A smart thermostat, or sometimes called a Wi-Fi thermostat, uses the same basic functions as a regular thermostat. The thermostat is smart because it connects to Wi-Fi and your HVAC system, while the companion app on your smartphone gives you the ability to control it. Many brands connect to other smart home devices so voice command is also a smart feature. Many people also include smart thermostats in the industry of energy efficient appliances.

There are three main ways a smart thermostat works:

1. Algorithms
   The user sets basic guidelines for their schedule. The thermostat learns the schedule over time and will adapt to changing patterns, increasing energy savings. For example, you can program it to know that from 9am until 5pm, no one is home. But let’s say you start to come home on your break, the thermostat will eventually adjust to that pattern.
2. Sensors
   Motion and proximity sensors detect temperature and tell you when someone enters the room. This feature helps with hot and cold areas throughout a house. Place a motion sensor in desired rooms of your house, which senses when to adjust the temperature to your advantage. For example, if you have one in the upstairs bedroom and one in the downstairs living area, the remote sensor will adjust the temperature as you move upstairs to go to sleep.
3. Geofencing
   Smart thermostats rely on this feature to control temperatures if you move away from home. For example, if the boundary falls 10 miles outside of your home, the thermostat adjusts the temperature when you exit the 10-mile range. The same occurs when you enter the boundary.

Check product details to see which smart technology the thermostat utilizes.

Contact your local electrician or HVAC technician if you are not experienced or comfortable with installations. Follow manufacturer instructions or contact your local electrician or HVAC technician for assistance. If experienced, you can install the thermostat yourself. Before purchasing or installing, make sure your desired thermostat works with your HVAC system and wiring. Many require a C-Wire and a 24V HVAC system.

Typical heating and air-conditioning systems incompatible with smart thermostats include electric baseboard heaters and millivolt furnaces. Always look at product requirements before purchasing.

Most smart thermostats only work with low voltage (24V) systems. Most households use a 24V system. Indicators that your home uses a low voltage system:

A “common wire” provides continuous flow of 24V power to a thermostat. The continuous power enables the thermostat displays and Wi-Fi. These are three things you can do if you do not have a C-Wire.

1. Install new thermostat wires that include the C-Wire. Because this is the most complicated option, think about hiring a professional for this job.
2. Purchase and install an adapter.
3. Choose a thermostat that includes an adapter.
4. Choose a thermostat that does not require a C-Wire.

Energy efficient
Predetermined and adjustable temperature schedules maximize energy efficiency for as long as possible. Greater control over your heating system lowers the amount of energy used. This lowers your carbon footprint. Smart thermostats help energy conservation because of the boundaries you set.

Control
Smart features allow you to heat or cool your home with your smartphone or voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Homekit. Sensors, geofencing, and algorithms provide you with peace of mind. Once you place the settings, you only need to worry about adjusting the temperature if you change your typical schedule. Also, the control to reduce energy use helps consumers concerned with energy costs and efficiency.