WiFi-operated HVAC thermostats are relatively new innovations. It may seem obvious that they can connect homeowners to their heating and cooling equipment from remote locations, but they offer many other advantages. Our weather here in the Dayton/Springfield area is typical of the Midwest, with severe, swift, unforeseen changes not uncommon. Thus, one benefit that could be of particular value is that these devices can also monitor local weather updates, then alter their settings accordingly. WiFi thermostats offer several such advantages; here’s what you can do with them.
Standard Abilities
Advantages over conventional thermostats include the ability to:
- View and alter set temperatures (if you’re going to be late home from work, for instance, and want to postpone heating or cooling start-up time).
- View and change system settings such as heat/cool, off/auto/fan and “emergency heat” (on heat pump installations).
System alerts also can be delivered to app-enabled WiFi thermostats or via email.
Bells and Whistles
Several additional conveniences are finding their way to the marketplace for WiFi thermostats:
- As enhancements and upgrades become available, they may be delivered electronically.
- Some products offer a “learning mode,” whereby the thermostat automatically creates its own schedule after it has monitored your typical setting patterns and preferred temperatures. This feature can be a great way to save on utility bills.
- Reminders, such as to change air filters, can be generated and sent.
- Extra sensors can be installed throughout the house, and outside, allowing informational feedback. Motion sensors can even detect unoccupied space, at which point the WiFi thermostat can set itself to “Auto-Away mode.”
- Energy reports can be generated that allow the homeowner to track actual and potential savings.
Ease of Installation and Operation
Some product lines can be installed by the competent DIYer, while others require professional installation (some models aren’t even sold direct to the public). Some require a proprietary router or gateway to operate, while others use already-available WiFi networks, controlled via smartphone, PC or tablet. Whatever the eventual choice, homeowners should always consult with an HVAC professional before making changes to their HVAC system. In Montgomery County, that’s Ace Hardware Home Services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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