While many electronic devices in our lives are replaced often and it can feel like a task to keep up with them, some are more permanent. Thermostats are one of the latter. While the technology is advancing quickly, their installed hardware nature means that homeowners typically like to choose models that can perform and last for years. To select the wifi controlled thermostat that suits your home needs the best, you need to know—how they work.

In many ways, wireless thermostats are similar to the programmable thermostats you are probably already used to. They are similarly designed to help you regulate your temperature and reduce your energy usage. Like programmable thermostats, they detect the temperature in your home, and turn your heating and cooling systems on and off to keep your ambient temperature at a set level. They have similar programming features to allow you to set a standard temperature, or schedule a cycle according to your days, work, and sleep. Keeping systems set back a couple of degrees when you are sleeping, away from home, or otherwise do not need it reduces energy use and bills, while you stay comfortable at the times you need it.

Unlike standard programmable models, wifi controlled thermostats work by connecting to your internet connection, allowing remote access. You no longer need to be at the wall display or even in the building to program your temperature settings. You can make these changes from computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones -in many models, you can do this from any location with internet access.

This convenient manipulation of settings is accompanied by a set of possible features to manage these options without any effort at all. The newest smart thermostats can monitor the GPS location of your smartphone to detect when you are coming home and prepare your home for your arrival. Others will use data from local weather forecasts or the humidity level of the home to dictate their behavior. Behavior tracking and learning from these patterns is a new feature that is being seen in the market.

These boosts add up to a considerable asset to your home. Not only can you use it to adapt your heating or cooling to a more flexible schedule by letting your thermostat know you'll be home early or late, but you can also check that you haven't forgotten to set it if doubt arises while at work. Want to monitor your home's temperature while on vacation -potentially saving you from frozen pipes if the temperature turns? Worry about it getting too cold or hot for pets left alone while away? You have complete control at the touch of a button from any internet connection.

These remote controls make wifi controlled thermostats ideal in situations with renters, roommates, and children that you wish to prevent from changing temperature control settings. They are password-controlled and secure, allowing only you and those you authorize access.

Environmentally friendly features are not to be forgotten behind the plethora of convenience wifi thermostats offer. Automatic timers help significantly reduce energy consumption, as do settings like turning off temperature controls when no motion of detected. You can be more aware of your usage and change your habits accordingly when fully informed. Many models will now show you how long it will take for your home to reach the set temperature, letting you make informed choices. Real-time energy usage data and savings reports, as well as tips like when to change your filter for top performance, will help you track your progress.