The world of thermostat technology is moving fast. Thermostats are like other pieces of interactive equipment: People are thrilled by each development but move on quickly when the next feature comes along. Ricky Orta, co-owner of M & R Air Conditioning in Boca Raton, Florida, said it’s not that long ago that a touchscreen was enough to impress people.

“We thought it was really cool that you could touch it and it would respond to you,” Orta said.