Product Spotlight - Smart Thermostats

   The idea of the thermostat has been around for quite a while.  Mankind needed a way to physically perform an action on a heating or cooling system, that would automate temperature detection and allow fluctuations around the set temperature point - They invented a thermostat.  Thermostats are found in more than just HVAC systems, they exist in: Ovens, Refrigerators, Water heaters, Engines, Incubators, and more.  They are the main portal for a homes total comfort.

   A smart thermostat, like the Ecobee Premium or Ion™ Gray is akin to a well conducted orchestra – everyone involved performs their job perfectly!  When installed by the HVAC professionals at Unified Comfort Systems, enjoy an extended product warranty, and know that your system is at peak performance!

   Lets take a brief step back in time. In the earliest of thermostat technologies, bimetallic strips were used to detect temperature changes and convert them into mechanical action.  Typically, thin brass and iron bars were banded together, when temperatures increased, these bars bent, and tilted a capsule of liquid mercury, causing a mechanical action that completed a circuit, igniting the furnace.

   These older systems relied on noticeable temperature changes with variations of 1 to 2 degrees of the set point.  They were either full on or full off, with no middle ground.  These were incredibly easy to implement, but allowed for wide temperature swings of up to 4 degrees, and systems did not have any type of low power mode to help swing small temperature variations – they were all or nothing.  There was room for improvement to the thermostat, and HVAC system.

   Soon after thermostat manufacturers began to implement an early shut off system.  A thin wire, called an anticipator, that would heat up quickly from flowing current, and shut off the system BEFORE the desired temperature was reached.  This was the early beginnings of predictive home comfort and offered more granular control of temperature settings.  But there is still room for improvement!  These prior systems were all mechanical, electricity was a whole new beginning for the thermostat.

   Beginning in the 1980s, with advancements to microelectronics, digital thermostats made their debut.  They offered basic on/off capabilities and a more accurate digital display.  More improvements came in the form of thermostats containing thermistors, a combination of a transistor and a resistor, and one that varies its resistance based on temperature. Thermistors are highly sensitive to temperature changes and helped to bring about a game changer: the digital thermostat.

   Fast forward ten years to the 1990's and digital thermostats offer the ability to be programmed for different times of the day.  It caught on quickly and for a time was highly popular.  However, as time passed, this was seen as more of a hassle, needing to know the weather each day to set the program became more of a burden than just sending a child to bump up the temperature.  This did not go unnoticed by manufacturers and, you guessed it, there was room for improvement!

   In the early 2000's smart devices made an appearance, they were fancy, and internet connected, but they were expensive!  So it took some time before they began to come down in price and be accepted by more and more homes across America.  Now, in 2024, there is a voice-enabled device in everyone's pocket and smart devices are commonplace in our homes – including thermostats.

   Because a smart device is internet connected, they're able to communicate with other devices on your network.  Smart thermostats like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Pro and Ion™ Gray Smart Thermostat connect to sensors located around the home to ensure that each room is at your perfect comfort level!  The baby room can be kept warmer while the kitchen is able to cool down after using the oven.

   Apps for iOS and Android phones take it step further, and connect to your smart thermostat allowing you to change settings even while away from home.  If you're going to be gone longer than you thought, adjust the temperature to save money and energy.  If the temps drop and it starts snowing, which is totally possible at any time in Ohio, you can boot your furnace in to a low power mode to slowly heat your home because these smart thermostats are able to direct multi-phase heating and cooling!

   Not only are the Ecobee Premium and Ion™ Grey Smart Thermostat internet connected, they make it easier than ever to view the overall status of your homes HVAC performance.  With the large digital screen, and color scheme, its easy to see your home's humidity levels, current air quality, heating or cooling status, plus they offer remote system viewing that your HVAC technician can see in real time, all to ensure that your HVAC is operating at peak performance! (Additional subscription required for remote viewing and monitoring by HVAC Professionals)

   Lets take a look at these two smart thermostats individually.  We'll see what they have in common, what they offer that others don't, and how they can dramatically improve an existing HVAC system.

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with voice control

  Take control to a new level with indoor air quality alerts, estimated pollutant levels, zone heating and cooling, humidity levels, and advanced radar occupancy sensors that automatically make adjustments when there are more or less people are in the home.

  This thermostat packs a 4 inch, full-color, animated display featuring touch and voice activated controls, compatible with Siri and Alexa, as well as Wifi protected access with WPA/WPA2 encryption. It can double as a home security 'base station' which integrates with the additional Ecobee Smart Security suite. It can even stream music from your favorite playlists with a built in speaker!

  This smart thermostat can be controlled remotely via the free app from the Google Play Store as well as the Apple App Store. Subscriptions are not required for the thermostat and sensors to function, but if using the device as a security measure, a subscription is needed to record video, receive motion alerts, and window/door opening alerts. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is estimated to save 26% on annual heating and cooling costs. The price for the Ecobee Premium, with installation and set up by Unified Comfort Systems, is $350.00. 

The Ion™ Gray Smart Thermostat

  The Ion™ Gray Smart Thermostat is built to blend into modern home decor while offering total control of your comfort and environment!  Its display is a 5x3.5 inch screen that can be adjusted with just a touch!  It mounts easily with a magnetic plate, and has WiFi connectivity encrypted with WPA/WPA2 for protection.  This thermostat is not manufacturer dependent and is branded under several different companies.

  This device is typically paired with the Ion Home App, but is compatible with many 3^rd party smart home systems, this thermostat can be remotely controlled from from your phone in any location with WiFi so that you can always prioritize the comfort of your sanctuary.

  It features a back-lit screen with white text, and four buttons.  This thermostat can be remotely accessed by Unified Comfort Systems technicians to view system information, malfunctions, and faults before even stepping into your home! The cost of the Ion Gray Smart Thermostat is $250.00, and this includes installation and set up by Unified Comfort HVAC Technicians.

The Ion™ Gray also has a neat feature that stands out from other models - it lights up based on which setting is on! LEDs in the side of the device glow different colors based on settings, so you can see your system settings with just a glace from across the room!

Orange = Heating

Blue = Cooling

Green = Fan

Purple = Off

Yellow = Utility energy management event

In conclusion, with the addition of smart thermostats installed by Unified Comfort Systems, you can have peace of mind in your home, knowing that the air you and your family breathe is enhancing your well-being.  We don't just install HVAC Systems, we redefine the comfort experience!

 We're committed to providing high-performance and energy-efficient systems that solve the problem of discomfort at its core.  We offer our HVAC Hero Program to ensure that you're not only solving the problems of today, but also setting up your home for a future of energy-efficient harmony!

 So envision a home that Just Feels Right, one where your comfort needs are met without compromise.  With Unified Comfort Systems you'll experience pure comfort, all the time, no matter what type of weather Northeast Ohio throws at us!  Call 330-952-HVAC(4822) today to address your concerns, schedule an appointment, and experience home comfort the way it was meant to be!