Do you need WiFi for a Smart Thermostat?

If you are already a part of the “smart home” trend, you have probably already taken steps towards installing a smart thermostat. You have surely come across smart thermostats with and without WiFi connection in the process.

Given that they’re called “smart,” it is expected that these devices should do everything online, or else what is the point?

However, it is certainly possible for a smart thermostat to work without WiFi. Some smart thermostats are entirely independent of a WiFi connection, while others may have limited. Functionality if they are not connected. But it would be in the best interest of your smart home ecosystem and the functioning capabilities of your smart thermostat.

Which brings up how a smart thermostat will work without WiFi?

Just like any computing device, a smart thermostat has an operating system. This enables it to capture information from the local environment and control the HVAC system in your home. However, it is possible to use a smart thermostat without using WiFi. Interestingly, the operating software is stored in flash memory.

Even if there is no internet connection, it can still store and operate using only its internal memory, limiting its functioning capabilities.

Here are some reasons why you might want to connect a smart thermostat with WiFi:

Control your home temperature remotely

Smart thermostats have WiFi connectivity, so you can control them with your smartphone. Because of this, you can remotely monitor and adjust the temperature in your home.

Besides, you can also use an app to adjust the temperature in your home even when you’re not there, or you can program.

It to change according to your schedule so that when you get home. You won’t have to wait for the house to cool off before you can settle in.

Get weather forecasts and receive alerts

In addition to adjusting your home’s temperature, smart thermostats also provide weather forecasts and send.

Alerts when extreme temperatures are expected, or there’s an issue with your HVAC system.

This makes them ideal for people away from home frequently or those who live in areas susceptible to extreme temperatures and weather patterns.

Control the thermostat through voice commands

Aesthetically, smart thermostats are great. If you’re sick of fiddling with your thermostat every time you leave the house or office, installing a Wi-Fi-connected thermostat will make things easier. You can give voice commands to your smart thermostat, and it’ll change the temperature in the room.

You can use Alexa or Google Assistant to interact with your home and appliances directly, such as turning the heat off.

Voice commands work best with smart thermostats that have a microphone built-in.

Monitor energy usage and costs

Smart thermostats can save energy by keeping track of the weather forecast, especially if there’s a chance for severe weather. When it’s freezing, for example, it might be a good idea to raise the temperature slightly.

If you’re away on vacation and don’t want to leave anything running while no one is home, set up an alert so. You’ll get notified if there’s been any activity in your home while you’ve been gone.

This can save you money because you don’t have to run home to adjust the air conditioning or heat when you’re on vacation. 

Integrate with other smart home devices

Smart thermostats are usually the most expensive devices in the smart home setup. But they also come with other benefits as well.

Aside from their obvious control over the temperature, they can also connect with other smart home products and add automation to your devices.

Connecting them all to one app allows for easier management of your smart home.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, your smart thermostat works just as well without being connected to WiFi. The only difference you will see is that you can’t access it from anywhere.

You will also have to wait for a software update before setting up new features or using more advanced features of your thermostat.

However, installing the right smart thermostat connected to the internet is vital in ensuring excellent temperature control even when away from home.

Moreover, a WiFi thermostat is the best choice for you because they are easy to install and even easier to use.