Nearly every piece of new technology we see nowadays has the ‘smart’ label applied. Smartphones are commonplace, smart watches are on the rise and smart TV’s can be found in more homes than ever. Smart technology is also changing the way we think about managing our home.
You’ve most likely heard about Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat, one of the many smart thermostats on the market today. Most brands are easy to install and have the ability to predict your temperature preferences, helping your system run efficiently and curb energy costs. But which one is the right choice for you and your family?
Nest Learning Thermostat*
The Nest Learning Thermostat isn’t the first smart home automation unit to hit the market, but it’s certainly the most notable. The circular shape of the unit itself reflects the style of a standard dial thermostat, but a bright, interactive display screen gives the Nest its modern twist. For the first few days, Nest owners will adjust their temperature manually, but the Nest will shortly learn these habits. Using advanced software, the Nest automatically adjusts the temperature based on the homeowner’s actions. This type of automation allows your HVAC unit to operate at maximum efficiency while keeping your family comfortable – without touching a button!
Ecobee3 Smart Thermostat
This smart thermostat from Ecobee is Wifi enabled and lets users control the temperature of their home with their smartphone. Unlike the Nest, the Ecobee3 doesn’t learn the habits of the homeowners – but it does perform a similar function. Rather than adjusting to the temperature settings while a house is full of people, the Ecobee3 is instead equipped with motion sensors to detect if anyone is in the house. If the home is empty, the thermostat will set itself to ‘Away’ mode and use considerably less energy. When it detects that someone has returned home, the Ecobee3 will automatically kick on the heat or A/C. Cool!
Honeywell WiFi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control
This is one of the more expensive units on today’s market, but the Honeywell Smart Thermostat includes a feature that most smart thermostats haven’t matched yet. As the name implies, Honeywell’s smart thermostat comes equipped with voice control – allowing for a truly touchless thermostat experience. The Honeywell Smart Thermostat has the ability to learn your preferences, similar to the Nest, but this can also be overridden and adjusted manually. The display of this smart thermostat mimics that of a traditional unit, but also utilizes its WiFi capability to display current weather and temperature in your area.
Are you interested in making the switch from a conventional thermostat to something more modern? Give Pearson a call – we have several different options for smart home automation and we’ll even help with the installation.
*Nest units are not available through our current supplier. Customers are responsible for purchasing their own unit. We will gladly install it though!
