A WiFi thermostat is a smart device that allows you to remotely control your home heating and cooling system. With its internet connectivity, you can adjust the temperature from anywhere using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Moreover, WiFi thermostats offer several features such as scheduling, energy monitoring, and voice control. In this article, we will discuss how to purchase and use a WiFi thermostat in your home.
Research and Purchase a Compatible WiFi Thermostat
The first step to using a WiFi thermostat is to purchase a compatible one. Before making a purchase, ensure that the thermostat is compatible with your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. There are several types of HVAC systems, such as forced air, heat pump, and radiant heating. Each system has different wiring requirements, so it is crucial to find a thermostat that matches your system.
Additionally, consider the features of the WiFi thermostat. Some popular features include:
Scheduling:
This feature allows you to set a heating and cooling schedule for different times of the day, such as when you’re at work or asleep.
Energy monitoring:
Some thermostats offer energy monitoring, which lets you see how much energy you’re using and how much money you’re saving.
Voice control:
Many WiFi thermostats work with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to control the temperature with voice commands.
Also Read: Purchasing a Wireless Programmable Thermostat? Here is what you need to know
Install the Thermostat
Once you have purchased a compatible thermostat, it’s time to install it. Here are the basic steps:
Turn off the power:
Before installing the thermostat, turn off the power to your HVAC system. You can do this by switching off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse that powers your system.
Remove the old thermostat:
Remove the old thermostat from the wall and take note of how it was wired. Take a picture or make a note of the wires’ colors and the terminals they were connected to.
Install the new thermostat:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new thermostat. Typically, you’ll need to attach the mounting plate to the wall and connect the wires to the corresponding terminals. Be sure to match the wires to the correct terminals, or your HVAC system may not work correctly.
Connect to WiFi:
Once the thermostat is installed, connect it to your home WiFi network. Most thermostats have a setup wizard that guides you through the process.
Set Up a Schedule
One of the most useful features of a WiFi thermostat is scheduling. You can set the temperature for different times of the day, so your home is always at a comfortable temperature when you need it. Here’s how to set up a schedule:
Choose a temperature:
Decide on a comfortable temperature for when you’re home, and a lower temperature for when you’re away or asleep.
Set the schedule:
Use the thermostat’s scheduling feature to set the temperature for different times of the day. For example, you might set the temperature to 70 degrees Fahrenheit when you wake up, 65 degrees when you leave for work, and 70 degrees when you return home.
Adjust the schedule:
As needed, you can adjust the schedule to fit your routine. For instance, if you’re working from home one day, you might want to change the schedule to reflect that.
Monitor Energy Usage
Most WiFi thermostats offer energy monitoring features that allow you to see how much energy you’re using and how much money you’re saving. By monitoring your energy usage, you can identify ways to save even more money on your heating and cooling bills. Here’s how to monitor your energy usage:
Access the energy monitoring feature:
Look for the energy monitoring feature in the thermostat’s smartphone app or web interface.
View energy usage:
Check how much energy you’re using and how much money you’re saving. Some thermostats provide detailed information, such as how many hours your HVAC system was running, what the temperature was set at, and how much energy was used during that time.
Make adjustments:
Use the information you gather from energy monitoring to make adjustments to your schedule or thermostat settings. For instance, if you notice that your energy usage spikes during certain times of the day, you may want to adjust your schedule or thermostat settings to reduce energy consumption.
Use Voice Control
Many WiFi thermostats are compatible with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to control the temperature using voice commands. Here’s how to use voice control:
Connect to a virtual assistant:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect your thermostat to your virtual assistant. This may involve enabling a skill or linking your accounts.
Issue voice commands:
Once your thermostat is connected to your virtual assistant, you can issue voice commands to adjust the temperature. For example, you might say “Alexa, set the thermostat to 70 degrees” or “Hey Google, lower the temperature by 2 degrees.”
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your WiFi thermostat, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
Check the wiring:
Ensure that the thermostat is correctly wired and that the wires are firmly connected to the terminals.
Check the WiFi connection:
Make sure that your thermostat is connected to your home WiFi network and that the signal is strong.
Restart the thermostat:
Try restarting the thermostat by turning off the power for a few minutes and then turning it back on.
Contact customer support:
If you’re still experiencing issues, contact the thermostat manufacturer’s customer support for assistance.
In conclusion
A WiFi thermostat is a useful device that can help you save energy and money on your home heating and cooling bills. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can purchase and use a WiFi thermostat to its full potential. Remember to research and purchase a compatible thermostat, install it correctly, set up a schedule, monitor energy usage, use voice control, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. With a WiFi thermostat, you can enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.
