You may have seen or heard ads about “smart thermostats”, which supposedly save you money on energy costs and offer high-tech features. But why exactly do you need a smart thermostat in the first place?
And how do you choose the right one? This is your guide to the world of smart thermostats, how they work, the reasons they may be beneficial for your home, the different types of smart thermostats, and hopefully you can choose the best one for your home.
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What is a Thermostat?
Put simply, a thermostat is a device that measures the temperature inside a room and helps to maintain it near a set temperature. They’re typically a component of a heating and cooling system. Many types of systems utilize thermostats, including:
- Building heating systems
- Central heating
- Air conditioners
- HVAC systems
- Water heaters
- Kitchen equipment, such as ovens and refrigerators
- Medical and scientific incubators
How Does a Thermostat Work?
There are many different types of thermostats, but the basic mechanism is the same across the board. The thermostat contains a sensor, either digital or mechanical, which detects the ambient temperature inside the room. It has a preset temperate and activates the heating or cooling system when the temperature falls outside of that temperature. This is done through the opening or closing of a switch, which either opens or closes the circuit connected to the heating or cooling system.
Why do you need a thermostat?
One of the best reasons for installing a thermostat in your home is to save money. By sensing the temperature and adjusting it accordingly, a thermostat will help you keep your energy costs low.
A thermostat can also make your home more comfortable. A home that is sweltering or freezing is uncomfortable for everyone. A thermostat helps you keep your home at a comfortable temperature, making everyone in the family happier.
Installing a thermostat in your home can even help improve your health. Extreme temperatures can cause family members to catch colds and illnesses, especially young children. By keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, you can help maintain everyone’s health.
Types of Thermostats
Choosing the best type of thermostat for your home based on your needs and budget. Here are a few different types of thermostats and a few of our recommended ones.
1 – Mechanical thermostats
A mechanical thermostat like this Emerson brand from Home Depot contains a calibrated sensing component, either a vapor-filled bellow or a bi-metallic strip, which reacts to changes in temperature and activates the heating or cooling system.
- Built-in bimetallic strip thermometer
- Connects to both heating and cooling systems
2 – Non-programmable thermostats
This type of thermostat is similar to a mechanical thermostat and also cannot be customized, but it features an easy-to-read digital display.
- Backlit digital display
- Displays both the current and set temperatures
- Slide switches for switching between heating and cooling modes
3 – Programmable Thermostats
A programmable thermostat allows you to customize the settings based on your daily schedule and preferences. You can set different temperatures for different times of the day, keeping your home warm when you get up in the morning and cool in the evening when you get home.
- Control from anywhere
- Heating and cooling system alerts
- Easy schedule setup
4 – Smart Thermostats
In addition to the functions of programmable thermostats, Smart Thermostats, like this one from Best Buy, are also able to learn your preferences and habits. They can then adjust system settings based on these preferences. They can sense and learn when you are usually home or away and adjust the temperature of your home accordingly. Some Smart Thermostats can also work with your other smart home appliances, like ceiling fans, attic fans, wall heaters, and exhaust fans, etc., to help cool down or heat up a home more efficiently.
- Full-color display
- Push button control
- Wi-Fi enabled with remote control capabilities
- Easy-to-use interface
The Right Thermostat Can Make Your Home Much Cozier
A comfortable home is a happy home. A thermostat can help you maintain comfortable temperatures, as well as save money on your energy bills while keeping your family healthy.
Not all thermostats are the same, though. You’ll need to find the best one for your home. There are lots of options, but one of them is guaranteed to make your home healthier, happier, and easier to maintain.
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