Differences between Manual, Smart and Programmable Thermostats
To better control your home’s energy use, smart and programmable thermostats are the way to go. The older inefficient manual models do not. The modern thermostats were created for the purpose to save energy without sacrificing comfort.
Programmable thermostats allow the ultimate flexibility to homeowners because they can be programmed to match their lifestyle. With a non-programmable thermostat, you can regulate room temperature to one desired set-point. If you want a new temperature set-point, you will need to change the setting on the manual thermostat.
Having a good thermostat is essential whether you’re running the heat in the winter or your air conditioner during the warm summer months. Not only does this tool allow you to set your desired interior temperature, but it also keeps track of how hot or cold your home is and controls your HVAC set up accordingly. As technology has changed, so have thermostats — old mercury switch thermostats are a thing of the past, replaced with either smart or programmable thermostats. If you’re upgrading your HVAC system, which type of thermostat is the best choice for you?
Manual Thermostats
You probably have a manual thermostat if you haven’t upgraded your air conditioner or heater in the last ten years or so. These simple devices have a limited number of controls — usually just on/off for the heat or AC and the fan, and basic temperature controls. Just set your desired temperature, and the HVAC system will do the rest.
The manual thermostats are great tools if you are able to constantly change the temperature as the weather outside changes. They don’t offer any sort of energy saving benefits though, so you may find yourself paying more for that simplicity.
Programmable Thermostats
Your next option as an upgrade in control in thermostats is the programmable thermostat. These are more advanced than the manual models and are designed to automatically adjust the temperature in your home throughout the day. They can also be programmed for a variety of different uses. A daily individual program is ideal if you’re home all the time. If you work out of the home, you can program the thermostat to turn off your HVAC system while you’re at work, and turn it back on before you get home — all without you even having to touch your thermostat.
Some models can even switch between heat and cool during those odd times of the year when it’s frigid at night and hot during the day. No more scrambling to turn off your heater once the temperatures start climbing!
Depending on your location and how often you use your HVAC system, a programmable thermostat could save you between 15 and 30 percent on your energy bill annually.
Smart Thermostats
The newest on the market in thermostat technology is the smart thermostat or the option of the WiFi connected thermostat. These have all the benefits of a programmable thermostat with one added perk. The smart thermostat can be connected to your home’s wireless internet service, which enables you to control your home’s temperature remotely from a compatible smart device.
If you’re tech-savvy or have at least a basic working knowledge of smartphones, you can easily adjust your home’s temperature, set heating and cooling schedules, and in some cases, even track your HVAC energy usage so you can figure out the best way to reduce your overall energy bills.
If you need help understanding the different systems or which one would work best with your HVAC, give us a call at 678-926-9676?
Contact Us
Contact the pros at TRUST Heating & Air to discuss savings tips and free estimates. We have 24/7 Emergency Services. Just call us at 678-926-9676 to come out and resolve the problem.
