A WiFi thermostat combines the latest technology to provide convenience with energy savings. Cooling and heating systems use the most energy of any appliance in the average household’s home, and WiFi thermostats help reduce that consumption effortlessly. Most models learn your occupancy habits automatically over the course of a few days and will auto-program themselves.
A WiFi thermostat gives you access to your home’s comfort systems from any computer or smartphone. You can monitor current settings remotely and even change the temperatures. Some of these devices are password protected, making it difficult for anyone to hack into your settings. The features that WiFi thermostats vary by manufacturer and may include:
- Receiving email or app alerts
- Reminding you to check the air filter
- Monitoring the indoor and outdoor temperatures
- Calculating energy use on a daily basis based on outside temperatures
- Using remote sensors throughout the home to indicate home occupancy patterns so the thermostat learns your habits
- Interfacing with zoning systems and adjust temperatures based on the zone’s usage
- Communicating with the power provider to adjust usage based on peak demand throughout the grid to avoid blackouts. A utility company in Texas is currently testing this capability by supplying a free WiFi thermostat to its customers.
- Overriding thermostat settings remotely in case you or your family will arrive later than expected
While you can find WiFi thermostats in hardware and home improvement stores and install your own, it’s best to use an HVAC contractor to choose, install and set up the unit. If you choose one that’s not completely compatible with your system, it won’t function as efficiently.
A home with a heat pump, for example, needs an intelligent recovery thermostat to keep heating costs lower in the winter. Their experience with WiFi thermostats will help you choose the best kind for your home based on the programming simplicity and level of features you want.
To learn more about saving with a WiFi thermostat, contact the Rheem Pro Partner. We can help you find an HVAC professional in Colorado Springs, Denver, Northern Colorado, as well as Casper and Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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