For years, the heating and cooling system in a home was controlled by a wall-mounted thermostat. Homeowners set temperatures that determined when the air conditioner/heat pump and furnace/air handler turned on and off to meet heating and cooling requirements. Life was easy, or so it seemed. The challenge came when the system malfunctioned or performed inefficiently, sometimes for extended periods of time without the homeowner’s knowledge. Things got complicated as homeowners searched for clues to explain their higher utility bills, uncomfortable temperatures, and a system that did not perform to expectations.

Smart Controls Put Homeowners and Contractors in Charge

Today, that simple thermostat is evolving into a much more complex digital device, still mounted on the wall, but providing homeowners with far greater control over their environment while offering detailed information about the performance of their home comfort system. Maintenance tips are communicated, potential problems identified, and contractor contact information displayed to help prevent problems and quickly and efficiently address those that do arise. Homeowners are far more likely to be comfortable, and contractors find it easier to install and service these smart systems, experiencing fewer customer callbacks and enjoying the credit that comes with increased customer satisfaction.

The new smart controls, often called communicating controls, take advantage of advanced digital technology to build a real-time system profile, displaying equipment and accessory status that provides contractors and homeowners with precise information and better control. Contractors benefit from a number of features designed to make installation and service easy, while increasing opportunities to sell service and system components.