Once upon a time, a thermostat was used to direct your HVAC appliances in order to control the temperature of your home. It was a basic yet necessary piece of equipment, and for years there was not a lot of advancement in thermostat technology.

In the last several years, however, thermostats have been completely revamped in order to accommodate the latest technological advancements. Many homeowners are opting to upgrade to a smart thermostat, which can be controlled remotely and can use data in order to increase the comfort of your home while still saving energy and reducing your utility costs.

So, you know that replacing your thermostat is the right next step, but you may not be sure where to start. Check out this thermostat buyer guide to learn more.

What is a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat is essentially a programmable thermostat that connects to Wi-Fi Internet and can be controlled remotely. Beyond its Wi-Fi connectivity, the smart thermostat also uses technology in order to learn about the residents in the home and create a schedule that will optimize the amount of energy used without compromising the comfort level of the home.

Depending on the smart thermostat that you choose, you may find that it has several different types of technological features:

Remote Sensors — Remote sensors work with the smart thermostat to take a temperature reading in the rooms where they are located, and this can be used as the set temperature for the heating/cooling system. This is useful if you have a single-zone system and/or specific rooms that do not get warm/cool enough. Also, if your thermostat is located in an undesirable location (in direct sunlight, for example) using the remote sensor instead is a solution that doesn’t involve moving the thermostat and its wiring.

Geofencing — This feature connects with the GPS on an individual’s smartphone. You can set your parameters for proximity on your phone, and your thermostat will begin heating or cooling your home to the desired temperature when you are within those parameters.

Algorithms — Algorithms on smart thermostats use the data that you input as well as the data it logs through sensors in order to set an optimal schedule for heating and cooling your home. Some thermostats such as the REAX Smart Home Solution can also reference the data it collects on HVAC system performance and cycle time, which can both improve performance in hitting a set temperature and detect issues with the heating/cooling system.

Which Smart Thermostat Should I Buy?

There are many different smart thermostats on the market today, which can make it difficult for homeowners to choose which smart thermostat is best for them. At HomeWorks Energy, we offer a product called the REAX Smart Home Solution and we believe it is the best smart thermostat on the market.

Here are a few reasons why you should choose the REAX Smart Home Solution for your Massachusetts home:

  • This smart home solution features an interactive thermostat that can be controlled remotely on Apple, Android or Amazon devices.
  • This is a secure smart thermostat that will protect your data by keeping it private.
  • Through the app, you can continuously monitor your heating and cooling system.
  • This smart thermostat seamlessly integrates with other smart technology, such as carbon monoxide detectors, water sensors, and home security cameras, just to name a few, providing a whole-home integrated solution that extends beyond just the thermostat.

The professional team at HomeWorks Energy is here to help you create your smart home. Our HVAC technicians can install your new REAX Smart Home Solution and integrate it with other smart technology in your home. If you want to invest in additional smart equipment, we have options that we can discuss with you.

Are There Alternatives to Smart Thermostats?

Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular, but these devices are not the only way to save energy and reduce utility costs. As part of the Mass Save program, HomeWorks Energy can replace your existing mercury thermostat and upgrade it to a Honeywell programmable thermostat at no cost. This allows you to program your schedule into your thermostat so you are not heating or cooling your home when you are not there.

Ultimately, it’s important that you invest in a smart thermostat that is going to work well with your heating and cooling appliances.

At HomeWorks Energy, when we install your heating and cooling system, we believe that the best way to protect your home and your wallet is to invest in the REAX Smart Home Solution. To learn more about the benefits of this smart thermostat and to find out if it’s the right option for you, contact us to schedule your free home energy assessment.