New Feature for Schneider Smart Thermostat Based on Comfort, Not Set Points

Schneider Electric announced a self-learning feature for its Wiser Air Wi-Fi smart thermostat that's based on users’ feedback indicating discomfort. Instead of entering desired temperature set points, users provide feedback when they’re not comfortable, which “takes the guesswork out” of determining optimal temperature levels, said the company. The Eco IQ self-learning feature “challenges the very idea of set points -- commonly used as a determining factor of user comfort in other solutions -- freeing users from the need to set temperatures and schedules,” said Paul Buda, senior group expert. Eco IQ incorporates the company's weather service, WeatherSentry, using its forecasts to learn how long it takes to change temperature in a home in various types of weather, and then it coordinates heating or cooling at the right time to hit users’ preferred target temperatures, said the company. This summer, Wiser Air will sync with Amazon Alexa via a software update, to enable voice control of the thermostat, it said. Wiser Air, which lists for $239, was selling for $189 at Microsoft stores and $176 on Amazon Wednesday.