Before we get into all that, let’s start by explaining what makes a thermostat smart…

Programable thermostats (thermostats that can adjust the temperature based on a pre-set schedule), have been around, in one way or another, since 1906. So why is everyone, “all of a sudden” (for the past 10 years or so), talking about “smart” thermostats, and what’s so smart about them anyway?!

For a thermostat to be considered “smart”, it just has to be Wi-Fi enabled. The most basic models just allow you to remotely adjust the temperature with a smartphone app. This is great because it allows you to set the thermostat to your desired temperature before leaving work after a 12-hour shift or from the tarmac after a weeklong vacation, while maintaining an energy-saving temperature while you’re away.

The really smart ones “learn” your preferences and routine (mostly through motion sensors) and automatically adjust to an energy-saving temperature when you’re asleep or away. Higher end models use features like geofencing to achieve your desired temperature by the time you get home.

In summary, smart thermostats use motion sensors and geofencing to figure out when nobody is home, and automatically go into energy-saving mode when your house is empty. They also make it extremely easy to set up a sensible heating and cooling schedule. According to real-world data gathered by the EPA, smart thermostats (that meet Energy Star criteria) save users an average of 8% on their electric bills.

For comparison, setting your programable thermostat 7 to

A ductless air conditioning system or “mini-split” consists of one or more wall-mounted air handlers inside your home or office and an outdoor compressor.

Small tubes carry refrigerant from the compressor to the indoor units, so you only have to drill a small hole behind each air handler.

The inverter-driven compressor makes mini-split systems ultra energy-efficient, which saves you money, the indoor air handlers have a sleek, non-invasive design that goes with any decor, and they are much quieter and safer than window units, making them the perfect solution for:

• HOME ADDITIONS. Ductless systems can heat or cool home additions like a sunroom, bonus room, or lounge - without diverting air from the rest of the house and, because you’re not sharing ductwork, you don’t have to worry about “stinking up the rest of the house” if you’re smoking cigars in your man cave.
• GARAGES. Garages can get extremely hot in the summer, making a ductless system the perfect solution if you’ve converted your garage into a gym, or you’re just like to tinker in the garage for hours at a time.
• EMPTY NESTERS WITH UNUSED ROOMS. Closing air vents creates a pressure imbalance that causes your central air conditioning system to run inefficiently, costing you more in the long run. Ductless systems allow you to heat or cool the areas you’re currently using, while keeping the temperature in unused areas just low enough to avoid mold.
• ROOMS WITH SPECIFIC TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS. If you have a home office with computer