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What Are the Disadvantages of a Smart Thermostat?

Wichita can have wild weather patterns, so you need an HVAC system that can keep up with the temperature swings. One of the biggest decisions that you will make when it comes to your system is the type of thermostat that will work the best. Smart thermostats are becoming more common, but is this really the best choice for your home?

What Is a Smart Thermostat?

If you want to control your home's temperature with a tablet, phone, smart speaker, or similar device, a smart thermostat makes it possible. You can do things like adjust and schedule temperatures both when you're both home and away with this type of system. There are some highly advanced versions that go even further. For example, some of them can alert you to certain HVAC issues—similar to how your vehicle's dashboard tells you when your engine requires some checking. Other options will show your home's humidity levels and provide information about home energy usage.

Disadvantages of a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats have plenty of positive features, but like everything, there are some disadvantages to them too. You want to explore these so that you can make an informed decision the next time you are in the market for a new thermostat.Compared to a traditional thermostat, the smart options can get quite costly. If you are on a budget, you might consider a more cost-effective thermostat.To get the most benefit from this type of thermostat, you need to be a bit tech-savvy. Some of these are highly sophisticated and can take some time to learn. If you have elderly people or children in your home who need to use the thermostat, it could be a bit overwhelming for them to learn.These types of thermostats require occasional software updates to keep all of the different functions working. You will need to stay on top of this to ensure that your thermostat remains compatible with your HVAC system. During an update, there is a chance that the thermostat will have a disruption in its functionality. It is also possible for an update to cause an issue with compatibility, requiring reconfiguration after the update to ensure that you can use all of the smart thermostat functions. You need to have a working Wi-Fi network to use all of the features of a smart thermostat, so if your internet goes down for a while, you will not have access to all of the features of your thermostat, possibly including temperature adjustments. Smart thermostats have more technological elements, so there are more functions and parts that can wear out. This means that this type of thermostat could have issues more often than a traditional thermostat. You have to have your phone available to use all of the thermostat's features. Should you forget your phone somewhere or lose it, you may not be able to fully use your thermostat. Since your phone is a big part of using it, you might also consider hacking issues, despite the thermostat app having password protection and occasional updates that enhance security. There are some privacy concerns with this type of thermostat. Some of them will collect data regarding usage patterns and your preferences regarding temperature. While this is to improve energy efficiency, it can be a concern for some homeowners. Before committing to a smart thermostat, check out the manufacturer's policies to see how they store and use collected data.

Choosing the Right Thermostat

You have to consider the type of HVAC system that your home has. For example, if you have a really old system, a smart thermostat might not integrate with it. You want to make sure that the thermostat you choose will work seamlessly with your HVAC system.

HVAC Experts in Wichita

Now is the time to decide whether a smart thermostat is the best choice for your Wichita home. Our company goes back to 2004, so we have a wealth of experience helping local homeowners with all of their HVAC needs. In addition, if you need some help with your indoor air quality or plumbing, we are here to tackle the job. Contact us today to learn more about your thermostat options.

Customer Testimonials

Hear from satisfied customers who trust us for reliable HVAC and plumbing service across Wichita.

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Lee and Midwest Mechanical has done a wonderful job every time. I've used them for a good ten years and love it. Thank you Midwest Mechanical! Very friendly and do a wonderful job! Oh and I called yesterday and they were here the next day. Very good service 👏 …
Michael K.
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Angel did my annual spring maintenance for my heating & air. He arrived on time and was very professional and thorough in his job. I have been using Midwest Mechanical’s services for the past 4 years and plan on continuing in the future.
Pam J.
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Crew arrived early--that's a good thing. They were courteous and got to work quickly. They were considerate by wiping their shoes entering & returning. They cleaned up after themselves and explained what they did and offered preventative tips. I'm VERY PLEASED with their work. I will definitely recommend them to my friends.
MaryKay L.
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Technician was great, kind, courteous, punctual. He even brought in a package off my front porch for me. I'm on crutches. Much appreciated. Have used before and will use them again.
Scott M.
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WOW!  Midwest Mechanical just installed a Flux Capacitor on my A.C. compressor so they could fix the problem before it even started!!!
Plus, the technician, Lee was very professional, knowledgeable and informative.
We will definitely be doing business with them sometime again in the past.
G. A.
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Midwest mechanical was professional and courteous. My technician Sam was very knowledgeable.
I'm prompt to my appointment. Thank you  Midwest Mechanical.
Eric G
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A friend recommended Midwest Mechanical. Long story short, the design of the vent from my half bath caused the drain pipe to freeze. Not only were these guys fast in getting here, they even replaced boxes they had to move to get to the plumbing. There's not a lot of cleanup for Mr to do either. Thanks, MM!
Cheryl M.
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The technician, Angel, was on time and got my furnace working promptly with no new parts.  He helped me understand my furnace and gave me advice on the proper filter for my system.  Thank you Angel!  I definitely recommend Midwest Mechanical.
John H.
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Midwest Mechanical has always had a prompt response and knowledgeable employees.  They have been able to quickly diagnose and fix any issue I've had.  I wouldn't hesitate to tell anyone to call them for good service.
Kyle M.
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We have used Midwest Mechanical for over 15 years and Shon and his crew always give excellent service. Lee and Angel are exceptional technicians that always go above and beyond what is expected.
Linda C.
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Always get us scheduled quickly; their technician is friendly, polite, and knowledgeable. I appreciate that they’re willing to explain what they’re doing and never seem bothered by my questions.
Ruth T.
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Midwest Mechanical has serviced my HVAC system for roughly 18 months now, and they are prompt, reasonably priced, thorough, and dedicated to keeping my older unit working in top condition.
John A.
Customer Testimonials
See why customers trust our licensed and background-checked technicians and the quality service we deliver every time.
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Midwest Mechanical has serviced my HVAC system for roughly 18 months now, and they are prompt, reasonably priced, thorough, and dedicated to keeping my older unit working in top condition.
John A.
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Always get us scheduled quickly; their technician is friendly, polite, and knowledgeable. I appreciate that they’re willing to explain what they’re doing and never seem bothered by my questions.
Ruth T.
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We have used Midwest Mechanical for over 15 years and Shon and his crew always give excellent service. Lee and Angel are exceptional technicians that always go above and beyond what is expected.
Linda C.
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Midwest Mechanical has always had a prompt response and knowledgeable employees.  They have been able to quickly diaignose and fix any issue I've had.  I wouldn't hesitate to tell anyone to call them for good service.
Kyle M.
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The technician, Angel, was on time and got my furnace working promptly with no new parts.  He helped me understand my furnace and gave me advice on the proper filter for my system.  Thank you Angel!  I definitely recommend Midwest Mechanical.
John H.
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Midwest mechanical was professional and courteous. My technician Sam was very knowledgeable.
I'm prompt to my appointment. Thank you  Midwest Mechanical.
Eric G.
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