What is a Smart Thermostat & How Does it Work?

What Is a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat is a device that connects to the internet via Wi-Fi, allowing you to control the heating and cooling temperature in your home and can be managed by another smart device, such as a phone or tablet. It can automatically adjust to maintain your desired comfort conditions in your home. A smart thermostat will change temperature and modes based on user schedules, set points and occupancy. Advanced equipment operation and features, set by the installer, can affect which unit operates based on weather conditions. Some smart thermostats may configure schedules automatically based on occupancy patterns. There are many benefits of smart thermostats. They are easy to operate, may provide insight on energy consumption and may alert you when they need service.

Have you been asking yourself the question “What does a smart thermostat do?” Smart thermostats have additional functions besides regulating indoor temperatures, which creates a more comfortable environment and makes them worth the investment.

• Programmable. With smart scheduling, you can enter comfort preferences based on your schedule to help reduce energy costs while you are away.
• 24/7 remote control. Program and operate your smart thermostat from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to manage the temperature in your home even when you're not there.
• Occupancy sensors. Sensors can detect when people are at home and moving around, and will adjust heating and cooling accordingly. This can help reduce energy usage by automatically changing to away when the home is not occupied.
• Compatible with other smart home devices. Part of what makes these thermostats so smart is that they can connect with smart home devices such as Amazon^® Alexa^® among others.
• Compatible with Indoor Air Quality Devices. Some smart thermostats have the ability to connect with other devices in your home such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilators to help improve indoor air quality and overall comfort.

Some smart thermostats manage your home's temperature using sensors, scheduled away time, and algorithms to adapt to your preferences and daily routine. Theses smart thermostats can learn from your behavior over time, optimizing both comfort and energy efficiency.

 

Connected to your home's Wi-Fi network, the thermostat allows you to monitor and control it remotely via a smartphone app.

 

This connection helps your equipment adjust to the desired temperature at the scheduled time or allows homeowner to change setting remotely if their schedule changes.

 

Geofencing enabled thermostats automatically change based on the homeowner’s location.

 

These tools can help save energy costs by making adjustments based on scheduling, real-time data and/or your usage patterns. 

 

Setting Schedules: Smart thermostats typically have a scheduling feature which can help conserve energy by adjusting the home’s set point when the home is unoccupied. Some smart thermostats have sensors or geofencing and can automatically shift settings to match times when you're home or away, ensuring both comfort and energy efficiency.

Energy Tracking: Some smart thermostats monitor your energy usage and provide insights into your heating and cooling habits. They offer tips and adjustments to help you reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills.

Safety Temperatures: Some smart thermostats can be programmed to maintain a minimum or maximum temperature to protect your home from extreme conditions. This feature helps prevent issues such as frozen pipes in the winter or overheating in the summer, if the thermostat isn’t turned to the off position.

Maintenance Reminders: Some smart thermostats track system performance and notify you when it's time for maintenance, such as changing filters or scheduling professional inspections. This helps keep your HVAC system running efficiently and extends its lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Thermostats

How do smart thermostats know the temperature?

Smart thermostats know the temperature through built-in sensors that measure the ambient temperature of your home. These sensors continuously monitor the environment and send real-time data to the thermostat's algorithms, which then adjust the heating or cooling to maintain your desired temperature.

How do smart thermostats connect to HVAC?

Smart thermostats connect to your HVAC system through standard 5 conductor thermostat wiring that communicates with the system's control board. They interface with the HVAC unit by sending signals to activate or deactivate heating and cooling components based on your settings and preferences.

Can you put a smart thermostat in any house?

In most cases, you can install a smart thermostat in any house as long as you have a compatible HVAC system and compatible wiring or with the addition of an add-a-wire kit. However, it's important to check the thermostat's compatibility with your system and ensure that your home's wiring meets the requirements. If you're unsure, consulting a professional can help ensure a smooth installation.

Do smart thermostats save money?

Yes, smart thermostats can help save money by optimizing your home's heating and cooling based on your schedule and preferences, which reduces energy consumption. Some models provide insights into your energy use and suggest adjustments to help lower utility bills. Additionally, some smart thermostats have the capability of learning algorithms to ensure that your HVAC system operates more efficiently, contributing to cost savings.

How does a smart thermostat save energy?

Some smart Wi-Fi thermostats save energy by learning your heating and cooling preferences, adjusting the temperature automatically based on your schedule. It allows remote control through apps, so you can make energy-saving adjustments even when you're not home They may also provide energy usage reports to optimize settings further. Learn more about how to save energy with Wi-Fi thermostats.

Smart Thermostats from Carrier

Explore Carrier’s range of Wi-Fi smart thermostats, designed to help you save energy by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. With remote control capabilities and insights into your energy use, you can optimize your home’s comfort and efficiency from anywhere. Discover all the smart thermostat options from Carrier and take control of your energy savings today!

 

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