Since heating and cooling comprise about half of the typical electric bill, those looking to save an energy buck often look to smart tech: In fact, the first piece of every home is typically a new smart thermostat. What makes these tiny pieces of tech so intelligent? Smart thermostats, like other smart devices, allow you to remotely control your home’s temperature via mobile or internet-connected device. This unique capability makes operation more convenient, offering greater control of heating and cooling, and thus, energy savings.
Smart thermostats are comprised of 3 basic components: One part plugs directly into your HVAC system. This part communicates directly with the second component, the thermostat control itself. The third and last part that makes up a ‘smart’ thermostat is the smart thermostat app, which is downloaded to your smartphone, mobile device or computer. This grand trifecta of tech allows you to adjust home temperatures from any location, from the couch to the coastline, given a wireless or internet connection. While these ‘basic’ components are what makes a smart thermostat tick, some higher-end models may offer more, such as smart ‘learning’ models, which require no programming; smartphone tracking, adjusting temperatures as family members get closer to home; or additional sensors, for zoned temperature control and improved energy savings.
