Since their introduction in the late 2000s, smart thermostats have been transforming the way people manage their home central heating systems. With smartphones being the primary communication method for UK residents, the popularity of smart thermostats, and smart energy-saving devices, has grown significantly.
But what exactly is a smart thermostat, how do they work, and are they worth the investment? We explain all in this article.
What Is A Smart Thermostat?
A smart thermostat is an internet-connected device that allows you to manage your domestic central heating system remotely. This includes regulation of the internal temperature and your heating schedule.
Some smart thermostats pair with an app that can be installed on a smartphone from which adjustments can be made to the heating temperature and schedule from anywhere with an internet connection.
You can also monitor your energy usage from the app, giving you insights into how much you are using and where potential savings can be made.
Many smart thermostats, such as the Vaillant vSMART, are able to learn the thermal behaviour of your home, enabling the device to anticipate when it needs to begin the heating process to reach the desired temperature at the scheduled time.
When a smart thermostat is connected to the internet, they can also consider external weather conditions when operating a boiler or heat pump, automatically increasing or decreasing the workload of the system for greater efficiency.
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How Do Smart Thermostats Work?
At the most basic level, smart thermostats function in the same way as a traditional manual thermostat, in that they send a signal to the boiler to activate the central heating system until it senses that the desired temperature has been reached. The boiler then turns off automatically, restarting again if the temperature dips below the set-point.
They also offer the same heating schedule functions as programmable thermostats. You are able to programme your central heating system to turn on and off at certain times of the day, as well as set your desired interior temperature.
Where smart thermostats differ is that they use Wi-Fi to connect to your home’s wireless network, enabling them to be controlled remotely via an app on your smart device. From the app, you can adjust the temperature and schedule remotely at your own convenience.
Further convenience is provided by the integration with apps like Amazon Echo and Google Home, meaning you can use voice commands to ask Alexa, Siri, or Google to change the temperature.
It’s worth noting that smart thermostats can also be controlled by adjusting manually using the device’s in-built controls. This acts as a fail-safe in the event that there is a problem with your home’s internet connection or you are an old school person and prefer to operate manually!
What Are The Benefits Of Smart Thermostats?
Smart thermostats offer several benefits over traditional thermostats:
Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats can learn your habits and adjust the temperature, accordingly, optimising energy usage and potentially reducing utility bills.
Remote Control: Most smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps or web interfaces, allowing you to adjust the temperature from anywhere. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring comfort and energy savings when you’re away from home.
Scheduling: Smart thermostats often come with scheduling features that allow you to program temperature settings based on your daily routines. This can help save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re asleep or away from home.
Integration with Smart Home Systems: Smart thermostats can often be integrated with other smart home devices, such as voice assistants, smart lighting, and security systems, allowing for centralised control and automation of your home environment.
Insight and Analytics: Many smart thermostats provide insights into your energy usage patterns, helping you understand where and how you can make further energy-saving adjustments.
Geofencing: Some smart thermostats offer geofencing capabilities, which can automatically adjust the temperature based on whether you’re home or away, using the location of your smartphone as a trigger.
Compatibility: Smart thermostats are often compatible with a wide range of heating and cooling systems, making them a versatile option for most homes.
Overall, smart thermostats offer convenience, energy savings, and improved comfort by giving you more control over your home’s temperature settings.
Final Thoughts.
In conclusion, smart thermostats represent a significant advancement in home climate control, offering unparalleled convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency. Whether you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint, save money on energy bills, or simply enjoy a more comfortable living space, smart thermostats have something to offer for every homeowner. With their intuitive features and transformative capabilities, they’re paving the way towards a smarter, more connected future for our homes.
If you want to take advantage of renewable heating, just contact the friendly team at Heat From Air and we will handle everything for you. Follow our journey on LinkedIn and Instagram too for handy tips and tricks.
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