DO WIRELESS THERMOSTATS NEED WI-FI? A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
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Do wireless thermostats need Wi-Fi, and are they the same as smart thermostats? Does a smart thermostat save money? These questions often come up when researching options.
For someone considering a new thermostat system for their home, it’s best to first learn the subtle yet important differences between a wireless thermostat and a Wi-Fi thermostat. A new thermostat could save you the headache of tracking your energy usage or stepping into a freezing-cold home after work.
Want to learn more about how we help homeowners enjoy the latest thermostat technology? Call Conway Services to speak with a member of our team, and we’ll answer all your questions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT IS A WI-FI THERMOSTAT?
A Wi-Fi thermostat is also known as a smart thermostat. It gives you the same temperature readings as a regular thermostat, but with more practical, time-saving tools.
A Wi-Fi thermostat connects to the internet to provide live weather updates or let you adjust the temperature through a mobile app. Homeowners often install Wi-Fi thermostats to help control energy use or fine-tune comfort levels.
Smart thermostats have become popular upgrades for HVAC systems. However, it’s easy to confuse Wi-Fi and wireless thermostats.
WI-FI VS. WIRELESS THERMOSTATS: KEY DIFFERENCES
How do wireless thermostats work, and how are they any different from Wi-Fi thermostats that connect to the internet? A Wi-Fi thermostat and a wireless thermostat may seem the same at a glance since they’re both modern ways of reading your home’s temperature. However, the following are the key differences between these two devices.
WIRES
As the name suggests, a wireless thermostat doesn’t need wires. You can hook one up in many different areas of a home without losing the connection to the HVAC system.
A Wi-Fi thermostat may still have wires that connect to your home’s HVAC system. It must be wall-mounted and placed in specific locations in your home to work.
FEATURES
Wi-Fi thermostats connect to the internet to offer features like remote control and pre-programmed temperature schedules that heat or cool at specific times of day. They can also send you live weather updates or automated updates if there are any issues with your HVAC. This thermostat style may also adjust the temperature based on your lifestyle.
So, do wireless thermostats need Wi-Fi? Yes, because a smart wireless thermostat also connects to the internet. However, you can typically still control either type of thermostat at the unit without Wi-Fi.
HOW DO WIRELESS AND WI-FI THERMOSTATS WORK?
A wireless thermostat sends signals to a receiver installed in your HVAC system. While these thermostats can use Wi-Fi, they can also connect via Bluetooth or other wireless technologies.
Since wireless thermostats don’t need to be hooked up to anything, they’re easier to install throughout the home. A Wi-Fi thermostat still needs to be mounted on the wall and connected to your HVAC system before it can start working.
DO WI-FI THERMOSTATS ALWAYS NEED INTERNET TO WORK?
A Wi-Fi thermostat needs an internet connection to use advanced features like live weather updates or automatic scheduling, but it doesn’t need to be connected to function. You’ll still get accurate readings even if it temporarily disconnects from the internet, as it’s not connected to the heating and cooling system via Wi-Fi.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A NEW THERMOSTAT
Now that you know that both smart and wireless thermostats need Wi-Fi, it’s time to do some thinking. Double-check these important considerations before committing to a new unit.
YOUR IDEAL FEATURES
Do you want the convenience of controlling your heating and cooling with the press of a button? Are you often worried about your energy usage and want regular updates to keep track of your expenses?
Asking yourself a few questions about advanced thermostat features will help you avoid spending money on something you won’t really use.
YOUR EXISTING HEATING SYSTEM
Your heating and cooling system will ultimately determine the type of thermostat you choose to buy, Wi-Fi-enabled or otherwise. Some homes have what’s called multi-stage heating, which means they have furnaces (and air conditioners) with multiple levels of heat output.
Some thermostats only support 2 or 3 heat stage functions, while others support more. When buying a new thermostat, it’s important to find one that supports your home’s heating capabilities.
YOUR GENERAL WI-FI CONNECTION
Connected thermostats need to connect to Wi-Fi to enable all their features, such as remote adjustments, report sending, and live updates. Without the internet, Wi-Fi thermostats become little more than an added expenditure.
To ensure that you get the most out of your Wi-Fi thermostat, make sure you have a strong and consistent, fully functioning wireless network throughout your home.
An in-person consultation will help you get the full picture of whether a Wi-Fi thermostat will benefit your home. Schedule an appointment online with our simple form, and we’ll send over a technician to get you started.
THE BENEFITS OF A WI-FI THERMOSTAT
Wi-Fi-enabled, programmable thermostats can be controlled from any computer or smartphone. You can change your home’s temperature from work, a restaurant, or while on vacation as long as you have Wi-Fi access.
Let’s take a look at all the other benefits that could have you wondering why you ever used a standard thermostat in the first place.
FLEXIBLE CONNECTIONS
Wi-Fi access is made possible by an app specific to your make and model of thermostat. These free apps send you email weather updates so you can make timely changes to your thermostat settings. Most apps are available for Android and Apple devices.
SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILLS
Do smart thermostats save money? Think of it this way: Have you ever sighed at the sight of a higher-than-average energy bill and worried it was because you left the heating or cooling system on too long?
Save yourself the trouble with a Wi-Fi thermostat that you can control from your phone or tablet. You can check your current energy usage, set schedules, or adjust your settings on the fly.
AUTOMATIC REMINDERS
It’s easy to forget about heating and cooling tune-ups when you have a dozen other daily obligations. Your Wi-Fi app also will send you regular reminders to change your filters, a great way to improve your system’s operating efficiency while reducing utility costs.
SAVE TIME ON MAINTEfNANCE
If you’re a commercial property owner, you can save big bucks by installing Wi-Fi thermostats in all your buildings. These thermostats make it easier to respond quickly to weather changes and other swings without physically going to each property to read the thermostat displays.
INSTALL A NEW THERMOSTAT WITH CONWAY SERVICES
If you’re tired of trying to manage your home’s temperature while keeping up with your busy schedule, we have a service that can help. Conway Services installs Wi-Fi thermostats that save homeowners time and money with features you can access instantly. Wi-Fi thermostats are easy to use and even easier to enjoy.
We also provide general HVAC repair and HVAC installation services to help you stay comfortable throughout the changing seasons. Call us to speak with our team and get a free quote on a new thermostat for your home.