Smart thermostats buying guide

Introduction:

If you're in the market for a Smart thermostat, you're probably trying to decide which one to buy. With the amount of choice on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for you. That's where we come in. In this article, we'll introduce you to the different types of Smart thermostats, and give you a few pointers on what to look for when shopping. By the time you finish reading, you'll be ready to make your purchase with confidence.

C-wire requirement

Most smart thermostats require a C-wire to function. If you're not sure what a C-wire is, don't worry. We'll get to that in a bit. But first, let's explain why these thermostats need more power than a set of batteries can provide. Smart thermostats need to be plugged into the wall to receive low-voltage power from your HVAC system. This is in contrast to battery-powered devices, which rely on batteries for all of their power. The good news is that most people don't need to worry about this extra wiring because most smart thermostats come with a special adapter that connects to your furnace or air handler. This adapter provides the low-voltage power that the thermostat needs to function properly.

Ease of installation

One of the biggest considerations you’ll make when purchasing a smart thermostat is how easy it is to install. Luckily, even if you’re not the handiest person around, most thermostats today are pretty easy to install. The manufacturer should provide comprehensive, yet easy-to-understand instructions with plenty of photographs. The thermostat itself should be clearly indicate which wires go where, and most companies provide labels that you can attach to the wires. A few minutes with a screwdriver and some pliers, and you should be up and running.

Geofencing

Geofencing is one of the most popular features on smart thermostats. This feature uses the thermostat’s app and your smartphone’s GPS chip to establish a perimeter around your home. When you leave the perimeter, you presumably no longer need to heat and cool your home. When you cross the perimeter again as you come home, your HVAC system can kick into action so your house is comfortable when you walk in the door. This can all be automated, so you don’t even have to worry about it. Pretty nifty, right?

High-voltage heater support

High-voltage heater support is a great feature for people who are always on the go. Using the thermostat’s app and your smartphone’s GPS chip, this feature establishes a perimeter around your home. When you leave the perimeter, you presumably no longer need to heat and cool your home. When you cross the perimeter again as you come home, your HVAC system can kick into action so your house is comfortable when you walk in the door. This is a great feature because it means you don’t have to worry about coming home to a cold or hot house—your thermostat will take care of it for you!

Remote Access

If you have a central HVAC system, then most smart thermostats will work with it. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. For example, if your home is heated by high-voltage heaters, you’ll need a thermostat that’s specifically designed to work with that type of heater. You’ll also want to make sure the thermostat you choose is compatible with your heating and cooling system. Beyond that, many smart thermostats offer features like remote access, so you can adjust the temperature from anywhere in the world.

Sensors

Sensors are one of the most important features of a smart thermostat. After all, what's the point of a smart thermostat if it can't tell when you're home and when you're not? Good sensors will be able to tell not only when you're there, but also what the temperature is in the room. This way, the thermostat can adjust to your preferences, whether you like it a little warmer or cooler when you're at home. Some smart thermostats also have humidity sensors, which can help to keep your home at a comfortable level and avoid problems like dry skin and static electricity.

Smart-home system integration

Smart thermostats are a great way to save on energy costs, but they're even better when they're integrated into your smart-home system. Many smart thermostats can be linked with other devices in your home, like Philips Hue lights or the Amazon Echo. This allows you to
control the temperature of your home with your voice, and to set triggers that will change the temperature when you leave or arrive home. Some thermostats also use geofencing—that is, sensing when you're near your home and adjusting the temperature automatically. This can be great if everyone in the household has a smartphone, but it's not as reliable if someone doesn't have one. Another option is motion or proximity sensors. These sensors can tell whether someone is in the room and adjust the temperature accordingly. The original Nest thermostat was often criticized for relying too much on its motion sensor, but later versions added the ability to use geofencing and other sensors as well.

System complexity

If you have a home with multiple zones that are heated and cooled independently of each other, you'll need more than one thermostat. For example, the Ecobee4 and Nest Learning Thermostat support multi-stage heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as heat pump systems. If your home isn't divided into zones, a single app should be able to control multiple zones. That way, you can make sure the temperature is just right in every room.

User interface

If you're considering upgrading to a smart thermostat, you're in good company. These devices have exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They can save you money on your energy bills, and they're a great way to be more environmentally responsible. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. One of the most important factors to consider is the thermostat's user interface. Long gone are the days when a thermostat's user interface consisted of numbers on a dial. Today's thermostats are far more sophisticated, and many of them come with touch screens and digital displays. The more sophisticated a device becomes, the more difficult it can be to learn to use. The last thing you want to be doing is staring at inscrutable hieroglyphics on the wall when all you really want is to be warmer or cooler.

Conclusion:

A Smart thermostat can be a great way to save on your energy bills, and there are a lot of great models on the market these days. But with so many options, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That's why we've put together this Smart thermostats buying guide - to help you figure out which features are most important to you, and which thermostat is right for your home.