The mini could contain a thermostat and humidity sensor that Apple hasn’t yet activated. If so, the mini could become one of a growing number of smart home thermostats that help users do everything from control temperatures to set humidity levels at certain times of the day. “If your thermostat is located in a different room than where you spend most of your time, you can use the smart speaker to set the temperature,” Steven Vona, the editor of technology blog Putorius, said in an email interview. “This is called a remote sensor, and often higher-end thermostats come with similar devices.”
Get Smart
Using a smart thermostat not only will save you money, but also will reduce your impact on the environment, Stephany Smith, a heating installation crew member at My Plumber, said in an email interview. Smart thermostats can send sensor readings, such as temperatures and humidity, to a compatible smart thermostat. This connectivity can work both ways and trigger actions like turning on your heating or cooling remotely. “With a touch of a button, you will be able to either quickly set schedules in advance or simply check and adjust your home’s temperature so you can arrive at instant warmth and snugness,” Smith said. Position the mini speaker wherever you’d like—even in an unheated room—so you can remotely check the ambient temperature, Smith suggested. “No need to shut off your water supply when there’s a risk of a burst or frozen pipe,” she added. “Simply increase the temperature remotely to preempt preventable catastrophic leaks and costly home damage.” With the temperature and humidity sensor in the HomePod mini, Apple’s HomeKit will be able to control and integrate with more of your home, Michael Hoyt, who has reviewed many smart thermostats on his website Life on AI, said in an email interview. “Many HomeKit compatible smart thermostats still need a temperature sensor, so the HomePod mini will save homeowners from purchasing a separate temperature sensor,” Hoyt added. “You’ll be able to give Siri voice commands to the HomePod mini and set up HomeKit scenes that are temperature and humidity-related.”
Choose Your Smart Thermostat
The most significant benefit of Nest Mini is its ability to discover your habits, temperature preferences and adjust itself throughout the day, Smith said. “While the initial investment seems high ($300-$350), but down the road, it saves you 12%-15% on heating bills,” she added. “When you raise or lower a heat setting, it notifies your smartphone, adjusting the temperature accordingly.” Currently, the 4th Generation Echo smart speaker is “the best one out there with a built-in temperature sensor, while also providing wider compatibility with different thermostat brands,” Hoyt said. “This AI-based thermostat comes as a super useful circular-shaped, fabric-design speaker with a clear design allowing you to adjust your heating preferences based on your daily routine,” she added. “Just ask Alexa what temperature it is now and receive accurate information at the moment.”
