Celebs frequently have online HVAC systems, which means the HVAC system is connected to other devices and be controlled remotely. This has both advantages and disadvantages. What are the pros and cons of celebs online HVAC systems? Let’s take a look:
Pro: It Can Be Operated Remotely
Image via Flickr by brendan-c
An online HVAC system can be connected to the cloud, allowing for remote operation via an app. This allows the homeowner to control the temperature without actually being in the home. For example, in the winter a homeowner can lower heating in the home while it is unoccupied, then use the smart thermostat to warm up the dwelling before arriving home. In the summer, the homeowner can do the same with the air conditioner, allowing the home to be warmer while the occupants are away and cooler while they are at home. This is not only energy-efficient but cost-efficient.
Pro: It Can Operate in Zones
A Wi-Fi-enabled HVAC system makes it easy to program a zoned HVAC system. Zoned HVAC systems allow you to maintain different temperatures in different rooms. Online HVAC systems allow you to fine-tune these zones for optimum efficiency and comfort. Most smart technology is little more than an on-off switch, which means that some rooms will be warmer than others because of their design. For example, a room with a lot of windows will lose a lot of heat in the winter.
Smart HVAC systems allow a homeowner to heat or cool different parts of the house at the same time. For example, heating the bedroom to an ideal temperature without having to heat the whole house. By letting you pick and choose where your HVAC system spends most of its energy, you can save money by saving the energy it would take to maintain your entire home.
Pro: It Can Recognize Voices
A homeowner can say something like “Alexa, turn up the heat,” and get a response. A homeowner can also tell an online HVAC system to hold a certain temperature for a certain period of time, turn a fan on or off, control a fan’s speed, and interrupt or resume the schedule of the current heating and air conditioning cycle.
Con: It Can Be Vulnerable to Hacking
Several American homes were hacked in what authorities called “digital home invasions.” Anything connected to the internet can be hacked, and online HVAC systems are no exception. Once hackers gain access to your network, they can get anything online from them. For example, a Las Vegas casino’s high-roller database was hacked via a smart thermometer in an aquarium.
Con: It Can Be Expensive
An online HVAC system can cost several hundred dollars. As a general rule, the more features you have, the more expensive the product.You have to decide for yourself whether the pros outweigh the cons when you decide if an online HVAC system is right for you. What works for a celebrity may or may not work for you. Ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the risks, and be careful with your passwords and know the design flaws. But with proper use, upgrading to an online HVAC system is one of many ways you can make your home more efficient and comfortable.