Your thermostat controls when your heating or cooling equipment runs. Set it to 68° in the winter and your furnace will kick on to provide warm air when the temperature falls below 68 degrees. The opposite occurs in summer. For years, thermostats have been providing this basic functionality. Set your desired temperature, and the thermostat runs your heating or cooling system to maintain that temperature.
Your furnace and air conditioner use the most energy of any of the appliances in your home. They play a huge role in providing a comfortable environment. It’s important to understand how your thermostat effects energy usage and comfort. Read on to learn about the three different types of thermostats available today and the features and benefits they provide.
Non-programmable thermostats
Non-programmable thermostats use a mechanical switch to sense air temperature. Metal strips expand or contract, based on temperature, to send a signal when to run your furnace or AC. You manually set the temperature you desire and the thermostat triggers your equipment. These thermostats are usually located on an interior wall away from heating or cooling supplies and only trigger equipment based on the temperature at that location. You must manually adjust the thermostat, then manually reset it. These thermostats are rarely installed today unless wiring from the thermostat to the equipment is inadequate and the home owner chooses not to upgrade.
Programmable thermostats
Programmable thermostats digitally store instructions on when you want the temperature changed in your home. Typical programs include settings to save energy at bedtime and when you’re away at work, vacation or no one is home. Another program keeps temperatures comfortable and unchanged during weekends, when you’re home. You can manually override these programs without affecting the stored programs if your routine changes. You program these using a display on the thermostat. These thermostats are not connected to the internet, all automation programs are stored in the unit. According to Energy.gov you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by taking advantage of the automation provided by a programmable thermostat. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats NOTE, programmable thermostats are not recommended for use with heat pump systems.
Smart thermostats connect to your home’s wi-fi network
This allows you to control and monitor your thermostat whether you’re at home, on vacation, or away for the day. Internet connectivity also allows the thermostat to communicate with other internet connected appliances in your home. The “internet of things” is a concept where smart devices in your home work together to automate processes to make your life easier and more comfortable. How awesome is that!
Smart thermostats pack a lot of power, features and benefits into a tiny box. They learn your lifestyle patterns and adjust heating and cooling settings accordingly. They can track your energy usage and alert you if something is wrong. If you use smart speakers (like Alexa), a smart thermostat can use voice commands to control temperature settings. The capabilities of smart thermostats can save you time and stress related to home HVAC issues.
Smart thermostats are more expensive, but you get what you pay for
The typical life of a thermostat is 5 to 10 years, over that time the savings and convenience of a smart thermostat can pay for itself. Thermostat wiring in older homes may need to be updated to work with a smart thermostat, but we can help with that, we’re home comfort specialists!
Home automation is an exciting new way homeowners can control and integrate how equipment functions to increase comfort and efficiency. Smart thermostats is a mature technology you should adopt now.
Our pick for best smart thermostat
Ecobee Smart Thermostat with voice control and smart sensor Save up to 26% on energy costs! Ecobee is compatible with Siri and Alexa and other smart home systems for voice control. Energy Star certified. Use an IOS or Android app to control or monitor your home’s heating and cooling from anywhere your phone is connected to the internet. Get these benefits and more
• Energy reports and filter change reminders
• Alerts when your system isn’t working correctly
• Measures and compensates for humidification levels in your home
• Up to 5-year warranty when installed by a pro
Ecobee Smart Thermostat and installation The Ecobee Smart Thermostat maximizes the efficiency, convenience, and comfort of your new high efficiency system. Limited time offer.
