Modern homes increasingly feature smart thermostats, yet many users aren't fully utilizing their potential for optimized heating and cooling. Simple, do-it-yourself enhancements can unlock greater benefits from your existing system. The Flair Smart Vent system represents one such improvement, and its implementation is straightforward – requiring no professional HVAC assistance or disruptive renovations. While there is an initial investment for each vent ($79 or more, based on size), the system’s advantages are readily accessible.

The basics

The core principle behind Flair’s technology is straightforward: Managing the movement of air to each room allows for more targeted and effective heating and cooling. Flair achieves this through its Smart Vents, designed to seamlessly integrate into standard floor and wall register openings. These vents feature a discreet, low-profile design, housing all electronic components within a unit that sits beneath the floor. They offer the option of being directly wired for power, but also come with two C batteries capable of providing power for several years before needing to be replaced.

Flair suggests three distinct methods for calculating the number of Smart Vents needed for your home: If a single room consistently experiences temperature imbalances – being too cold during cooling and too warm during heating – a Smart Vent and Flair Puck are recommended for that specific room. Alternatively, if only one room receives insufficient heating or cooling, equipping all other rooms with Smart Vents and Pucks is the solution (or utilizing Ecobee sensors if you already have an Ecobee thermostat, which will be discussed later). Finally, if your existing HVAC system provides relatively consistent temperatures, installing Smart Vents throughout the entire house can unlock further control and efficiency improvements.

A Puck is necessary for each room, serving as a compact, circular device for temperature regulation and measurement. The initial Puck requires a wired power connection via the provided USB cable, functioning as a central hub that links the Flair system to your home network. Subsequent Pucks can operate on the included AAA batteries, benefiting from a highly efficient e-Ink display to minimize power consumption.

Flair operates in various modes, including one that functions with any thermostat by allowing you to set a desired temperature for each room, with the corresponding vent(s) adjusting their position based on whether the room’s current temperature matches the setpoint. It also offers direct integration with Ecobee and Honeywell smart thermostats, enabling a more sophisticated mode where temperature data is exchanged and vent operation is coordinated accordingly. While Google’s changes to the Nest API have required adjustments, Flair is developing support for similar functionality on Nest systems; currently, it operates with Nest installations in the same manner as with conventional thermostats.

Design and features

Flair’s Smart Vents boast an appealing and robust construction. The vent covers are crafted from metal and feature an attractive grille pattern suitable for a variety of interior styles. While currently available solely in white, they represent a noticeable upgrade compared to standard air registers. The side of each vent incorporates an LED strip utilized during the initial setup process to help identify individual units, and beneath this are the battery compartment, adjustable louvers, and the motors responsible for controlling whether the vent is open or closed.

As previously noted, the Smart Vents can connect with a Puck to receive both the current room temperature and the desired temperature settings, enabling them to adjust their position accordingly. Alternatively, they can integrate with an Ecobee sensor, utilizing its data when configured for compatibility with an Ecobee system. During my evaluation, I initially tested the system with the Flair app sending temperature targets to the Ecobee, but then reversed the setup so the Ecobee dictated the preferred temperature, with the Flair vents adjusting their operation based on this information.

Initially, the Flair application appeared somewhat complex due to the amount of data presented and the necessary setup logic required for a system with multiple vents. However, once the Ecobee integration was established, the entire Flair system functioned seamlessly and effectively.

With this configuration, the smart vents operate without requiring constant user intervention, automatically adjusting to maintain consistent temperatures and direct heating or cooling where it’s needed most. This resulted in a significant improvement in airflow throughout my home, which is close to a century old. It’s worth noting that my installation isn’t optimal, as some larger, non-standard registers currently cannot be fitted with Flair vents.

The Pucks are also thoughtfully designed, offering versatile mounting options with magnetic adhesion, stick-up bases, and screw-in capabilities. They feature clear, energy-saving e-Ink displays. The surrounding bezel allows for temperature adjustments, and the Pucks can even be discreetly positioned out of view if used solely as remote sensors.

Bottom line

It’s reasonable to assume the open or closed status of a supply vent wouldn’t significantly impact the performance of a home’s central heating and cooling system, however, my observations with Flair revealed a substantial improvement. Initially, the primary concern was temperature regulation in the master bedroom, but following installation, the entire house reached the desired temperature much faster, in both heating and cooling cycles.

Even if your current central air and heating system operates effectively, Flair appears to be a beneficial enhancement offering long-term advantages in terms of consistent temperatures and energy savings. Furthermore, utilizing Flair as the control system allows for customized temperature settings in each room to accommodate the comfort levels of individual users.

Traditional zoned HVAC installations can be very expensive, often requiring a substantial investment – particularly if existing ductwork needs to be modified or replaced. Flair’s approach is considerably more budget-friendly, delivering noticeable results with a simple, do-it-yourself installation process that only takes a few minutes to complete.