In this era of highly-advanced technologies being introduced every now and then, smart thermostats are a step into home automation.
Smart thermostats are a step up from traditional thermostats. These smart devices allow you to not only set a heating and cooling schedule but also give you the ability to remotely access the HVAC system of your home.
As a matter of fact, a smart thermostat is a step up from programmable thermostats as well. With a smart thermostat, you connect it to your home Wi-Fi network to access the functions and features offered by this smart device.
There’s no one type of smart thermostat on the market. You can find a few different types of smart thermostats that offer more features than the other. Therefore, not every smart thermostat gives you the remote access feature, but most do.
When you’re buying a smart thermostat, it’s important that you know the type of smart thermostats available in the market. In this article, we’ll be going in-depth about the different types of smart thermostats so that you know the best smart home thermostat for your household needs.
Let’s dig in!
Simple Thermostat – Basic Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
EcoBee, Honeywell, Nest, and other smart device manufacturers produce basic smart thermostats that simply connect to your home Wi-Fi network.
To use them in your home, these smart thermostats have to be compatible with your HVAC system. If you have a ductless and mini-split HVAC system, you don’t have to worry as you can easily find a compatible Wi-Fi smart thermostat.
All the different types of smart thermostats have algorithm-based learning that gives them the capability to learn your habits. They get new algorithms that allow them to update their existing algorithms.
This is very important for a smart thermostat, as these software updates allow them to optimize a home’s energy usage. Smart thermostats come with a mobile phone app for your smartphone, and every manufacturer creates an iOS and Android version of the app.
You can update the temperature settings of your home from anywhere around the world through the app. The algorithm lets your smart thermostats know when you’re home, away, or when you’re on the way back.
Smart Thermostats with Remote Access
There are manufacturers that create smart thermostats that have remote sensors in them. It comes with both an app and remote control. This type of smart thermostat has one remote sensor in it.
That said, you can always purchase additional remote sensors to place them in different parts of your home, such as the kitchen where it’s always occupied at one point or another. The remote sensor enables ”at-home” setting by detecting body heat or movement.
You can change these “at-home” settings to “away” settings through the provided remote control.
Smart Thermostats with Geofencing Capabilities
There are smart thermostats that have a geofencing unit. Geofencing technology refers to a smart thermostat that knows if you’re home or away from the location of your phone.
This allows you to set a particular range so that the thermostat sets your home at a comfortable temperature before your return. Once the smart thermostat detects your location, it reverts its temperature settings.
This not only saves energy, but you no longer have to worry about informing the thermostat if you’re going away.
Smart Thermostats with Home Automation System
If you are building a smart home, or want to upgrade your home appliances and security systems, you can consider investing in a smart thermostat that can be used in a home automation system.
Many manufacturers out there make such smart thermostats. These smart thermostats have to be wall-mounted and also have an app for your smartphone. When it comes to a home automation system, you can enjoy all the smart thermostats’ features.
In fact, you can also use the thermostat’s touch screen and app to control other smart home devices such as your lights, security system, and other compatible appliances. Similarly, a smart thermostat with a home automation system needs constant software updates that allow you to take full advantage of the features and functionalities of a smart thermostat.
Smart Thermostats with Automated Air Vent Controllers
Lastly, there are smart thermostats that give the user the ability to control their home’s air vents. Smart air vents have automated sensors that detect whether you’re in the room or not. If no one’s around, the system simply shuts the vents and redirects the cooled or heated air to the rooms that are occupied.
Conclusion
Well, there you go! We have shared the different types of smart thermostats, with each of their features. You should now be able to choose the type of smart thermostat you’ve been looking for all along!
