What are smart thermostats and are they worth using?

What are smart thermostats and are they worth using?

Smart technology and smart homes are very much in vogue just now, with homeowners turning to tech to satisfy their sustainability and security needs. Beyond that, these modern innovations can also help to save money on household bills – which is becoming increasingly important as the cost of living continues to rise.

Smart technology can come in many different forms, but one of the most popular devices is the smart thermostat. It’s not just homeowners who may look to invest in a smart thermostat – business owners could also trim their overheads with this type of tech in office spaces.

Whilst there are many benefits associated with this modern innovation, they may not be right for everyone, and many different factors will have a bearing on how effective they are. So how do smart thermostats work, what are their pros and cons, and should you consider using one? We explore all you need to know about this trendy temperature-tracking technology.

What are smart thermostats and how do they work? 

Essentially, smart thermostats allow you to control your heating remotely. By connecting your heating system to your Wi-Fi, you are able to adjust the temperature of your home through a mobile app. Some smart thermostats also learn your habits over time and memorise your routine, meaning you won’t have to manually adjust the heating throughout the day.

There are many different features of smart thermostats that could make them an appealing addition to your home. For example, many can be controlled through voice commands, meaning you won’t have to have your phone handy or even need to get up to adjust the settings. They can also be used in conjunction with other smart devices throughout your home, so you can create an automation at different times of the day to either turn on or off your home’s appliances.

Pros and cons 

As we’ve already mentioned, the impressive features of smart thermostats mean that you can start reaping the benefits from day one. For many homeowners, the most pertinent benefit they can offer is the ability to save you money on bills. By using precise detection technology, they are able to monitor and learn about your heating habits and adapt accordingly, meaning you’ll never have to worry about unnecessarily heating an empty home again.

This feature also makes them an invaluable tool for eco-conscious homeowners who are concerned about tracking and reducing their energy usage. Smart thermostats help to ensure you’re only using energy when you need it, making your home more energy efficient and thus reducing your carbon footprint.

As with any smart device, there are also some potential drawbacks to smart thermostats that you should consider before investing. First and foremost, you will need to consider the upfront cost, which is usually much higher than a traditional thermostat. Though the device will typically pay for itself with savings on bills over time, you will need to set the money aside initially to cover the upfront costs.

Also, whilst they are relatively easy to use, they do depend on a Wi-Fi connection, and are often used in conjunction with a mobile app. For people who struggle with technology, or live without a smartphone, then traditional thermostats will likely be more appropriate for use in their home.

Is a smart thermostat right for you?

To get the most out of your smart thermostat, you may need to also be willing to make some other changes to your home’s cosmetics, or even your lifestyle. It’s worth noting that smart thermostats aren’t a fix-all solution to wasteful energy consumption at home. Whilst, if used correctly, they can save you both energy and money, you won’t feel the maximum benefits if you haven’t also properly insulated your home, or continue to make other wasteful lifestyle choices, such as leaving the heating on too high.

Finally, the pre-existing heating systems in the vast majority of homes across the country will be compatible with smart thermostats. However, don’t assume that yours will be – you should first seek the advice of a specialist. If modifications to your heating system need to be made, this could hoick up costs of installation, thus meaning there are fewer savings to be had.