Thermostats have evolved over the years. Heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems are no longer limited to mechanical, manually operated thermostats. There are now digital thermostats available for HVAC systems, including Wi-Fi thermostats.

What Is a Wi-Fi Thermostat?

A Wi-Fi thermostat is exactly what it sounds like: a thermostat that’s able to connect to a nearby wireless network. Statistics show that the average home now has over 10 Wi-Fi devices. In addition to smartphones, computers and TVs, there are thermostats that can connect to wireless networks. Known as Wi-Fi thermostats, they offer several benefits beyond that of traditional thermostats.

Benefits of Using a Wi-Fi Thermostat

With a Wi-Fi thermostat, you can control your HVAC system on the go. Wi-Fi thermostats can be controlled remotely over the internet – typically with a mobile companion app. You can download the mobile companion app to your smartphone. And if you want to raise or lower the temperature of your home while on the go, you can use the mobile companion app.

You don’t have to worry about installing software updates with a Wi-Fi thermostat. While they typically require software, most of them will install the updates automatically. As long as the Wi-Fi thermostat is connected to the internet, it will install software updates automatically.

Wi-Fi Thermostats vs Smart Thermostats

While the terms “Wi-Fi thermostats” and “smart thermostats” are used interchangeably, they aren’t necessarily the same. Wi-Fi thermostats include any thermostat that’s able to connect to a wireless network.

Smart thermostats, on the other hand, are thermostats that can adjust their temperature automatically. They can raise or lower their temperature automatically on your behalf. Many smart thermostats have Wi-Fi capabilities. There are plenty of Wi-Fi thermostats, though, that aren’t classified as smart thermostats.

Tips on Using a Wi-Fi Thermostat

If you’re going to use a Wi-Fi thermostat, you should try to install it near your home’s router. Installing the Wi-Fi thermostat on the opposite end of your home may result in connectivity issues. The Wi-Fi thermostat may respond slowly to your commands, or it may disconnect from the Wi-Fi. You can avoid connectivity issues such as these by installing it near your home’s router.

You may want to adjust the Wi-Fi thermostat before commuting home. It may take your HVAC system 10 to 15 minutes, for instance, to achieve your specified temperature. With a Wi-Fi thermostat, you can set the temperature remotely by using a mobile companion app. As a result, when you walk into your home, the temperature will be perfect.