4 Tips to Choose the Right Smart Thermostat For Your Home

4 Tips to Choose the Right Smart Thermostat For Your Home

As households become more technologically advanced, homeowners are looking for easy ways to use smart technology such as Alexa or cellphones to manage devices. Keeping a home cool in the summer and warm in the winter is essential, while cutting down on utility bills is also important. Homeowners who can access a thermostat from their smartphone could save money, time, and hassles. With so many options to choose from, you need to understand how to choose the right thermostat for your home.

Remote Access Thermostat

Smart thermostats often come with a remote control or access from your smartphone. These units are usually energy-efficient, and you can control your HVAC system from anywhere. Of course, this also means you will probably spend a little more money on the device. However, in the long run, it’s worth the investment. 

Homeowners who travel or own a vacation home should consider a remote access thermostat. If you are away from home in the winter and your heat goes out, a burst pipe can cause damage, for example. If your phone alerts you to a problem with the HVAC, you can call for service and repair.

Thermostat Features

Thermostats that allow you to preset temperatures for specific times of the day are helpful when homeowners work long hours and want to come home to a comfortable environment. The newest generation of thermostats includes a Nest Learning device that learns your temperature preferences. You will also need to make sure your thermostat is compatible with your existing HVAC system. HVAC units differ in components and functions, and older systems may not work with the newer thermostats.

Setting Schedules

Although schedules are great, changing your thermostat when your routine changes should be quick and easy. If you are going on vacation, your thermostat will need to be altered, so you are not blasting your air conditioner while no one’s home. A setback feature can be used to save energy and increase or reduce temperatures based on when people are in the house. You should be able to override the thermostat schedule and even check on the temperature in your home while you are away.

Thermostats for Large Homes

You will also need to consider the number and size of the rooms in your home when choosing a thermostat. Your device will measure the temperature of the room where it is installed. If you place the thermostat near a sunny window, the unit may think the home is hot and work harder to provide cool air. During the winter, if there is a cold breeze coming in through the window, the thermostat will try to provide more heat. An HVAC installation technician can help you determine the best placement for your smart thermostat for optimum performance.

Choosing the right smart thermostat takes a little time and research. There is no perfect thermostat that is ideal for everyone, since homes and lifestyles are different for each homeowner. When searching for the best device, think about how you will use it, flexibility in setting schedules, and where it needs to be installed. You should also consider convenience versus cost and get the best deal for your money.

About the author
Mrs. Hatland is a 30-something married, mom of 7 and the face behind the popular online publication, Motherhood Defined. Known as the Iowa Mom blogger by her local peers and “The Fairy Blogmother” worldwide. She has professional experience in working closely with clients on brand ambassadorships, client outreach services, content creation and creative social media advertising exposure.

8 Comments

  1. I believe that this would be a great idea and I would need to bring it up to my family.

  2. This is so important to make sure you are able to save on your energy bills and not over heat when you’re not home.

  3. It would be great to be able to check and set your thermostat from your phone. I need to do more research on this!

  4. I have a Nest thermostat and it works well. Easy to change things from my phone.

  5. I’m not in a position to get a smart thermostat, but this article breaks down some of the considerations for shopping for a smart thermostat in an effective manner. I’d consider smartphone access to be the most important so you can adjust the thermostat remotely.

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