What Makes Smart Thermostats So Smart?

June 29, 2016

Smart cars, smart phones, and smart homes — we live in an era where technology sometimes seems to be smarter than us. Smart technology has made its way even into the HVAC industry. By keeping you connected to your home, smart thermostats have revolutionized how homes are managed and how homeowners experience comfort. But what makes a smart thermostat so smart, and how could it benefit homeowners in Mobile, Alabama?

What Is a Smart Thermostat?

The smart thermostat is an evolution of the programmable thermostat, so to completely understand the smart thermostat, we should first understand its predecessor. Programmable thermostats are just what they say they are. A regular, standard thermostat must be set manually, and if you want to save energy while you’re asleep or going out for the day, you have to change it manually every time. A programmable thermostat, however, allows you to program certain temperatures for certain hours of the day, according to your schedule. In the long run, this can save you up to around $180 a year.

Many programmable thermostats can be used with zoned air conditioning. Zones refer to different areas in your home in which one or more air handlers have been installed based on temperature needs or preferences in those areas. Zoning allows you to avoid energy waste cooling down rooms that are not often used.

Smart thermostats have all the features of a programmable thermostat, plus a few added goodies. First, smart thermostats come equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity. Thanks to this feature, you can manage temperature and humidity from your smartphone, as long as you have access to the Internet.

For example, let’s say that you’ve decided to stay an extra week on your vacation, but you already programmed your thermostat to begin cooling your home tomorrow morning when you expected to return home. You can access the smart thermostat’s app on your smartphone and adjust the programming from there.

In addition to Wi-Fi connectivity, smart thermostats also provide energy usage and send you reports. You will be able to generate reports for specified periods so that you can analyze energy usage over time and determine ways to save energy. With these functions, smart thermostats can make your home a more efficient living space.

Smart Thermostat Options

Have you ever browsed through the features on your phone and simply been overwhelmed by all the options? We understand the feeling. You could experience a similar feeling with the many different types of smart thermostats out there, so we’ve compiled a brief list of some of the most reliable smart thermostats in the industry.

Infinity Remote Access Touch Control SYSTXCCITC01-A

This smart thermostat comes with all of the bells and whistles. With it, you can manage everything from the temperature to the humidity, to indoor air quality in up to eight zones in your home. The Infinity thermostat will also provide filter replacement reminders to help you keep your HVAC system running in peak condition.

Côr Wi-Fi Thermostat TP-WEM01

The Côr Wi-Fi Thermostat features a technology called “smart setback.” With this feature, the thermostat will automatically adjust your temperature for greater efficiency and comfort. This thermostat also comes equipped with a constant four-day forecast, so at the swipe of a finger, you can always be ready for whatever weather comes your way.

Carrier Wi-Fi Thermostat TC-WHS01

The Carrier Wi-Fi Thermostat may be last on our list, but it’s certainly not least. In addition to the standard features, this thermostat has customized how you can adjust your energy usage with its Quick Save feature. This option shows you precisely when in the day you are losing energy and allows you to make quick adjustments. Maintenance reminders also help you to avoid missing HVAC care.

With the help of a smart thermostat, your home can be easily transformed into a more efficient and comfortable living space. For more questions regarding smart thermostats, or to have one installed in your home, give Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. a call today at 251-476-3610.