Programmable vs. Smart Thermostats: Which Is Better for Your Home?

There are three general categories of thermostats: manual, programmable and smart. If your heating and cooling system is 10 years old or older, you likely have a manual thermostat. These devices are simple and, in many cases, don’t offer energy-saving benefits. You set your home thermostat to the temperature that you want, and the thermostat does the rest.

When you’re ready to upgrade your home’s thermostat, two popular options among homeowners are programmable and smart. But which one is the better option for your home? Before making that decision, it’s important to understand the features of each option.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats can save as much as 15% to 30% on your energy bill per year. Other benefits include:

• Automatic adjustment of temperature in your home
• Customizable heating and cooling schedule (schedule around working hours, get-togethers, etc.)
• Generally cheaper than smart thermostats

In addition, some models of programmable thermostats have the ability to adjust temperatures for hot days and cool nights. No need to get out of bed in the middle of the night to turn off the heater. The thermostat will do the work for you.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats perform many of the same functions as programmable thermostats. One advantage of smart thermostats, however, is that you can control the temperature of your home remotely via your home’s internet connection.

You can check and adjust the temperature while you’re out of the home (at work, on vacation, etc.) ensure that your space is comfortable and energy efficient. Some smart thermostats even enable tracking of your HVAC energy usage so you can identify ways to save more money on your heating and cooling bill.

One of the biggest benefits of smart thermostats is that they can learn your heating and cooling routines and adjust the temperature as needed. You can spend less time monitoring the outside temperature and more time with your family and loved ones.

Which Is Better for Your Home?

Deciding which thermostat option is better for your home depends on your personal preferences.

A programmable thermostat may be the right option for you if you either don’t own a smart phone or don’t want to use your phone to control your home’s temperature. Additionally, if you are looking to lower your initial costs, programmable thermostats are generally cheaper than smart thermostats.

However, smart thermostats largely make up for the difference in price with convenience. They are highly popular options for people who are frequently out of their home, whether they travel for work, vacation, family obligations, etc. Additionally, a smart thermostat’s ability to recognize patterns and adjust your home’s temperature automatically can make your home more energy efficient. This can result in long-term savings with lower heating and cooling bills.

If you are interested in upgrading your home’s thermostat, speak with your local HVAC professional. They will be able to explain the benefits of programmable and smart thermostats and help you decide which option is better for your home.

RSC Heating & Air has years of experience helping homeowners in the Lancaster, PA area upgrade their thermostats. Want to know more about thermostat options and installation? Contact us today to speak to an HVAC expert.