Smart-Home Thermostats for Newbies.
While it may seem like a simple decision, picking a Smart-Thermostat that’s right for you requires you understand your actual needs.
Ideally, I suggest consulting with a home automation designer or installer and simply following their recommendation, but, for those of us who are scared of being “sold” something or simply like to geek-out; here’s some considerations to start with...
- Do “I” want to be able to adjust the thermostat from my couch or while away from home? - Do “I” want to get an e-mail or pop-up notification on my smartphone when the kids adjust the temperature set-point above or below where I want it? - Do “I” want the thermostat to be part of a complete energy saving ecosystem, that can integrate harmoniously in with other subsystems to reduce energy consumption? If so, you need to know what thermostats work well with said home automation system that will manage this ecosystem.
- Do “I” mind paying a monthly subscription to have the ability to control my thermostat remotely? If not, you might contact your HVAC contractor and purchase from them.
- Do “I” really want Google collecting data about how I use my appliances? (which in the hands of a criminal could be quite useful for a number of different reasons) - Am “I” going to do this myself or hire a professional install the thermostat and configure it as part of a home automation system? If it’s going to be part of a home automation system, it’s imperative you confirm the thermostat you select is going to work well with your home automation system.
- Is my HVAC contractor going to give me a problem installing something they didn’t furnish? If the answer is yes, you might look for different contractor or find out if your home automation installer will make the HVAC system connections.
- Is there anything special about my HVAC equipment or wiring that might prevent me from using “any” replacement thermostat? Most systems don’t require anything special but their are some that require specific thermostats with features that many residential smart-thermostats don’t have.
As for buying Smart Thermostats from HVAC contractors, as strange as this is going to sound, I would recommend against it in most cases. Most notable reasons: 1) HVAC contractors rarely have anyone on staff capable of configuring or troubleshooting the network & smart-home parts of the thermostats; 2) Many models offered by HVAC contractors require a fee-based subscription for remote access; 3) You’re HVAC contractor is not going to know if or how well their thermostat will integrate with a 3rd party control system.
Got more questions???? Feel free to contact me!