Smart Thermostats: What Are They and How Do They Work?

What Is a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat connects to the internet via Wi-Fi and can be managed by another device, such as a phone or tablet. It can automatically adjust to maintain your desired comfort conditions in your home. Once you add your preferences, the thermostat begins to make adjustments automatically by assessing both the indoor and outdoor conditions. Smart thermostats are easy to operate, provide insight on energy consumption and alert you when they need service.

What Does a Smart Thermostats Do?

Smart thermostats have additional functions besides regulating indoor temperatures, which creates a more comfortable environment and makes them worth the investment.

• Programmable. With smart scheduling, you can enter comfort preferences based on your schedule to help reduce energy costs while you are away.
• 24/7 remote control. Program and operate your smart thermostat from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to manage the temperature in your home even when you're not there.
• Occupancy sensors. Sensors can detect when people are at home and moving around, and will adjust heating and cooling accordingly. This creates the ideal environment for each room in use, letting the system rest (and saving you money) when vacant.
• Energy consumption insights. A smart thermostat can monitor your energy use and the energy profile of your home based on square footage, the outdoor climate, how you use the system, and your preferred temperatures. You can program a smart thermostat to use this information and optimize its performance. And you can get real-time data showing your energy usage, enabling you to make informed choices and save money.
• Compatible with other smart home devices. Part of what makes these thermostats so smart is that they can connect with other devices in your home, like air purifiers, humidifiers, or smart home devices such as Amazon® Alexa,® so all systems work together.