As technology continues to change for the better, more and more wireless devices are finding their way into the market. Wireless thermostats are among these devices, and they are available in different models and brands.
Wireless thermostats have never been more popular, mostly due to their efficiency and energy-saving.
A thermostat helps you control your home’s temperature by regulating appliances such as air conditioners and heaters. In this case, wireless thermostats help users better control their devices by choosing a convenient location to put the controls or using an auto mode.
By using a wireless thermostat, you can help the environment, and that’s a good thing.
What is a Wireless Thermostat?
It is better to understand what a wireless thermostat is before we get how a wireless thermostat works.
Thermostats are an electric device that enables users to control the temperature by regulating the heater, boiler, or air conditioner. Conventional thermostats are connected to the air conditioners through wired connections that help communicate the message between the two devices. On the other hand, wireless thermostats make it possible to control the temperature using a smartphone or other smart devices with access to wireless internet.
The connection is enabled by mobile apps that can also allow you to control the wireless thermostat remotely when you are out of the house.
For the system to work, your HVAC must have a receiver that can remotely access the ambient temperature recorded by the wireless thermostat. For example, if the room temperature goes below the set optimum, the wireless thermostat sends a signal to the heating system, heating the room. When the set point temperature is reached, the wireless thermostat sends a signal to the heating system to switch off.
Wireless thermostats types include Programmable models, non-programmable models and smart thermostats.
Wireless Thermostat Types
- Non-programmable wireless thermostats: This is the simplest model among wireless thermostats. Users can control the temperature using this model but can’t program it to change temperatures without human intervention.
- Programmable wireless thermostat: users can feed this model an optimum temperature to regulate the temperature. A programmable thermostat can change the temperature based on time and your habits. For example, when you wake up, when you go to sleep and when you are normally out of the house. It is efficient in energy saving because it will heat less at night or during the day when you are at work.
- Smart thermostat: Apart from the ability to program the temperature using pre-set timeslots, these thermostats also allow remote control using a smartphone or tablet. The devices communicate using wireless connection hence making them easier to use. Users only have to install an application on their phones, and all controls can be changed using the device. These models are more expensive than other models, but they allow more savings through lower energy consumption.
Parts of a Wireless Thermostat
A WIFI thermostat has three major components: One part is the receiver in the HVAC system that communicates directly with the thermostat. The other part is the application used to control the whole system.
You can download the apps on your smartphone, computers, and laptops. Each wireless thermostat brand will have its own application. The app allows remote control of the thermostat, meaning you can adjust the home temperature anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.
Some of the high-end thermostats may have additional features, such as the smart learning feature that allows the thermostat to make changes without programming. The advanced thermostats can also help you track a smartphone, and others have sensors for zoned temperature control.
How a Wireless Thermostat Works
Unlike their programmable counterparts, wireless thermostats work through a connection to the internet that allows remote control. Using this technology eliminates the need for wall displays and controls to program the temperature settings.
The network used (Local network, internet, etc.) is the same as computers and mobile phones to access the internet. Users can easily control the HVAC system and set some of the programmable functions through this connection.
Changes can be direct, or the thermostat can use the pre-saved routines that you set using your phone or computer.
The newest models can monitor your GPS location using your smartphone to detect when you are close to home. When you are close by, your smart thermostat can kick in and warm your home! Others also can obtain data from the local weather forecast to adjust the room temperature accordingly. That is pretty cool, right?
These modern features eliminate the doubt and worry of whether you forgot to turn off your HVAC when on holiday or forgot to set it when leaving the house to work.
Powering a Wireless Thermostat
Most wireless thermostats are battery-powered but using a C wire can be better. AC wire helps by providing a 24v power return path.
The C wire provides the necessary power without disrupting the other wires that act as electrical switches to the system.
A modern smart thermostat requires a lot of power to keep its connection to the internet. It will drain batteries within days! Most of these thermostats also have power-consuming features such as full-color touch screens. These additions need more power than the simple calculator screen thermostats.
The constant power supply is crucial because your temperature control system cannot turn on when the thermostat loses power completely.
Conclusion
Wireless thermostats continue to find themselves in homes due to their energy-saving capabilities and efficiency in use.
These devices allow remote connection through the internet enabling users to adjust the temperature even outside the house. Applications are a necessity for smart thermostats to work. There are many wireless thermostat designs and types that users can choose from depending on their tastes and preferences.