The Thermostats Of The Future
It’s funny, there are some technologies everyone wants the latest of as soon as there is a latest to be had. We preorder and stand in line for new smartphones, even when the new one will only be a little better than the current one. But while all that’s been going on, more mundane but equally important technologies have been developed. You might be surprised what kind of thermostat you can get now.
In most houses, digital thermostats have replaced the old analog ones, but now even the digitals are becoming obsolete thanks to smart thermostats. The single key advance of smart thermostats is their network capabilities, but they also include a plethora of new options and settings.
Network connectivity
Smart thermostats can connect to your smartphone or an Amazon Alexa so that you can control the temperate from anywhere you have a signal. You can also program a heating/air conditioning schedule remotely, so that your system saves power when the house is empty, and then comes back on at a time of your choosing – say, a half hour before the first person gets home. The last generation of thermostats could also be programmed, but only in person. With WiFi, forgetting to set it when you leave in the morning just means you can program it from wherever you are.
And since you don’t have to heat or cool an empty house, you might save as much as 12% on heating and 15% on cooling expenses. At that rate, the savings can pay for the new thermostat in only two years, and the environmental benefit of greater efficiency can’t be easily priced.
Let’s look at some of the leading new models of the last couple of years.
The models in 2022
- The Amazon Smart Thermostat. Developed by Amazon, this thermostat is the least expensive of the top smart thermostats. This thermostat pairs with your Alexa-enabled smart speaker or displays to give you full control of the device throughout your home. Not to mention it has full integration with the Alexa App on your phone for adjustment even when you aren’t home.
- The Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Voice Control. Though this device runs on the higher end – around $250 – it boasts a number of unique features that are sure to wow any homeowner. Not only does this device connect with any Alexa-enabled speaker or app, but it comes with a remote room sensor that helps keep the temperature even throughout your home. Especially if your thermostat isn’t centralized in your home.
- The Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 3. Probably one of the most popular Smart Thermostat brands out there, the Nest systems feature a sleek design that is loaded with features. Not only is this device syncable with Alexa, but it has the ability to connect to your Google home as well as IFTTT. One of the most unique features of this thermostat is its ability to learn your schedule and self-program to help you save day after day! And, for those who are looking for the most user-friendly thermostats, the Nest Learning Thermostats Gen 3 is easy to adjust, program, and find the most energy-efficient temperature for your home. Bonus: This device has a built in HVAC monitoring system with alerts for when something goes wrong!
- The Honeywell Home WiFi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat. For those interested in a thermostat with a more classic look that still packs a number of smart features; this is the pick for you! The Honeywell Home thermostat features a traditional design (light up screen, buttons, and all) with easy to use wifi integration. Meaning that, while you have full control of the device straight from your wall, you also have full control of it anywhere as long as you have your cellphone! Or with your Alexa and Google enabled smart speakers.
This is the future
Smart home technology, putting temperature, security, and even kitchen appliances on one system accessible from mobile devices, is the wave of the near future. Thermostats are probably going to get more advanced, but also more integrated with everything else. There’s no need to rush out and get the latest, but falling too far behind might make it harder to adjust when you do update.
If you feel ready to update to a higher-tech, more efficient thermostat now, call Twin Air in Manassas at (703) 754-1062 or visit our website.
Updated on August 10, 2022 to reflect current information.