this post was submitted on 22 Oct 2025
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So far I've mostly avoided the whole "things that don't need to be on the Internet" situation.
Non smart TV (well that period when they started adding smart features but they're all out of date now so not even connected to the Internet)
All kitchen stuff is just kitchen stuff. No Internet.
Car is still offline.
Only real exception is smart thermostat, and that's just because when the boiler was installed that's what they put in.
Smart thermostats are really important for managing heat pumps efficiently. Especially when they're multistage. I mean, not necessarily that they have to be always online, but they do benefit a lot from more smarts than the basic thermostats of the past.
How does the “smarts” help? All a thermostat needs to call for multistage would be is statistical analysis for heat/cool deltas and resist, which offline thermostats have been doing for a while.
All the “savings” my “smart” thermostat reports is because I have set-backs, which I had with my old model which also supported multistage heat pumps. The thermostat in question is mind-bogglingly stupid when it comes to handling time of use rates.
So, overall, not very impressed. Happily, I can manage it with Homeassistant.
Which is basically what I said. You can't do that with old fashioned thermostats. They don't necessarily have to be online.
I do think it helps with setting more complex schedules. The UI for doing this in an app is easier, unless you want a thermostat that's basically a small tablet.
Ah my definition of smart thermostat is one that is IoT. We’ve had the offline, scheduling and multistage compatible for decades.
Definitely agree on the UI experience. Apps are nicer.
Right, I know the language around this makes it a little difficult. Old thermostats don't necessarily have electronics more sophisticated than a relay and a bimetalic strip. But having a small computer in there doesn't necessarily mean it has to be online.
Just use the terms as every layman does:
Why? It's leaving out a very important third option. We should not be beholden to the definitions set by people who have limited understanding.
Smart thermostats are no better than $30 programmable thermostats, which don't randomly change temps and don't rely on servers. I'm a sucker who bought one.
No, that's demonstrably untrue. The way smart thermostats can make better decisions about temperature management does lower energy usage even on traditional setups. They're essential on heat pumps in colder climates.