Schneider Electric Puts Wiser Air Wi-Fi Thermostat at Center of Energy Management

Ever since the Nest thermostat popped up, we’ve seen a lot of smart thermostats that can learn your temperature preferences. However, Schneider Electric is making the latest entry into the market slightly different. The Wiser Airâ„:¢ Wi-Fi thermostat is actually designed to be the center of a whole energy-management system.

More specifically, Wiser Air features a demand response management system (DRMS) that’s designed for utilities, builders and homeowners.

On your end, the Wiser Air Wi-Fi thermostat operates similar to the Nest, allowing you to set temperatures at home or on the go. It can learn preferences, schedules, and even deliver weather information so you can tweak the temperature accordingly. However, this Wi-Fi thermostat also allows you to engage with your utility company, offering customized energy-efficiency tips, bill/usage analysis and tracking, and even the option to participate in utility demand response events.

Featuring a smartphone-style touchscreen display, the Wiser Air Wi-Fi thermostat was designed to be easy to use. It also works with web-enabled devices, including smartphones and tablets. Besides built-in Wi-Fi, the Wiser Air also has ZigBee support.

Other features include Smart Sense sensors for kicking in or off, based on a person’s proximity, Simple Schedule and Ready Modes for calling up personal settings with one touch, and Comfort Boost for quick adjustments without having to touch the thermostat settings.

“Residential energy use is the key contributor to peak-load situations. Consumers have indicated their willingness to participate in programs that help these peaking problems, and are even starting to demand tools and engagement from their utilities, which afford them more control and convenience,” said Yann Kulp, Schneider Electric’s vice president of residential energy solutions. “Wiser Air gives utility customers the tools to make minor lifestyle adjustments that collectively produce a major impact on grid operations.”

Pricing for the Wiser Air Wi-Fi thermostat has yet to be announced. However, Schneider Electric is launching a pilot program in March, with plans to make the product available sometime in June.

This article was originally published on February 23, 2015 and was updated on June 8, 2015.