Traditional thermostats adjust the indoor air temperature by working as a simple control input for a home's heating and cooling system. You simply set the temperature and the device keeps your home within that range near the thermostat's physical location.
With the arrival of programmable thermostats, homeowners could tailor the temperature of their home by programming the thermostat to turn on and off based on the day and time when the house would be occupied. This meant the heating or cooling system could be off when you were away from home.
Today's "smart" thermostats take the programmable thermostats to the next level by learning a household's routine and allowing homeowners to monitor and change the temperature remotely using mobile applications. They can also provide real-time feedback on energy consumption, weather forecasts and even adapt the temperature based on conditions like humidity levels.
The Nest Thermostat
One of the first smart thermostats to market was The Nest thermostat. It combines sleek design with a bright full-color display to provide homeowners with useful information, combined with convenient remote apps designed to help cut energy consumption. The Nest is a learning thermostat that senses if a home is occupied, whether the air is suddenly getting humid, and other factors that allow it to custom tailor the indoor environment.
Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
Honeywell's Smart Thermostat offers convenience and style, letting you monitor your home's temperature and the weather. It features:
- The simple set-up that adjusts temperatures to fit your daily life. Onscreen Help" button answers questions as you go
- Know about extreme indoor temperatures. Stay up-to-date on local weather conditions.
- Smart Response gives you the right temperature at the right time
- Choose a color scheme that blends with your home's decor or adds contrast
- Free app with no monthly fee
- Simple set-up with one-touch weather and smart alerts