Smart thermostats are a wonder. They can make our lives much easier, as they allow us to control temperatures and other home comfort factors inside the home, whether near or far away. But as with any technology, things can and do go wrong. Read up on some smart thermostat issues you’ll want to think about before you choose yours.
Power Source
Smart thermostats have to run on a power source, and some of them are powered by an internal battery that is charged by 24-volt wires from the HVAC system. Sometimes too many components are drawing from the same power source, and malfunctions can occur when this happens. A so-called common wire can provide a separate 24-volt supply dedicated to charging the thermostat. It’s highly recommended that you hire a professional to do this work, as the installation can be complicated.
Interface
Smart thermostats usually feature an interface, but some models display only a target temperature — not the ambient temperature in the home. Homeowners know what temperature they want to set; it would be more helpful for them to know what the temperature actually is.
No Power Notifications
Some models of smart thermostats do not send notifications when the power supply is off. This can be crucial when you are away from home and need to know if there is some kind of emergency that you need to attend to.
Faulty Analytics
Because some smart thermostats are “learning” types, they need to analyze data to understand your power usage, and when to turn on. If a smart thermostat only registers your activity when you pass by the thermostat sensor, this can predict faulty data: that you are only home when you pass by the thermostat. In reality, the thermostat may be located in a part of your home where you seldom pass by.
Not all smart thermostats are created equal. Some inherently have greater installation and operation problems. Stick with a reputable brand and get a trained technician to install yours and make sure it’s working right.
For more on smart thermostat issues, contact Ace Hardware Home Services of Dayton.
