Most people don’t give much thought to their thermostat. They set it and then go about their day, unaware of how much they actually depend on the device in their home. The type of thermostat you choose to install impacts comfort, HVAC efficiency, and so much more. Today, we take a look at programmable vs smart thermostats to see which will help you determine which one is right for your needs.
Thermostat Choices
Programmable and smart thermostats are the two most popular options when it comes to controlling your home’s heating and cooling system. Before we discuss the programmable vs smart thermostats debate, let us first introduce you to these HVAC products.
Programmable Thermostats
With a programmable thermostat, you set the temperature in advance of when you want the heat or air conditioning unit to turn on. Setting the temperature of your home for the week in advance can save you energy and money.
For example, if you’re going to be out of the house at work during the day, you can program your heating and cooling system to turn off when you’ll be leaving and come on later in the day so your home reaches the desired temperature by the time you arrive home. You can choose from different types of programmable thermostats that fit your lifestyle. If you are away from home from Monday to Friday, you can set the thermostat so your heating and cooling system won’t work unnecessarily.
Some programmable models of thermostats even connect to the home’s Wi-Fi so you can access the thermostat and change temperatures from almost anywhere! Most programmable thermostats have digital displays, and some come with full-color display panels that can share other data about the weather or your HVAC system’s performance.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats offer enhanced HVAC energy efficiency because they can learn your habits and make heating and cooling adjustments on their own. It tracks patterns of behavior and adjusts the use of your HVAC system to these patterns automatically. Paired with sensors, they have the ability to detect when someone enters or leaves a room, as well as the ability to adjust the temperature to a predetermined setting upon entry or exit.
Additionally, some smart models can sense whether anyone is home or the house is unoccupied to either operate the HVAC system or conserve power when no one is around, which ultimately helps save on energy bills. Geofencing features can detect your location and adjust heating and cooling use for your arrival or departure.
Smart thermostat technology can also keep track of your home’s energy use, allowing you to monitor the efficiency of your HVAC system. You have access to reports showing your energy usage over time which can help you make further energy-saving adjustments at home. Receive maintenance reminders so you can always keep your HVAC system in good shape and maintain its efficiency.
These Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats can be controlled remotely with your smartphone, tablet, or computer, making them very convenient. Using Wi-Fi data and outdoor sensors, they may track weather conditions to further optimize the temperature in the home.
Smart Thermostat vs Programmable Thermostat Options
Deciding between a programmable or smart thermostat is a personal choice for many homeowners. Here are some important points to consider as you make the choice between programmable and smart thermostats.
- The programmable thermostat option is the first option most homeowners consider, and for good reason. They’re cheaper on average, and they’re far more common. A programmable thermostat will let you set an on/off schedule for your home’s temperature based on your daily routine. Various programming options are available to fit your household’s scheduling needs. Wi-Fi-connected models also allow remote temperature changes in case you need to make an adjustment while away from home.
- If you’re looking to stay ahead of the trends in the smart home, you have to make sure that you’re using the right devices to automate tasks. While smart thermostats are a bit more expensive than their programmable counterparts, they’re definitely worth it if you’re looking to save money or have more control over your air conditioning and heating. The temperature automation provided by a smart thermostat is unmatched. Different models also come with various features that further improve household energy efficiency as well as help you best care for your HVAC equipment.
Call Poston Brothers for Professional Thermostat Installation
No matter your decision when it comes to which thermostat is right for your home, it’s important to have the thermostat you choose installed by a professional. Professional installation ensures your new thermostat is compatible with your home’s HVAC system and that the thermostat will communicate correctly with the heating and cooling equipment to maximize energy savings.
Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling offers professional installation and service for smart and programmable thermostats. Call us today to talk more about smart thermostat vs programmable thermostat choices or to schedule installation!