
Just like not all smart thermostats are created equal, you may have some questions about finding the right commercial-grade smart thermostat. From how to install a smart thermostat to how they help property managers and tenants alike save money, we’ve got you covered with answers to some of the most common questions about smart HVAC thermostats.
How Do Smart Thermostats Save Energy?
In the simplest terms, smart thermostats automatically adjust heating and cooling needs using advanced technology, delivering peak energy efficiency. Featuring a number of intuitive settings including, night occupancy mode, flexible setbacks, dynamic temperature recovery, and advanced humidity control, commercial-grade smart HVAC thermostats ensure optimal temperature control at all times, without compromising guest comfort. With the dynamic temperature recovery feature, the occupant’s optimal temperature is restored within a reasonable amount of time upon their return to a room.
Best of all, smart thermostats can control any electrical device in a room, ranging from makeup air, lighting, dampers, and electrical outlets based on occupancy signals. These smart HVAC thermostats also integrated seamlessly with third-party smart HVAC systems and energy management services like Verdant Plus.
Are Smart Thermostats Worth it?
Absolutely! Smart thermostats help property managers of all sizes optimize energy consumption and reduce operational costs. These commercial-grade devices allow for real-time monitoring and adjustments to heating and cooling, aligning with occupancy patterns.
Additionally, smart thermostats typically come equipped with remote access and automated alerts, ensuring property managers can easily monitor and adjust temperatures in real time. Indeed, their upfront cost is greatly outweighed by the long-term benefits, with property managers recouping their initial investment in as little as 12 to 18 months. The end result is a more seamless user experience and significant, sustainable energy savings.
How Do You Install Smart Thermostats?
Installing smart HVAC thermostats is a relatively straightforward process. Smart thermostat installation typically involves turning off the power, removing the old thermostat, and connecting the new one to the smart HVAC system. It is as simple as ensuring the wiring matches the manufacturer’s instructions before securely mounting the smart thermostat on the wall. Once installed, the smart HVAC thermostat can then be connected to Wi-Fi for remote monitoring and access.
Did you know that Verdant smart thermostats with occupancy sensors can be self-installed in under 10 minutes? Verdant’s smart thermostats with occupancy sensors offer property managers a plug-and-play solution for both wired and wireless needs in both new construction and retrofit projects.
What is the Difference Between Verdant Smart Thermostats vs. Ecobee and Nest?
Unlike Ecobee and Nest’s residential thermostats, which require resident Wi-Fi for remote management and don’t support building-wide energy management, Verdant smart thermostats are designed specifically for commercial-grade properties. While Nest and Ecobee rely on self-learning and location-based technologies for residential use, Verdant smart HVAC thermostats are equipped with built-in passive infrared motion sensors that continuously scan their surroundings for motion and body heat.
Verdant’s smart thermostats with occupancy sensors also offer advanced system diagnostic alerts, remote visibility, and lower overall power consumption. In fact, Verdant’s ZX smart thermostat was the first of its kind to use AAA batteries, and an e-paper display to limit power consumption. Unlike residential thermostats, Verdant smart thermostats with occupancy sensors offer unparalleled compatibility and are built to integrate with complex HVAC systems.
How Much Will the Average Smart Thermostat Save?
On average, a smart HVAC thermostat can save property managers between 10 to 12% on heating and approximately 15% on cooling. Energy savings are ultimately dependent on property type and typical energy consumption patterns, however, the end result is substantial savings.
Best of all, commercial-grade smart thermostats offer real-time insights into occupancy patterns and remote access, allowing property managers to further streamline energy efficiency, without compromising occupant comfort. Over time, these savings add up, and can be reinvested, increasing property and resale value.
What are Common Smart Thermostat Features?
Smart thermostats offer a range of advanced features to enhance energy efficiency and reduce energy waste. Programmable settings give property managers the ability to schedule temperature adjustments based on daily routines and occupancy patterns. Occupancy sensors, on the other hand, detect when rooms are empty.
Smart HVAC thermostats can also come equipped with machine-learning capabilities, which adapt to real-time occupancy patterns, local weather conditions, and historical thermodynamics. Moreover, commercial-grade smart thermostats are typically compatible with a range of smart HVAC systems, including Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems by industry leaders like LG, Mitsubishi, and Carrier.
Finally, smart thermostats are outfitted with air quality management features, monitoring and improving indoor air conditions all-year round. Armed with this information, smart thermostats provide property managers with actionable insights into energy usage trends for streamlined energy management.
What’s the Difference Between a Smart Thermostat and a Programmable Thermostat?
Smart thermostats and programmable thermostats often get confused, given their similarities, yet they differ in functionality and convenience. Essentially, a programmable thermostat allows property managers to set schedules for heating and cooling based on daily routines. However, these thermostats require manual adjustments and may not optimize energy use in real-time.
A smart thermostat, on the other hand, comes equipped with advanced features, including remote access, dynamic recovery, flexible setbacks, and seamless integration with third-party smart devices. Commercial-grade smart thermostats adjust heating and cooling settings based on occupancy in real-time, resulting in higher energy savings and lower operational costs.
How Do I Choose a Smart Thermostat?
Choosing the right smart thermostat depends largely on your property type and energy consumption patterns. Put simply, residential thermostats do not provide the same functionality and energy savings as commercial-grade options. Before settling on a smart thermostat, it is typically recommended to consider factors such as HVAC compatibility, desired features (i.e. remote access, machine learning capabilities), occupancy patterns, and overall energy-saving potential.
It is also important to assess installation requirements and whether a smart thermostat is compatible with your existing infrastructure. Ultimately, the best choice will balance your specific needs, budget, and the potential for long-term energy savings.
Do Smart Thermostats Work Without Wi-Fi?
Yes, smart thermostats can indeed function without Wi-Fi and still provide essential functionality when not connected. For example, Verdant thermostats continue to operate efficiently even if the gateway is offline. While data reporting and remote control capabilities are temporarily unavailable, energy-saving features like intelligent setbacks, recovery time, and night occupancy mode remain active, ensuring that energy efficiency isn’t compromised. Manual adjustments to climate control are also possible, allowing the thermostat to function like a traditional model if needed.
Indeed, without an internet connection, property managers cannot manage energy consumption across multiple units simultaneously, failing to unlock the full potential of smart thermostats. This is ultimately why residential thermostat such as those offered by Ecobee and Nest fall short with commercial energy management needs.
What is the Difference Between Verdant VX and ZX Smart Thermostats?
Verdant ZX smart thermostat and VX smart thermostats are excellent fits for commercial properties with fluctuating occupancies, such as hotels and MDUs. These smart thermostats shared a number of common features, including easy installation, user-friendly interfaces, and seamless integration with Verdant’s energy management system.
However, key distinctions between them exist. For instance, the ZX Smart Thermostat model boasts a more contemporary and streamlined appearance. Ultimately, both these smart thermostats deliver substantial energy savings without hindering resident comfort and are compatible with a wide range of smart HVAC and energy management systems.
Maximize Energy Savings with Verdant’s Smart Thermostats
Energy consumption represents the most significant cost center for commercial properties, particularly as occupancy patterns fluctuate. After all, the value-added services they offer ( i.e. smart water management, common area amenities, laundry facilities, etc. ) come at a price. And while cutting operating costs is part and parcel of a property manager’s job, it shouldn’t come at the expense of resident comfort.
Fortunately, commercial property managers can employ smart thermostats that not only streamline energy consumption and lower carbon emissions, but also create additional revenue streams.
Unlock Energy Savings at Your Property with Verdant!
Are you looking to make your property more energy-efficient and cut down on utility bills? Discover how our innovative solutions can help you achieve significant energy savings.