It’s definitely something you need to consider if you’re looking for a way to reduce the energy output of your home or make your home eco-friendlier. A smart thermometer will help you to track your energy usage, plan when the best periods are to heat your home, and, of course, save you money on your heating bills.
Much like the Roomba robot vacuum, however, there are a few smart thermometers on the market that have their copycats, offering the same services for a much lower price. That’s not to say that all of them are bad, but when you’re choosing a smart thermometer for your home, there are some key considerations that you should look into.
How do you choose the best smart thermometer? Here’s a quick guide to help you.
Table of Contents
Accuracy and Reliability
As mentioned in the intro, the primary purpose of a smart thermometer is to provide accurate temperature readings and to help you monitor your usage, as well as allow you to plan the best times to use it to heat your home. If you have a smart assistant, you’ll want to choose a reliable WiFi thermostat in your home that won’t have an intermittent signal and will connect to your Alexa or Siri.
So, look for a smart thermometer with a reputation for accuracy and consistency. You can do this by reading customer reviews and checking if the thermometer has been tested or certified by the relevant regulatory bodies.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Going back to the connectivity of the smart thermometer for a moment, these devices usually connect to a smartphone, or, as mentioned earlier, an artificial assistant like Alexa via Bluetooth, WiFi, or an app that you’ve downloaded to your smartphone. Any thermometer that you choose will need to be compatible with your phone’s primary operating system or the devices that you intend to use it with. This is easy to research online, and many companies, such as Amazon, will be able to show you compatible smart thermometers for their AI assistants.
You’ll also need to look into the stability and range of any wireless connection that your smart thermometer has.
Features and Functionality
All smart thermometers that are on the market offer various additional features beyond basic temperature measurement. Consider the features that are important to you in the device that you want, such as alerts, multiple profiles, and information on energy usage.
This should help to narrow down your search and assist you with minimizing the money that goes out of your home every month on your heating bill.
User-Friendliness
Your smart thermometer should be easy to use and navigate. Choose a device that has an easy-to-use and intuitive interface, a readable display, and simple control buttons or touchscreens to speed up how quickly you can use it.
Of course, if you have young children, you may want a device that has parental controls, too, as well as passwords.
Design and Convenience
You should also consider the design and form of the thermometer. Look for a device that’s ergonomic, easy to hold, with easy-to-hold grips, which will allow for easy fitting. Again, if you have kids that like to handle devices, it may be best to choose one that will survive being dropped. Additionally, consider factors such as battery life, rechargeability, and any additional accessories provided with the thermometer.
