The best smart thermostats keep homes comfortable while reducing energy waste with advanced features such as remote management and presence sensing These features allow you to use heating and cooling only when you need it in your home

However, to get the most out of your smart thermostat, it is essential to avoid common mistakes that can reduce its performance Here are five major mistakes people tend to make when using smart thermostats, along with tips on how to fix them

When it comes to setting up your smart thermostat, you must follow the installation manual exactly, from wiring to placement This is critical to ensure that the smart thermostat operates as intended Some smart thermostats require a common or "C" wire for power It is recommended that you check your system beforehand to know if it has this or if you should purchase a model that does not require this

If you are not sure, don't take chances and ask an expert The panel that measures the average temperature of your home should be centrally located Do not place it in a steamy location near windows, drafty doors, or heat-generating appliances Doing so will prevent them from being tricked into operating unnecessarily

Remote management and scheduling are key benefits of smart thermostats Over time, set up an accurate custom schedule that adjusts the temperature based on daily routines This is usually divided into home mode, out-of-home mode, and sleep mode

Many people believe that turning off the HVAC system while away from home saves the most energy However, it is better to let the system adjust to a reserve temperature so that you don't have to work as hard to cool or heat your home

Have the smart thermostat app perform location tracking in a background process on your phone This will automatically adjust the temperature when you go out or come home This is more reliable than scheduling if you have a hectic week, but may shorten your phone's battery life

Smart thermostats produce detailed energy usage reports that help understand consumption patterns This can help identify spikes and find opportunities for savings, such as reducing cooling or heating when you fall asleep

You should review these reports regularly in the thermostat's app to gain insight and adjust efficiency

Smart thermostats can also talk to other smart home gadgets to further optimize the climate in places like basements, attics, and garages My colleague Anthony's use of an Echo Dot with a temperature sensor in his garage to cool down during the summer months is a good example of this

Take automation to the next level by syncing your thermostat with advanced home sensors such as air quality monitors and motion sensors If air quality scores drop too low, air conditioning can be turned off to avoid circulation of toxic pollutants

Even basic door and window contact sensors can turn off the system if left open for too long That way, the air conditioning and heating will not literally go out the window