Editor's Note: This post was originally published in June 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Almost every room in your home has a feature that can utilize smart home technology – lighting, sound, even kitchen appliances can now be adjusted with simple vocal commands or a smartphone app. But there's one device that can impact your entire home and family at the same time: your smart home thermostat. Smart thermostats, including Lennox' iComfort^® smart thermostats, can not only manage your home's heating and cooling, but they can also save you money and help your home operate more efficiently. According to ENERGY STAR, almost half of the average American household's energy bill goes to heating and cooling and costs more than $900 a year.

Switching to a smart home thermostat like the iComfort^® S30 Ultra Smart thermostat can also help simplify your life by learning your family's preferences and schedules and adjusting your home's temperature accordingly. Whether you use Apple HomeKit^™, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home, all you have to do is say the words to fine-tune your comfort.

"Hey Siri, set the thermostat to 72 degrees."

"Hey Alexa, raise the temperature by two degrees."

 "OK Google, lower the temperature in the living room."

Using voice commands to control your home comfort is easy—just watch how simple it is to use Google Assistant to control iComfort^® products.

With all the perks and conveniences of smart thermostats, it's no surprise that homeowners are increasingly integrating them into their homes. By 2024, most homes are predicted to have a smart thermostat, according to IoT Business.

Here are some best practices that will help you save on your energy bills and maximize the benefits of your smart thermostat.

1: Explore All the Ways You Can Use IFTTT

If This, Then That (IFTTT) is a free web-based service that gets apps and devices working together. This integration allows you to program your thermostat around your routine, location and weather. Using IFTTT, you can manage multiple devices with one command.

"If I leave for work, then set the temperature to 78 degrees."

"If the temperature outside drops to 50 degrees, then turn on the heat."

IFTTT is simple to set up and use. Check out this video on how to connect your devices to IFTTT and explore our IFTTT resource page for triggers and actions.

2: Embrace the Feels Like^™ Feature

Whether your ideal indoor temperature is 77 or 68, you can create your perfect air using the iComfort^® S30's Feels Like^™ feature. It factors in your home's humidity levels so the temperature you set is really how your home feels.

3: Use Your Preferred Platform

Are you a fan of Amazon Alexa? Enjoy asking Google for a hand? Or maybe you want to pair your smart thermostat with your favorite Apple device, like your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Apple HomePod? There's no need to buy another smart home system; you can do what works best for your family and your preferences. Don't be afraid to stick with the platform you know and like.

Lennox' iComfort^® thermostats easily work with each person's life. There are multiple ways to use the system and many options to manage your devices with the smart platform you choose.

Connected and Controlled Comfort

For years, the thermostat was a set-it-and-forget-it device that didn't offer robust customization options. Not anymore. Lennox' line of iComfort^® smart thermostats give you powerful control over your comfort. You need only say the words and you can make your home environment exactly how you like it. You don't have to be stuck with hot, sticky air or live with rooms that never cool down in the summer.

Want to make the latest smart home thermostat technology work in your home? Contact your local Lennox^® dealer to find out how.