Smartphones, smart TVs, smart coffee makers… So why shouldn’t household thermostats, which regulate heating and cooling, be smart too? Here are their key advantages and how to make the most of them, along with some limitations.
What Are Smart Thermostats?
Smart thermostats are devices that can significantly alter the way you heat your home. With a smart thermostat, you can achieve energy savings on heating and cooling, and in some situations, such as when you forget to adjust the temperature while away for an extended period, it can be invaluable.
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Advantages of Smart Thermostats:
- Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats enable you to program temperature settings throughout the day and week, automatically adjusting temperatures to optimize energy usage.
- Remote Access: You can control room temperature using a mobile device from anywhere with internet access. This convenience is particularly useful when watching TV or going to bed, allowing temperature adjustments without needing to physically interact with the thermostat.
- Learning Capability: Smart thermostats can learn your daily habits over time, adjusting temperature settings accordingly. For example, they can lower temperatures when you’re away from home, leading to additional savings.
Limitations:
- Limited Control: In most cases, smart thermostats only control heating, as they are connected to heating systems. They can only control cooling in houses with centralized air conditioning systems. If you want to control both heating and cooling via your mobile phone, opt for a smart HVAC system.
- Compatibility Issues: The ability to control temperature in each room separately is only possible if your central heating system supports it. If you have a centrally located thermostat, it can only manage the boiler’s operation and affect the temperature of the hot water system, thus impacting the warmth of all rooms collectively.
- Integration with Smart Assistants: Newer smart thermostats utilize smart assistant services like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, allowing voice control over thermostat settings and heating schedules.
Conclusion:
While smart thermostats offer numerous benefits, such as energy savings and remote accessibility, they may have limitations depending on your home’s heating and cooling infrastructure. Understanding these limitations can help you make an informed decision about integrating a smart thermostat into your household.
Foto: Ecobee