Home automation is all the rage these days. And for many homeowners, the entry point into home automation is a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat combines the advantages of older, programmable models with features made available by the Internet of Things (IoT).
Have you been thinking of installing a smart thermostat? If so, welcome aboard. Plenty of homeowners have started the smart home journey with a new thermostat from a major home automation brand. However, do not blindly dive in. You have some things to think about first.
1. HVAC System Compatibility
SameDay is a Salt Lake City, Utah, contractor providing plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services. They also install smart thermostats for customers who do not want to try doing it themselves. They say the most common mistake consumers make is purchasing a thermostat that isn’t compatible with their HVAC system.
Compatibility is one of the biggest pain points in home automation. It’s important to find out if the thermostat you’re thinking of is compatible with your system. Your local HVAC contractor might be able to help you. Otherwise, you will have to do the research on your own.
2. User Interface
Something else to think about is your new thermostat’s user interface. What makes you most comfortable? What would be easiest for you to use? Many smart thermostats come with touch screens that behave a lot like your smartphone. Others are designed with interfaces that mimic older programmable thermostats.
You could also choose a smart thermostat that comes with a companion mobile app. All your interaction with the device occurs through the app. You never actually touch the thermostat at all.
3. Smart Home Integration
Give some thought to smart home integration before you make a choice. In other words, do you plan to eventually add more devices to your smart home network? Any such plans would indicate buying a thermostat from a major brand. That way, you would be able to integrate it with a smart speaker, motion sensors, and other devices.
Some of the most advanced smart thermostats can be linked to the GPS functions on your phone. Why would you do this? So that you can control the temperature in your home based on your physical location. That way, you’re never wasting energy heating or cooling a home that you’re not actually occupying.
4. AI Capabilities
You should probably give some thought to AI capabilities before you make a purchase. Not all smart thermostats have AI built in. But those that do gather data from other sensors located around your home to artificially learn your routine. To what end? To automatically adjust programming based on your normal lifestyle.
5. Remote Access
All smart thermostats offer remote access by definition. Remote access is one of the qualifications. But you need to think about who will have access to your thermostat.
There have been stories of utilities handing out free smart thermostats to customers who agree to give them access. Then the utilities have taken it upon themselves to lock thermostat settings in order to ration energy. If that sort of thing doesn’t bother you, that’s great. But if it does, you might want to think twice before accepting a smart thermostat from your utility company.
A smart thermostat is a great entry point into the world of home automation. It should save you money and open your eyes to the amazing things home automation can accomplish. But don’t just buy any thermostat. Think things through, do some research, and ask questions. You want to end up with the right one for your needs.