Rapid advances in thermostat technology are making these devices more and more user-friendly, feature driven and accessible. The latest WiFi thermostats allow access via mobile apps, the Internet, and WiFi networks and hotspots.
What Is a WiFi Thermostat?
WiFi thermostats are an advanced version of programmable thermostats. These types of thermostats provided homeowners with the ability to set a schedule for temperature changes throughout the day and week. For example, you could set a temperature level for when you were away from home working, and then set a different temperature for when you expected to be back at home. The same can be done when you’re sleeping.
WiFi frees you from that locked-in schedule, so if you are coming home later than expected, you can access your thermostat controls and change the temperature settings and scheduled times as you please. Additionally, smart, portable WiFi sensors can be placed throughout the home and outside, with data feedback allowing individual rooms to have their own mini-climate controls.
WiFi Connection
Depending upon the brand and model of device that you buy, connection may be via:
- a manufacturer provided gateway
- home wireless internet routers, or
- already available WiFi networks.
Technical issues you may run into include requiring special power cables or assistance with setting up routers and network access. If you’re not particularly technical minded, obtain advice and installation assistance from a seasoned HVAC professional.
Smart Features
Some of the best new features of WiFi thermostats include:
- versatile use (able to control the device from your home or work computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone)
- auto-adapt features that allow the device to remember patterns of scheduling and then create “best guess” schedules
- connecting to online local weather data and building temperature schedules around the expected weather.
Further Assistance
For friendly expert advice on the benefits of using Wi-Fi thermostats, related technical issues and any other matters related to home comfort energy needs, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning Co. We’ve been providing professional advice and services to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about wifi thermostats and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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