Smart Features
Smart Features | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Hixson
Dreaming of a home that intuitively adapts to Chattanooga Valley’s unpredictable temps? HEP’s smart-features team in Hixson transforms ordinary HVAC systems into responsive, energy-sipping companions. With precise sensors, learning algorithms and sleek app control, you’ll glide from sweltering afternoon to cozy evening without lifting a finger—while trimming monthly utility costs and reducing wear on your heating and air equipment.
Our thermostat upgrades integrate seamlessly with existing furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners, delivering real-time insights, voice-assistant compatibility, and automatic maintenance alerts. From remote scheduling when you’re on the lake to geo-fencing that welcomes you home with perfect comfort, we make every degree count—so you can focus on living, not adjusting.
FAQs
What is a smart thermostat and will it work with my current HVAC system in Hixson?
A smart thermostat is an internet-connected control that replaces your traditional wall thermostat. It continuously learns your temperature preferences, monitors indoor humidity, and automatically adjusts heating or cooling to maximize comfort and efficiency. More than 90 % of the forced-air systems found in Hixson (gas furnaces, heat pumps, and central air conditioners) are compatible. During our on-site visit, we check the wiring, transformer capacity, and control board to confirm compatibility before installation.
What specific advantages will I notice after upgrading to a smart thermostat?
Hixson homeowners typically see three immediate benefits: (1) Energy savings of 10–20 % thanks to self-programming schedules, geofencing, and occupancy sensors; (2) Enhanced comfort because the device maintains tighter temperature swings and balances humidity; (3) Convenience features such as mobile-app control, voice commands with Alexa/Google Home, system health alerts, and monthly energy-use reports that help you spot inefficiencies early.
Will a smart thermostat actually lower my utility bills in the Chattanooga/Hixson climate?
Yes. TVA data show that heating and cooling make up about half of an average Hixson power bill. By automatically setbacking temperatures while you’re asleep or away and by optimizing compressor run-times during humid summer afternoons, smart thermostats commonly reduce annual HVAC energy consumption by 8–15 %. Many customers recover the cost of the upgrade in 12–24 months, especially when paired with EPB’s time-of-use rates.
Can I control the thermostat remotely and link it to other smart-home devices?
Absolutely. Once connected to your home Wi-Fi, the thermostat’s free iOS/Android app lets you change temperature settings, create schedules, and receive filter-change reminders from anywhere. Most models we install integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT, enabling voice control and automation routines such as “Away Mode” that turns off lights, locks doors, and adjusts the HVAC simultaneously.
What does installation involve and will it affect my HVAC warranty?
A typical upgrade takes 45–60 minutes. Our technician shuts off power, verifies the C-wire or adds a power extender module, mounts the new baseplate, connects labeled wires, and programs the thermostat for your equipment type (single-stage, multi-stage, or heat pump with auxiliary heat). We then test heating, cooling, and fan modes and walk you through the mobile app. Because we follow manufacturer guidelines and are licensed HVAC contractors, your existing system warranty remains fully intact.
Do smart thermostats require ongoing maintenance or software updates?
Hardware maintenance is minimal—just keep the screen clean and replace the backup batteries (if present) every two years. However, like your smartphone, smart thermostats receive periodic firmware updates that add features or security patches. Updates install automatically over Wi-Fi, usually at night, so you don’t have to do anything. You’ll get a push notification in the app when a new version has been applied.