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Wifi Thermostats – 3 Benefits
Technology has it’s benefits, especially Wifi thermostats! The world of smart technology is on a constant rise. The investment of smart devices eases daily annoyances and contributes to energy efficiency. Nowadays, we can choose smart TVs, smartwatches, and even smart refrigerators! With all the smart technology to choose from, why should you invest in smart thermostats? Wifi thermostats, or smart thermostats, help in many ways to keep your home cooled. But there are plenty of other benefits to these devices as well.
A Wifi thermostat replaces the traditional mounted thermostat in your home. The thermostat connects to your home Wifi to give you programmable remote access. Garage door openers allow you to open the door without leaving your car. Home security systems provide you with peace of mind when leaving home or going to bed. Smart thermostats are also a prized addition to any home!
Wifi Thermostats are becoming increasingly popular. One of the nation’s top producers sold nearly 10 million devices since its start-up year. We could continue for ages on the benefits of these devices. Today we will focus on the top three advantages for Wifi thermostats.
Pattern Learning Capabilities and Programmability
Wifi thermostats are in the family of smart devices. When installing the smart thermostat up in the home, it begins to collect data. This data undergoes analysis to determine the patterns of living in the home. Your device will soon learn that upon waking, you change the temperature to 73 degrees for the day. If you leave the house, you lower the heat to 67 degrees to reduce energy costs. And when you go to bed at 10:30 pm, the temperature is set to 70 degrees even.
After analyzing this data, the device will ask if you want to turn on the automatic features. These features will include mimicking your daily thermostat preferences at the desired times. The system will make these changes without anyone touching the app or thermostat.
GeoFencing and Remote Sensors
These features are available for automatic programmability. AS previously mentioned, the Wifi thermostats will learn your patterns. However, programming your device will allow you to bypass some of the learning time. Geofencing creates a technological perimeter around your home. When your phone (with the app) is within the boundary, the thermostat will change to the “at home” program. When the smartphone is outside of this perimeter, the “away” programming takes over.
For instance, let’s say your “at home” temperature stays at 73 degrees. When you pull into your driveway, the system will detect you have entered the geofenced area. The thermostat will automatically change to degrees. Now let’s say your “away” temperature is set to 67 degrees to save on energy costs. When your smartphone leaves the geofencing, the thermostat will drop to 67 degrees.
Remote sensors work differently and can be a benefit for those not wanting to on a smartphone tether. It is also an excellent option for those that forget their phones frequently. Remote sensors are set up in rooms in the house and detect the temperature of the room as well as occupancy. The information collected at these sites travel to the thermostat via Wifi. The temperature in the room is then regulated based on that data.
In traditional thermostats, the sensor is in conjunction with the central thermostat. The regulation of the house temperature is then dependent on that temperature alone. If your thermostat is in the upstairs hallway, the reading of the hall enters the sensor. The entire house temperature is then matching the comfortability of the upstairs hallway.
With remote sensors, the comfortability level is on the basis of the data collected by the sensor. You can also program your device to change the temperature of a room when unoccupied. When the remote sensor determines a room is vacant, the temperature will adjust.
Extra Amenities – Such as Usage Remote Usage and Energy Reporting
It goes without saying that the key attraction to smart devices are the amenities they bring. Two sought after amenities of Wifi thermostats are remote usage and energy reporting.
Remote Usage
Wifi thermostats almost all have remote access. This access is usually through a computer, tablet, phone, or another smart device. Most producers of these devices have corresponding apps for download. When the app launches, the homeowner is able to control the heat or AC in their home from anywhere. Many homeowners prefer to lower their AC before leaving for work or vacation to save on energy bills.
But how many times do you forget to lower the thermostat before leaving? With a Wifi thermostat, you can change your thermostat anywhere and anytime. Lower the thermostat while you are gone. Turn up the AC on your way home, so your house is comfortable and cool upon your return!
Insider Tip: Be sure to purchase a compatible thermostat with your devices. Many consumers mistakenly purchase an IOS only smart thermostat but own Android devices. This information should on the details of your chosen thermostat.
Energy Reporting
Smart thermostats utilize monthly reporting as a means to keep the consumer informed. This feature is one of the most sought after advantages in Wifi thermostats. The reports will go to the app or email of the consumer and include useful usage information.
Trends
Reports will analyze the usage of heating and cooling and compare it to your local weather. These trend reports will give the average weather for your area in comparison to the prior year. (This feature will depend on the length of time you have used the product).
Monthly reports will give a percentage of increase or decrease in HVAC usage.
For instance, in Southwest Florida, your weather may be an average of 10 degrees cooler than last year. Your report will explain your cooling usage decrease of 40%. The report will also explain the usage change was due to a lower than average temperature in your area.
Some smart thermostats will also give detailed information regarding your monthly usage. These details may include hours you ran heat, AC, or turned off your system. Some brands are also able to report the average temperature while you were away and at home. These features are reliant on geofencing or remote sensors, which are separate features.
Efficiency Levels
The efficiency level report reflects on the system energy efficiency of your household. Efficiency measures how well your home retains the heating or cooling you use. This report is usually based on a low to high range graph and places your level on a chart. The report typically includes a comparison between your house and others in the area.
Tips
Most smart thermostats offer a tip category at the end of the report. This area compiles the data collected throughout the month and analyzes it. After the analysis, the system generates tips to lower the system usage and energy bills.
Integrated Systems In The Home
When you begin to integrate your home with smart devices, the goal is to create a convenience system. With smart thermostats, this dream is a reality. With the right smart devices in place, you can connect all smart technology in your home to one app. Want to turn off your outdoor lights and turn up your AC at night? With an interoperable system, this is possible without having to leave your bed!
The interoperability of smart devices depends on the brand you choose. Be sure to decide which devices you want connected and to do research prior to purchasing.
Want more information on the Wifi thermostats offered at Chill Squad? Give us a call at 239-256-COOL! You can find more information on our Wifi thermostats by visiting HERE.