Are you a bit foggy on the difference between wireless vs. smart thermostats? Join the club. It's not uncommon that homeowners experience a little confusion when it comes to describing what makes a smart thermostat smart when compared with a mere wireless model. That's because a smart thermostat is indeed a wireless (aka Wi-Fi) thermostat, while a wireless or Wi-Fi thermostat isn't necessarily a smart one. Read on to learn which type — wireless vs. smart — might work best for you.
Wireless vs. Smart: The Difference
Why would you want to upgrade from your old analog or programmable thermostat? Mainly because of the convenience that wireless technology offers. You can change the temperature in your house from anywhere. Just access your home's HVAC system through an app on your phone, speaker, or tablet, and voila! Adjust the temperature.
Want to set a program from afar, to cut back on heating while the sun's shining? You can do so with wireless from near or far. And, they are a lot easier to program than the programmable models.
What Makes a Thermostat Smart?
What else should you know about wireless vs. smart thermostats? Smart thermostats can be set just as described above, but they also have the ability to learn your habits and adjust the temperature themselves. For instance, a learning system will note that you leave the house and arrive home at a certain time every day and adjust the temperature as needed, warming up or cooling down the home in anticipation of your arrival.
Smart thermostats are incorporated into the home's automation system. They send a signal through the Wi-Fi system to the thermostat, and that signal is then sent to the blower and the HVAC.
Some of the smart features you can opt for:
Geofencing, which detects when you're getting close to home and adjusts the temperature to a comfortable setting.
Detect and diagnose HVAC problems.
Remind the homeowner when it's time for maintenance.
Analyze energy use.
For more on wireless vs. smart thermostats, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.