In today’s age of technology, it seems like there’s a “smart” version of just about everything. In the past few years, smart thermostats have become increasingly popular. But what are they? And more importantly, should you buy a smart thermostat? Keep reading to learn everything you need about smart thermostats to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase one.
What Are Smart Thermostats?
Smart thermostats are, quite simply, thermostats that can be controlled remotely via an app on your smartphone or other mobile devices. With a smart thermostat, you can adjust the temperature in your home even when you’re not there. For example, it is highly convenient if you forget to turn the heat down before leaving for work in the morning. You can simply pull out your phone and adjust the settings.
How Are They Different From Other Thermostats?
Smart thermostats are different from traditional thermostats in a few key ways. As we mentioned, you can control the device remotely. It is made possible by the fact that smart thermostats are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. That means you can control them from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Smart thermostats are “learning” thermostats. That means they get to know your temperature preferences over time and make adjustments accordingly. So, if you typically turn the heat up at 6 PM, the smart thermostat will start doing that automatically. It is an excellent feature if you like your home to be at a specific temperature when you walk in the door after a long day.
Some smart thermostats also have sensors that detect when someone is home and when they’re not. It allows the thermostat to adjust automatically based on whether or not anyone is home. So, if you have a schedule where you’re gone from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, the thermostat will know not to heat or cool an empty house.
Should You Buy A Smart Thermostat?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. First, how comfortable are you with using new technology? If you’re not tech-savvy, you may find that a traditional thermostat is easier to use.
Second, how much do you value convenience? If being able to adjust your home’s temperature from your couch or while you’re on vacation sounds appealing, then a smart thermostat may be worth the investment.
Finally, are you looking to save money on your energy bill? Many smart thermostat owners see significant savings on their heating and cooling costs thanks to these devices’ energy-saving features. So if lowering your carbon footprint and saving money is essential, then a smart thermostat may be the way to go.
Drawbacks of Smart Thermostats
- Expensive: One of the most significant drawbacks of smart thermostats is that they can be costly. The initial cost of the thermostat can range from $100 to $300, and then there’s also the cost of professional installation if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
- Require Wi-Fi: Smart thermostats also require Wi-Fi to work correctly. So if your home doesn’t have Wi-Fi, you’ll either need to invest in a Wi-Fi router or stick with a traditional thermostat.
- They may not work with your HVAC system: Finally, it’s important to note that not all HVAC systems are compatible with smart thermostats. So before you buy one, be sure to check that it will work with your particular system. If it doesn’t, then it’s not worth the investment since you won’t be able to use all of its features anyway.
Conclusion
Smart thermostats offer many benefits, but they also come with some drawbacks. Overall, they’re an excellent investment if you’re looking to save money on your energy bill and have more control over the temperature in your home. However, they can be expensive, and they require Wi-Fi to work correctly. Additionally, not all HVAC systems are compatible with smart thermostats, so be sure to check before making a purchase.
