10 Common Questions About Smart Thermostats

September 20, 2022
Smart Thermostat in Orchard Park, NY

For the past 10 years, Vastola Heating & Cooling has been educating consumers on smart thermostats and why they are so important in your home. We have answered some questions about smart thermostats and how to use them. Think of smart thermostats as your home’s communicator or a virtual expert who can complete the work of your HVAC system by setting heating and cooling schedules in advance, monitoring comfort levels and making adjustments to help you stay comfortable.

1. What Is a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat is a computerized device that you can use to control the temperature inside your home or business. It works by reading outside conditions and adjusting the set temperature accordingly. It has numerous benefits, including saving money on utilities, improved comfort and greater user convenience.

2. What Is the Difference Between a Smart Thermostat and an “Oven-Only” Thermostat?

A smart thermostat can tell the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system at what temperature you want to keep your home. An oven-only thermostat can only go as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that you must manually turn it up or down for any temperature above 100 degrees.

3. Are There Any Downsides to Using a Smart Thermostat?

Smart thermostats can be beneficial in many ways but also bring some challenges. Your HVAC system will have to adjust the schedule it used to follow when you change to one. Although most smart thermostats have a built-in scheduling feature that requires little to no assistance, you need to calibrate these devices regularly to ensure everything works properly.

4. What Are Some of the Benefits of Using a Smart Thermostat?

A smart thermostat can make your home more eco-friendly by lowering utility expenses. You will also save money on utilities as they adjust to your comfort levels and know when you are away from home or work. These devices can also alert you when room temperature or humidity changes, allowing you to turn on fans or air vents to keep cool air circulating in the home.

5. What Are Some of the Different Types of Smart Thermostats on the Market?

Some of the most common types of smart thermostats include digital and non-digital models. Digital thermostats usually feature a color screen with a clock and can be controlled with a smartphone or tablet. Non-digital thermostats have no screen and are controlled by buttons on the device, but they typically have a greater range than digital models.

6. How Do I Pick the Best Smart Thermostat?

Most people are unaware of all the features that different smart thermostats have. That is why we recommend you look at thermostat reviews, check availability on each model, and determine which one offers the features you want most. Reviews can help guide your purchasing decision and give you a better idea of how to use your new device.

7. How Do Smart Thermostats Work?

Most smart thermostats use a sensor to monitor the temperature in your home. These devices can learn your preferences and adjust the temperature, depending on whether you are home or not and what time it is. It can help you save money over time because it will heat or cool your home only when necessary, instead of all day.

8. How Do I Use a Smart Thermostat?

Many people are not sure how to set up their new smart thermostat. To use the device, you must program your thermostat with the settings you want in advance. It is a simple process that can be done by pressing the “Page” button on the remote or downloading the app on your smartphone or tablet.

9. How Do Smart Thermostats Work With Voice-Activated Platforms?

Many smart thermostats can connect with voice-activated platforms, like Alexa, Siri and Google Home. These devices are designed to recognize your voice and can change the temperature in your home or even turn the HVAC system on or off. You can also use these platforms to adjust the settings on your thermostat remotely, making it easier to monitor your home’s temperature from anywhere in the world.

10. How Does a Smart Thermostat Work in a Multi-Zone Home?

If you have more than one heating and cooling system in your home, you can install multiple smart thermostats for each system. It will allow you to program each heating or cooling source separately and give you the power to control multiple devices from your smartphone or tablet.

Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature without worrying about buttons, dials or vent covers. The best models feature color touchscreens, Wi-Fi connectivity and have smartphone apps for easy scheduling and monitoring. This product is a great way to stay comfortable, be more energy-efficient and save money on utility bills. For any questions about smart thermostats and how they work, contact Vastola Heating & Cooling for more information. We also offer heating and cooling services.

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