Bellevue, NE residents want to feel more comfortable in their homes without spending a fortune on energy bills. Programmable and smart thermostats can help you manage your home’s climate and energy consumption better, but how do you know which thermostat option is best for your home? The more you know about the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the two different thermostat types, the better decision you can make to fit your lifestyle and your budget.
Understanding Programmable Thermostats
A programmable thermostat lets you set temperature schedules for different days and times. You manually input your household’s temperature schedule based on your personal preferences. For example, you might program your thermostat to cool the home more while you’re awake than when you’re sleeping. Or, you might adjust the thermostat so the HVAC system runs less when you and your family are away at work or school.
The key features of a programmable thermostat include:
- A basic digital display
- Scheduled temperature changes
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
Homeowners like the cost-saving energy benefits associated with programmable thermostats, such as mitigating energy waste from constant manual adjustments. They also like how easy the thermostat is to use once it’s programmed. However, programmable thermostats do have their drawbacks. For example, if you need to make a change to the schedule, you must do so manually. There’s no remote access to do it while you’re away from home. Programmable thermostats also lack the flexibility for unpredictable household schedules.
Understanding Smart Thermostats
What makes a smart thermostat different from a programmable thermostat is a smart thermostat is an internet-connected device you can control remotely, it learns your household habits, and integrates with other smart home systems like Nest and ecobee.
The key features of smart thermostats that homeowners enjoy include:
- Wi-Fi connectivity for remote access
- Intuitive touchscreen displays
- Integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant
- Energy usage reports
- HVAC maintenance reminders
Smart thermostats make it easier than ever to maximize energy savings and elevate your home’s comfort level without having to lift a finger. When you install a smart thermostat, you initially input your household schedule and desired temperature settings. However, after a few days, the thermostat uses built-in technology to make changes based on your household’s daily movement and activities. These thermostats learn behaviors and make adjustments according to household movements to optimize energy usage. Another benefit of installing a smart thermostat is its potential for utility rebates and tax incentives.
While smart thermostats definitely have their benefits for Bellevue households, they also have some drawbacks. One such drawback is the upfront cost. Smart thermostats cost significantly more than programmable thermostats. Smart devices also require a stable Wi-Fi connection, which can make it problematic for households with poor internet connectivity. Some homeowners who install smart thermostats also struggle with learning how to use advanced features, such as understanding the energy reports.
Smart vs. Programmable: Which One Is Right for You?
Households interested in spending as little as possible on a non-manual thermostat will find programmable devices the most cost-friendly. However, if you’re looking for a thermostat that provides you with the most long-term savings in terms of energy consumption, the smart thermostat comes in as the clear winner. Smart thermostats manage your household climate better because they optimize the temperature based on who is home, what the weather is like outside, and learn household patterns for more precise savings.
Smart thermostats also give you more programming options. Programmable thermostats allow you to set weekday and weekend schedules, but not much more. Smart thermostats include geofencing options, offer advanced occupancy sensors, and even include voice control. If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, a smart thermostat can also be a great selling feature.
So, which thermostat is best for you? We break it down for you.
A programmable thermostat will work best if you:
- Have a consistent daily and weekly schedule
- Don’t want extra tech features and prefer simplicity
- Have a tight budget for upfront costs
- Don’t need or want smart home integration
A smart thermostat will work best if you:
- Have a household with unpredictable schedules
- Want maximum energy savings with minimal effort
- Value remote access
- Want access to energy data
- Prefer to have technology access through app-based controls
Is it time to upgrade your thermostat? Read more here>>>
Choosing a thermostat doesn’t have to be difficult. Contact Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning today and let us help you choose the best thermostat for your budget and household needs.
