Helpful Tips and Information: Thermostats Controlled With Mobile Devices

Monday, September 17, 2012

Thermostats Controlled With Mobile Devices

More than 234 million Americans age 13 and up used mobile devices. Nearly 116 million of those using mobile devices are estimated to use a smartphone on a monthly basis by the close of 2012, according to New Media Trend Watch.

That exponential growth is expected to continue. By the close of 2016, an estimated 192.4 million Americans, or approximately 58.5 percent of the U.S. population will use a smartphone on a regular basis.

A recent study, conducted by O2, reveals that smartphone users spend at least two hours each day on their devices, surfing the Internet, utilizing social media, listening to music, gaming, and performing other activities. One of those other activities: setting their thermostat.

New Improvements

Over the last five years, thermostats have changed dramatically. As adoption of smartphones and tablets has increased, consumer expectations have changed. Touch enabled devices and easy-to-use interfaces are now the norm. Technology advancements like Wi-Fi connectivity and the ability to have control through the cloud are no longer limited to just early adopters; they have transitioned to the mainstream.”

Cutting-edge thermostat technology has nearly replaced standard BAS systems panels with multi-input and output points. Thermostats in commercial HVAC applications have evolved into complex networked controllers. These new room controllers are not only capable of sending and receiving information from the central front end to control room devices, but can collect data for analyzing trends for optimum building control management.”

While climate-controlling devices have emerged smarter and more intuitive. The manufacturers of these devices have been able to use the technology available to put more computing power behind them and provide vast amounts of data for the installer and end user.

With concerns about rising energy costs, consumers are looking for wireless thermostats that are easily installed and work with both new and existing systems.

The Future

While thermostats and controls have certainly upgraded with the times, many manufacturers predict even further advancement is on its way. The next five years will change the face of HVAC controls, especially the good, old thermostat. It will be mobile, agile, and intelligent; and will be a major partner in energy conservation. Increasingly we will see web page control panels, smartphone-accessed controls, and the use of sensors on walls instead of the normal reporting thermostats.”

I believe that thermostats and controls will likely become even more discrete, convenient, and portable. “Smart device apps will grow more sophisticated as technology advances, providing homeowners with more monitoring and control capabilities. A greater number of thermostats and controls will be accessible via mobile apps, giving users more options to measure and monitor their HVAC systems remotely. Additionally, as homeowners work to use less energy and save money on utility bills, I predict that thermostats and controls will give users the ability to more closely measure HVAC energy usage.”

Push-button controls have transitioned to touch-screen controls and monochrome touch-screen devices are now being replaced with color touch screens. I believe HVAC controls will have a much larger influence on home operations. In the next few years controls will become a system differentiator and will truly become the home control. Remote access will allow you to stay connected with your home like never before.

Whether it’s energy savings, added peace of mind, or the convenience of mobile apps and easy-to-use web portal our customers have lots to say about our commitment to offering practical energy-saving solutions for both home and business.