Sofia AI Thermostat Keeps Contractors Connected

Nuve Controls has released a new smart thermostat called the Sofia AI Thermostat. It connects over Wi-Fi, works with Google Alexa, and fits most home heating and cooling systems that use standard 24-volt control wiring, including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, central air conditioners, and dual-fuel systems (setups that switch between two energy sources, like a heat pump and a furnace). It also works with humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilation equipment, and can use an adapter for homes without a dedicated "C-wire" (the wire that gives a thermostat constant power).

For homeowners, it offers indoor air quality monitoring, tracking things like humidity, carbon monoxide, temperature swings, and carbon dioxide buildup, and can alert you when a room needs more fresh air. You get remote control through a mobile app, scheduling, and a vacation mode, plus a round touchscreen with an adjustable backlight.

The thermostat is also built to keep the installing contractor connected after the job is done, with features for remote diagnostics and system checkups, and the ability to send you service requests through the app. That's a shift from older thermostats, which mostly just held a temperature setting once installed.

The unit measures about 5 by 5 inches and comes with a five-year limited warranty. No price was given, so check with a local dealer if you're curious what it would cost to add one to your own heating and cooling system.