Smart thermostat: the digital ally that lowers consumption by 30% (and you can control it from your phone)

Reducing energy consumption today is possible even without major sacrifices. Thanks to smart thermostats, intelligent devices that manage heating and cooling automatically, learning from the habits of those who live in the home. Connected to the Internet and controllable from your smartphone, these devices can save 20 to 40% of energy by regulating the internal temperature based on real conditions: how many people are in the house, what the weather is like outside, and even what time you usually get home from work.

Unlike old chronothermostats, which turn the boiler on or off at fixed times, the new models analyze data in real time and adapt continuously. It is a more efficient, practical and sustainable way of managing the home.

How a smart thermostat works (and why it really saves money)

The principle is simple: the smart thermostat uses sensors and Wi-Fi connection to understand how and when to heat or cool the home in the smartest way possible. It detects temperature, humidity, the presence of people and external weather conditions. Then adjust the heating system to achieve ideal comfort with minimal energy waste.

In practice, if a day is sunnier or if there is more humidity in the house, the device will automatically adapt the temperature, avoiding unnecessary switching on. All this translates into concrete savings on the bill and a lower environmental impact.

According to a study by researchers Daniel Meana-Llorián and colleagues (IoFClime, 2017), the use of a technology called fuzzy logic — a form of artificial intelligence that interprets situations more flexibly than the classic “on/off” approach — can further improve energy efficiency, reaching up to 40% savings.

In simple words, fuzzy logic allows the thermostat to “think” like a person would: it does not just decide whether it is hot or cold, but evaluates intermediate nuances to always maintain the most pleasant temperature.

When it is best to install it and how to choose the right model

The smart thermostat is almost always convenient, but it works best in homes with modulating systems (i.e. capable of regulating the heating power) or with heat pumps. Here are some things to consider before purchasing:

In Italy, the law already requires the presence of a programmable chronothermostat (DPR 412/93). Moving to an “intelligent” model simply means taking a step forward towards more efficient and conscious energy management.

A small investment for a big impact

Installing a smart thermostat is simple and can be done in less than an hour by a technician. The initial cost is recovered in a few years thanks to savings on bills.

Many models integrate with voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Home or Siri and are controlled with intuitive apps: you can turn on the heating when you return home or lower the temperature even if you are on holiday. In addition to comfort, there is a non-negligible environmental advantage: reducing domestic energy consumption also means reducing CO₂ emissions.

You might also be interested in: