1679 views | August 9, 2021
Whether it's hot or cold outside, some rooms never seem to reach a comfortable temperature. The hot or cold spots are irritating and can be troublesome if a room becomes too uncomfortable to sleep in, especially for children. There are many reasons for temperature differences; not every room is the same size, the number of windows, drafts, sun exposure, but most importantly, the location of the thermostat.
The location of the thermostat triggers temperature readings. For example, the thermostat may be located in a closet, unused room, or drafty hallway. In these instances, the temperature in those locations is used to turn the HVAC system on and off.
For homes with temperature issues, temperature sensors can help keep specific rooms more comfortable by measuring the temperature in the sensor's location and not the thermostat's location.
What is a Smart Thermostat Sensor?
Smart thermostat sensors are wireless remote sensors that can detect the temperature in various rooms and pass the information to the main thermostat. A smart thermostat sensor can provide homeowners with better control over the heating and cooling of underserviced rooms in the house.
And much like a zoned heating and cooling system, which separates a home into different zones, with each zone controlled by a separate thermostat, thermostat sensors can determine when a room has reached a precise temperature. As a result, a smart thermostat sensor can provide optimal comfort levels to important rooms like the baby's room or the bedroom.
How do Smart Thermostat Sensors Work?
Depending on the brand, there are few ways in which room sensors operate. One method includes the sensor relaying the room's temperature to the main thermostat. The main thermostat will use the sensor's data to turn the HVAC system on and off. An example of this sensor is the Google Nest Temperature Sensor, which works with the Google Nest Learning Thermostat or Nest Thermostat E. Homeowners can use up to 6 sensors to prioritize different rooms to achieve optimal home comfort.
The second type of room sensor utilizes motion detection, relaying information to the main thermostat when a room is occupied, thus triggering the HVAC system. An example of this sensor is the Honeywell Home Smart Room Sensor, which works with the Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat. Users can add up to 20 smart rooms sensors to prioritize heating and cooling to specific rooms for comfort.
* FirstEnergy Home’s review of this product is solely opinion. FirstEnergy Home did not receive compensation for the review. FirstEnergy Home, and any FirstEnergy affiliates, are not affiliated with the manufacturer of the product, nor is there any endorsement or sponsorship between the product manufacturer of the product and FirstEnergy Home or any of its affiliates.Smart Thermostat Sensor Benefits
Smart thermostat sensors can help keep a home and family comfortable. But besides maximizing comfort, there are a few more smart thermostat sensor benefits to keep in mind.
Save Money on Energy BillsOne benefit of a thermostat sensor is saving money on energy bills. Almost half of the energy used in American households goes towards heating and cooling1. Installing room sensors could reduce some of the wasted energy through targeted heating and cooling. In addition, a thermostat sensor makes it easier for the heating and cooling to run less when you're not around. If a thermostat sensor is placed in a smaller room that generally heats up quickly, like a bedroom or office, the HVAC system might not need to run as much and most likely will use less energy in the winter.
Precise Room TemperatureMost pediatricians recommend that a baby's room temperature stays between 68 and 72 degrees. Keeping the temperature at safe levels for a baby is essential because it lowers the chance of the baby overheating, which has been linked to SIDS2. Just because the thermostat shows 72 degrees doesn't mean the baby's room is at that temperature. Installing a smart thermostat sensor will ensure the exact temperature in that room.
SchedulingSet a schedule to have the smart thermostat use the sensor at different times of the day. For multiple sensors, select which room sensor to use in the morning, afternoon, and night. For example, you can have the thermostat use the baby's room sensor at night and throughout the day at nap times.
Easy to InstallSmart temperature sensors are wireless and easy to install. The sensor will need to be set up through the app to work in conjunction with the smart thermostat. The sensor can be placed on any flat surface like a table, shelf, or wall (secure it to a wall with a screw). The sensor should be placed correctly for optimal efficiency, meaning if it's a bedroom, place it no higher than the bed.
The Best Location for a Smart Thermostat Sensor
It's recommended to place the sensor in a room that's used often; this will help keep the temperature comfortable. It's best to secure the sensor in the room about chest high to measure the correct temperature. For optimal usage, make sure the sensor isn't in one of these locations:
- Near a heating vent, stove, or hot water pipe
- Next to a window in direct sunlight
- In a poorly insulated room or on a poorly insulated wall
- In a draft area, near a door to the outside
- Too high or too low in a room
- A room that isn't heated or cooled by your HVAC system, such as your basement, porch, or garage
- Outside of the zone controlled by the thermostat, if you have a system with 2 or more thermostats
Shop Popular Products
FreeShippingon AllOrders
Google Nest Temperature Sensor
FreeShippingon AllOrders
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
FreeShippingon AllOrders
Honeywell Home Smart Room Sensor 1-Pack
FreeShippingon AllOrders
Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat
Conclusion: Is a smart thermostat sensor for me?
Smart thermostat sensors may benefit users who are tired of the hot and cold spots in various rooms of the house. Other thermostat sensor users may want the perfect temperature in the kids' room or especially the baby's room. There are definitely specific types of houses that can benefit from a thermostat sensor. For example, homes with only one thermostat can now monitor an area away from the thermostat without spending the extra money to install another thermostat. Smart sensors are an inexpensive addition to a smart thermostat that can completely change the comfort level of any home.
© 2021 FirstEnergy Home
1Energy Star. Heat & Cool Efficiently. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/heating_cooling?s=mega 2 Healthline. What is the best room temperature for baby? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/room-temperature-for-baby
