Home thermostats have come a long way since the simple, dial-style models of our childhood. Those ancient dinosaurs were not only imprecise, but also difficult to adjust. Everything was done manually, and while adjustment was a simple turn of the dial, it was easy to forget to adjust the thermostat up or down to save energy while you were away at work or on vacation.
Programmable thermostats came on the scene over a decade ago. Revolutionizing the way we heat and cool our homes, programmable thermostats allowed us to set and forget, providing a great way to customize or heating and cooling to fit our daily lifestyle and routine. These innovative gems increased our comfort levels and our energy savings.
The latest technological development in the world of thermostats goes above and beyond simple programming capabilities. New thermostat technology connects to your home’s wireless internet service. With WiFi connectivity, you can use your smartphone or tablet to remotely check and change the temperature in your home. Many models can also integrate with SMART home hubs like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, making it easy to adjust your temperature settings with just your voice. This new SMART thermostat technology is convenient, and enhances energy savings and personal comfort.
Thermostats and SMART Technology
SMART home technology is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. According to Statista, approximately 28 percent of American households were using smart home technology in 2018. This is number is expected to increase to 54 percent by the year 2023.
SMART stands for Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. Originally developed by IBM, SMART home technology allows consumers monitor and control connected home devices from their smartphone or other networked devices. These voice-activated systems allow users to control home lighting, security systems, music, shopping, and more.
Many new thermostat models easily integrate into SMART home systems. These SMART thermostats allow you to easily adjust temperature settings in your home without the need to get up, walk across the house, and adjust a manual dial. Instead, you can initiate the system with a simple voice command like, “make it warmer.” The system will automatically alert your heating system and raise the temperature inside your living space.
Other Voice-Activated Options
While SMART technology is becoming more common, many homeowners have not yet integrated a smart home hub in their homes. For those households, there are several stand-alone voice-activated WiFi thermostats available. These innovative thermostats offer voice command technology with WiFi integration without the need for a central SMART home hub.
How the HVAC Industry is Using SMART Technology
SMART thermostats are just one way this new technology is revolutionizing the comfort level in our homes. Consumer demand is constantly driving the HVAC industry to create products that enhance comfort and convenience through voice control and home connectivity. However, SMART technology can also make your family safer.
SMART technology can also allow thermostats and carbon monoxide detectors to communicate with one another. When the CO2 detector senses high carbon monoxide levels, it can communicate with the thermostat and shut down HVAC systems. SMART can also send a message to your smartphone, alerting you of the situation. This can save you and your family from a potentially hazardous situation.
Ask Your Local HVAC Professionals
SMART technology can add a whole new level of convenience, safety, and savings to the way you heat and cool your home. Therefore, if you are considering integrating your thermostat to your home’s SMART hub, or if you have questions about other voice-controlled or WiFi compatible models, contact your local HVAC professionals for more information.