2023-07-02 12:00:00
Smart thermostats offer many obvious advantages. Their attractive appearance and remote access via smartphone saves money on energy bills. However, every coin has its downside. So, are connected thermostats really useful?
Energy savings
Connected thermostats are useful because, first of all, they save money. Also, they can reduce your electricity consumption by around 10%which translates into savings on your electricity bill.
“Learning” models, such as the Nest Learning Thermostat, offer more precise settings to suit your schedule. This minimizes energy losses.
Ease of use
Another benefit that makes connected thermostats useful is their ease of use. They make it easy to control your air conditioning, either manually or via programmable controls.
Using a smartphone app or voice commands makes this task even more convenient. However, some people may find it difficult to adapt to the technology, which can be an initial challenge.
Automation and Convenience
Once installed and configured, a connected thermostat usually takes care of itself. It will gradually learn your habits and automatically adjust your home climate accordingly.
You won’t have no more worrying regarding manually adjusting the temperature, which is a considerable advantage. Even when adjustments are needed, user-friendly interfaces make it easy.
Disadvantages of connected thermostats
However, one of the traits that makes a smart thermostat less useful is how difficult it is to install. If you are not comfortable with electrical work, you may need Hire a professional for installation.
Some challenges include the presence of common wires and the need for adapters for older homes. These obstacles, although insurmountable, may require adjustments and technical knowledge.
Adaptation to lifestyle
Another disadvantage depends on your lifestyle and home occupancy. If you are often at home, automatic climate adjustments from a connected thermostat may be less useful.
Also, if you have a pet that is always present there, it reinforces this idea. In this case, maintaining a stable temperature throughout the day is preferable. Also, if you move frequently, a smart thermostat will struggle to learn your habits and optimize settings.
Cost and safety
Cost is also a factor to consider. Although some affordable smart thermostats exist, full-featured models can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $200. Even so, discounts may be available through government programs or service providers.
The long-term energy savings can offset the initial cost, but it’s best to look for free options if possible. Finally, potential safety issues are related to smart thermostats.
Some models have been vulnerable to attacks, although regular software updates fix these flaws. However, since user data may be used for purposes, privacy security may be a concern. Additionally, this data might potentially be shared with law enforcement.
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