Comparison

SML+ vs Thermo Direct

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SML+

Stay informed about Smith Mountain Lake with real-time water levels, temperature, wind forecasts, and marine gas prices. Get alerts, track the ice cream boat, and view historical data for a better lake experience.

Highlights
  • Real-time water level updates
  • Hourly water temperature readings
  • Interactive temperature sensor map
  • Historical water level and temperature charts
  • Marine gas prices and locations
  • 5-day wind forecast
  • Water level and safety alerts
Features
Read full description

Worried about flooding at the lake? Wondering how water levels are changing or how fast water is flowing? Curious about the current water temperature? Interested in alerts specific to SML? Or maybe you just want to track the SML Ice Cream Boat or Hotdog Boat. Whatever brings you to the lake, this app is for you — whether you visit, live on, or boat at Smith Mountain Lake and want water level, water temp, water flow, wind forecast, or map information at your fingertips. SML+ is the ONLY app that includes: - Water level measurements for SML and Leesville, updated every 10 minutes - Water temperature updated hourly from 9 sensors across 7 locations around the lake - Smith Mountain Project Inflow/Outflow from USGS gauges - Customizable date ranges for water level, water temp, and flow trends - Comprehensive map showing marine gas, water temp, restaurants, food boats, and attractions - 5-day wind forecast with speed, gust, and direction - Contextual average water level that adapts to the range you're viewing - Color-coded water level status at a glance - Tap any point on a chart for the exact reading at that moment - Water level and safety alerts

About

Thermo Direct

Features
Read full description

Reduce the Cost of Ownership Thermo Direct can reduce your HVAC system’s operating costs. It provides precise temperature control, reducing energy usage. This smart thermostat app also ensures you get the services you need when you need them. It incorporates the following innovative features: • Remote monitoring • Predictive maintenance alerts • One-touch appointment booking • Service at the touch of a button A crisp LCD screen ensures all functions are easy to find and use. Is your home not comfortable or are energy costs going up? Use the onscreen service request feature to get prompt assistance from your local HVAC company. Get the Most Out of Your Climate Control System The Thermo Direct app lets you control and monitor temperature, fan speed, and other functions via the main control panel or a smartphone. The future of home comfort and on-demand service, it delivers benefits including: • Smart Notifications: Receive instant notifications on changes in system performance so you can be proactive with maintenance. • Real-Time Monitoring: By monitoring the health of your HVAC system, Thermo Direct can provide predictive maintenance alerts, which can prevent downtime and increase equipment lifespan. • Service Alerts: Receive notifications of service reminders, membership renewals, and more. Even receive custom messages from your HVAC provider. • Diagnostic Tools: An overview of system health and air quality are available at the touch of a button, at no extra cost. • System Health and Air Quality Alerts: If a problem with your climate control system or an indoor air quality issue is detected, you and your service provider will be automatically notified. Quick and Simple Installation The convenience of a Thermo Direct thermostat begins even before you start using it. Swapping out an old unit is simple. A technician removes the old thermostat, mounts the new one, and connects the wiring. They’ll even help you set up the app. The new model’s settings are adjusted to meet your climate control requirements. It provides an instant response so you experience immediate comfort. Settings from the old thermostat instantly transfer over using the serial numbers of both units, so the process is fast, simple, and convenient. Forge an Instant Connection with Your HVAC Provider The Thermo Direct thermostat and app display your HVAC company’s logo onscreen. Their help is available at the touch of a button, so you can put your trust and confidence in a local contractor. It’s not just a modern thermostat. Thermo Direct is a direct link between you and your AC/heating services provider. Be a Part of the NuveNetwork Nuve has partnered with local HVAC companies so you benefit from new services and smart technologies. Real-time access to your system allows contractors to quickly diagnose and resolve system issues. This can result in fewer emergency calls and in-home visits, so you can save time and money. Get Started Today Getting a Thermo Direct thermostat and app is easy. Once you’re ready, a representative will contact you and schedule an appointment. Visit the App Store or contact your HVAC dealer to learn more.

Screenshots

SML+4 screens
Thermo Direct4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Thermo Direct at 13.0 against SML+'s 15.6. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
SML+ versus Thermo Direct: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSML+Thermo Direct
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (47 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings47 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB64 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTimothy BarrNuve Home

In-app purchases

None

SML+

No in-app purchases

None

Thermo Direct

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SML+ free?
SML+ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Thermo Direct free?
Thermo Direct is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SML+ or Thermo Direct have ads?
Neither SML+ nor Thermo Direct shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SML+ or Thermo Direct?
SML+ ships an update every 2 months, and Thermo Direct every 2 months. Most recently, SML+ was updated on October 5, 2026 and Thermo Direct on October 2, 2026.

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