Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi thermostats that can be used with home automation and are responsible for controlling a home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. They perform similar functions as a Programmable thermostat as they allow the user to control the temperature of their home throughout the day using a schedule, but also contain additional features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity,[1][2] that improve upon the issues with programming.
Like other Wi-Fi thermostats, they are connected to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network. They allow users to adjust heating settings from other internet-connected devices, such as a laptop or smartphones. This allows users to control the thermostat remotely. This ease of use is essential for ensuring energy savings: studies have shown that households with programmable thermostats actually have higher energy consumption than those with simple thermostats because residents program them incorrectly or disable them completely.[3][4]
Smart thermostats also record internal/external temperatures, the time the HVAC system has been running and can notify the user if the system's air filter needs to be replaced. This information is typically displayed later on an internet-connected device such as a smartphone.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:4was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
:9was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Environmental Protection Agency. Summary of Research Findings From the Programmable Thermostat Market. Washington, DC: Office of Headquarters, 2004
- ^ H Sachs. Programmable Thermostats. ACEEE, 2004