For your AC system to function, it needs a thermostat to tell it when to turn on and off based on the temperature in your home. When selecting a new thermostat, you have the option of going with a smart thermostat or choosing one of the traditional ones. Below, we’ll discuss both options in detail so you can determine which one is the ideal choice for your household.
What Is a Traditional Thermostat?
A traditional thermostat works to read the ambient temperature in your home and will display that temperature. With a manual thermostat, you’ll spin the dial to select what temperature you would like your home to be at.
A manual thermostat only allows you to select one temperature. It will tell your heating or air conditioning system to turn on when the temperature needs to be changed to meet your selection. These are the cheapest thermostats on the market that have minimal options.
What Are Programmable Thermostats?
We can’t discuss smart vs manual thermostat options without touching on programmable thermostats. These are your in-between models that offer more features than the manual thermostat but less than the smart thermostat.
A programmable thermostat typically allows you to program in different temperature settings depending on the time of day and the day of the week. These are great for optimizing your energy savings and having a set-it-and-forget-it thermostat.
What Are Smart Thermostats?
Smart thermostats come along with the benefits of a programmable thermostat alongside many other exceptional features that homeowners tend to love. Smart thermostats connect to Wi-Fi so you can wirelessly control your thermostat from anywhere your smartphone or tablet has internet connectivity.
Many smart thermostats are integrated with learning technology that will get used to your habits over time and naturally change your thermostat’s settings accordingly. For example, if you’re turning the thermostat down every evening before bed, it will only take a couple of days before your smart thermostat will automatically turn the temperature down in the evening.
While we could spend all day doing a smart thermostat comparison of the various models out there to choose from, instead we’ll discuss some of the standard features found across most models. All will give you an energy report where you can learn about your energy usage. They’ll even provide you with suggestions on how to alter your settings to be more eco-friendly and cash in on more energy savings.
Most smart thermostats will integrate with a compatible smart home system so you can take advantage of features like voice control. Some even offer geofencing technology that adjusts your home’s temperature based on your smartphone’s location. This way, your home is at a comfortable temperature when you arrive back home.
Which Thermostat Is Best?
The answer to this question really depends on your unique household. The best thermostat for home use will depend on how much you want to invest up front to purchase it, whether you’re interested in using Wi-Fi technology, and how often you run your HVAC system.
For those who are looking for the cheapest thermostat with optimal simplicity, a manual thermostat can be an easy choice. Those wanting to cash in on long-term energy savings without the hassle of advanced smart features may find that a programmable thermostat best meets their individual needs.
Homeowners who are OK with investing a little up front to enjoy the long-term energy savings that smart technology can provide will typically invest in a smart thermostat. These are the cream of the crop that offer the most flexibility, control, and energy savings.
You may even find that purchasing a smart thermostat can make you eligible to receive a rebate from your local utility company. This will depend on the current energy programs offered by your specific energy provider.
When Should You Get a New Thermostat?
In reality, you can get a new thermostat anytime that you decide you would like an upgrade. For example, if you want the convenience of Wi-Fi technology, you may want to upgrade from your manual thermostat to a smart one.
In general, most thermostats last about 10 to 15 years. It’s highly recommended that you upgrade your thermostat every time you upgrade your HVAC system to ensure optimal compatibility.
Reliable Thermostat Installation Service
Action Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electric, Inc. offers reliable thermostat installation service for the Madison, WI area. We can also help with all your heating and cooling repair, installation, replacement, and maintenance needs. Contact us today to schedule your next service consultation.
