Every day new technologies evolve to make our lives easier and more efficient. This is true in the realm of HVAC units and thermostats as well. When the Nest came out in 2011, it changed the way we thought about controlling the temperature of our homes. Smart thermostats have come a long way since the original Nest and now there are a variety of options for homeowners.
Learning Thermostats
These thermostats use machine learning and advanced algorithms to analyze the conditions of your home as well as your personal heating and cooling preferences. They automatically adjust the temperature settings based on your schedule, and behaviors and optimize your energy usage. The Nest Learning Thermostat and ecobee Smart Thermostat both offer these features.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats don’t have all of the bells and whistles of learning thermostats, but they still have very convenient features that can help you be more efficient. These thermostats offer temperature schedules that you can set based on your daily routines. These thermostats allow you to save energy when heating and cooling are not needed.
Remote Access Thermostats
This feature allows you to control your HVAC unit remotely via an app or web interface anywhere you have an Internet connection. This feature is offered on a variety of learning and programmable thermostat devices. With remote access, you can turn off or adjust your HVAC unit while you’re not home as well as turn it on so you can come back to a comfortable home.
Geofencing Thermostats
Geofencing-enabled thermostats utilize the GPS location of your smartphone and detect your proximity to your home. The thermostat can automatically adjust based on your location and turn the unit off or on accordingly.
Occupancy Sensing Thermostats
These smart thermostats utilize sensors to detect when rooms are unoccupied. They can adjust the temperature accordingly, reducing your energy consumption in areas that are unoccupied and keep other rooms comfortable when in use.
Energy Monitoring Thermostats
These thermostats have built-in energy monitoring systems that provide real-time feedback on your energy usage. They track your energy consumption patterns and identify opportunities for energy savings.
Zone Thermostat Systems
If you have a large home or building with multiple HVAC units and thermostats, these smart-zoned thermostats work independently to keep different areas comfortable. They offer unique features for advanced control such as temperature monitoring, remote access for each zone, scheduling, and optimization of comfort and energy efficiency.
Voice-Controlled Thermostats
By combining virtual assistant services like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit, you can use your voice to control your thermostat. Just tell the thermostats to adjust via voice command. These thermostats are particularly useful for individuals with limited mobility or a disability.
The wide majority of today’s thermostats integrate with smart home systems. Simply purchase the unit that works with the platform you prefer and you’ll be adjusting your lights, security system, appliances, and HVAC system with ease.
Contact Elite Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for assistance with choosing the right smart thermostat for your home as well as installation.
