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Thermostats are small and inconspicuous, but they are an important part of a home. They help you maintain the temperature in your home so that you feel most comfortable. However, they only work if you set them correctly. Simple thermostats allow you to set temperatures and perhaps schedules, but they don't take anything into account beyond that. A smart thermostat allows you to adjust settings remotely and sometimes take outdoor temperatures and energy usage into account when operating, helping you save money. In fact, even HGTV's Mike Holmes recommends that you lower your bills with this popular home technology item.
Smart thermostats offer many advantages over basic models, but some cost up to $1,000, making them impractical for many budgets. If you're looking for something with additional features, there's an option worth looking into. The Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat is available on Amazon. It is a fairly affordable device that only costs around $130. Although it doesn't have all the great features that other – much more expensive – devices come with, it does offer many advantages.
Despite the rather low cost, the Sensi Smart Thermostat has some features that may be worth the price. For one thing, the company states that you can save around 23 percent of energy related to your HVAC system. Plus, it's easy to install, controllable from your phone, and alerts you when regular maintenance is needed.
The positive aspects of a Sensi Smart Thermostat according to reviews
With 4.4 stars on Amazon and over 20,000 reviews, it's easy to see that the majority of people enjoy this device. The reasons for this are obvious at first glance. It is intended to help reduce operating costs. It's also easy to install it yourself. It can be controlled via a phone app and works with any device that has access to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It connects to many different types of HVAC systems and can operate on heating and cooling as well as gas and electric options. Even if you're nervous about wiring, reviewers say the step-by-step instructions make installation feel easy. It's a great upgrade to a basic thermostat without putting a dent in your wallet.
According to one reviewer on Amazon, “This smart thermostat is an excellent choice for the typical user who wants straightforward, intuitive control with the added benefit of a Wi-Fi connection.” They further explain that the installation was easy and they were surprised by the intuitive step-by-step instructions. Once installed, the app helped them with easy-to-understand controls. “I would highly recommend this Smart Thermostat!”
The negative reviews of a Sensi Smart Thermostat
Of course, no product is perfect. Many negative reviews point out that although the Wi-Fi connection works well at first, it often stops working over time. The risk of functional failure is one of the drawbacks of smart thermostats that no one tells you about, and it can be a frustrating problem, as some buyers have found. In some cases, the Wi-Fi icon disappears completely and the device does not attempt to reconnect.
One reviewer stated, “These devices are not reliable for remote access. I purchased three of these devices. While they work reliably in standalone mode, the frequency with which they go offline or fail to connect is frustrating.” They also complained about battery life, stating, “You need to replace the AA batteries when they reach 75%, otherwise you will definitely lose remote access and also have to go through the re-setup process.”
In short, while this smart thermostat is affordable, it may not work reliably in the long run. If you don't mind balancing an affordable smart thermostat with occasional interruptions, then this could be a good option. If you're not sure if this is right for you, also take a look at some of the best smart thermostats for your home and see if there are any features or costs that better suit your needs.