Look for These 8 Features on Your Smart Thermostat

If you’re a tech-savvy person, then you have probably heard about smart thermostats. But, with so many different models, how do you pick the right one? The perfect smart thermostat is easy to program, provides remote access, and interacts with other smart devices. Look for these features and more to find the best smart thermostat for your Orlando, Florida, home.

Easy Programming

The best smart thermostats are easy for homeowners to navigate and program. A set schedule guarantees your home’s temperature is always comfortable. Programs can also help reduce energy usage and lower your energy bills. Scheduling a program should be as easy as tapping on a colorful touchscreen. You should be able to access your thermostat through any Wi-Fi connected device, too.

Wi-Fi Enabled

A smart thermostat functions best when it’s connected to Wi-Fi 24/7. You can then control it remotely whether you’re in another room or in another country. Are temperatures hotter today than expected? Did a cold front come through while you were away? Simply access an app or online account on any phone, computer, or tablet to adjust your thermostat from anywhere in the world.

Home Automation

Smart homes are a hot trend right now because technology makes home life so much easier. Home automation allows you to control everything from lights to locks. Upgrading to a smart thermostat is a simple way to begin modernizing your home. Choose a thermostat with Wi-Fi connectivity so it can communicate with other smart home devices. Make sure the thermostat is compatible with the hub or controller of the smart home system you plan to install.

HVAC Compatible

Installing a smart thermostat that’s compatible with your home’s HVAC system is a must. Find a model that quickly sends alerts when there’s a system problem. It should also remind you when it’s time to schedule routine maintenance. Your air conditioner will function better and last longer if it receives timely repairs and regular maintenance. Better energy efficiency saves you money as well.

Weather Reports

The right smart thermostat should be able to monitor both indoor and outdoor temperatures every minute of every day. The current temperature should always be on display, with an option to view a multi-day weather forecast specific to your area. Knowing what weather to expect helps you better manage your home’s comfort and energy usage.

Energy Reports

Speaking of energy usage, look for a thermostat that can track it, if possible. These gadgets often create an energy usage report so you can see exactly when you’re using the most energy. This feature is particularly useful if you’re looking for ways to save energy and reduce your utility bills. You can easily create a new program or adjust your current program on your thermostat after reviewing the report.

Intuitive Learning

A truly smart thermostat reveals its intelligence when it’s able to predict your routines through algorithmic-based learning. If you manually adjust your thermostat each day, then an intuitive smart thermostat begins to recognize patterns. Over time, it begins to enact these temperature changes automatically. Some models also have a smart home-and-away feature known as geofencing. Using your phone’s location and other sensors, the thermostat can sense when you’ve come home, and it will adjust the temperature to the level it knows you prefer.

Zoned Control

Some smart thermostats can control cooling and heating in your home by zones, and this is another convenient feature to look for. One of the newest innovations in smart thermostat technology is the room sensor. Traditional thermostats only read the temperature in the space where they’re located. The problem in most homes, however, is that rooms are heated and cooled unevenly. If your thermostat is in a warm, sunny place, then your air conditioner may run more than necessary. This is a waste of energy and money, and it can make some living spaces too cold. Sensors in each zone of your home allow for evenly controlled temperatures.

Ready to upgrade your home in Orlando, Florida, with a smart thermostat? Our expert technicians here at Frank’s Air Conditioning are ready to help. Contact us today to learn more about our smart home services at (407) 490-2070.

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