What makes a smart thermostat smart is algorithms. Algorithms hidden in the back-end software of a device are what enable the device to perform a variety of different functions that make it advanced, and not just communicating. For thermostats specifically, algorithms can optimize HVAC settings for consumers.
Several common functionalities of thermostats enabled by algorithms include:
- Geofencing: A feature that uses the global positioning system (GPS) or radio frequency identification (RFID) to define geographic boundaries and create virtual barriers where triggers can be set up to send alerts when a device enters or exits (i.e., when a user enters the vicinity of his or her home, the thermostat receives an alert and activates the HVAC system).
- Upstaging and downstaging: A technique for multi-stage HVAC equipment in which stages of heating or cooling are automatically initiated based on the difference between desired temperature and actual temperature. A higher stage will automatically engage if actual temperature is significantly different from desired temperature, and switch to a lower stage when the actual temperature is closer to the desired temperature.
The smart thermostat manufacturers claim you can recoup the cost of a smart thermostat in as little as under 2 years. Coupled with rebates from your local utility company, that “break even” wait could be even shorter.
