Is your home experiencing drafty rooms or levels? Is your energy bill skyrocketing in the winter? Are you tired of adjusting the heat every day?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is time to consider replacing your current thermostat with a programmable or smart thermostat. However, before you ask your local heating and cooling expert about which is better for your home or business, read up on Warner Service’s quick guide to thermostats:
Manual thermostat models:
- Are also known as electronic or manual thermostats
- Act as a control panel for home or commercial air conditioning and heating systems (see Cadet Single-Pole Electric Baseboard-Mount Mechanical Thermostat or Honeywell Deluxe Digital Non-Programmable Heat/Cool Thermostat)
- Offer a user-friendly LCD interface
- Are easy to install and use because they’re battery-powered
- Are great for those who prefer fixed temperatures, are often in the home or business, and/or live in temperate climates
- Adjust your home or business’ temperature at a time variable, according to Lowes:
- 7 Day: These wireless thermostats allow you to program a unique thermostat setting for each day, offering the ultimate flexibility for controlling your temperature settings. Set up to four periods per day, every day of the week. (See the Honeywell 7-Day Programmable Thermostat.)
- 5-1-1 Day: This type allows you to set one program for the weekdays and separate programs for Saturday and Sunday. It can be programmed for up to four periods per programmable session.
- 5-2 Day: This option allows up to four programmable temperature sessions with separate settings for the weekdays and weekends.
- 1 Week: This option allows you to set one programmed temperature for the entire week with up to four sessions.
- Conduct a heating and cooling agenda for your home or business without manually shifting the setting every time (see Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat and Lux TX9600TS)
- Save money with automatic adjustments when away for long periods of time
- Reduce your carbon footprint with lack of mercury
- Remotely adjust the temperature from a WiFi-enabled device, including a tablet, cell phone, computer, or other connected devices
- Regulate humidity
- Offer self-learning capabilities that can monitor and adjust comfort settings based on preferences and tendencies (see: 3rd Gen Nest Learning Thermostat)
- Set up zoned heating and cooling and individual room-based temperature control, if you opt for extra thermistor sensors in the space
Before thinking a programmable or smart thermostat is the best option, consider the following:
- Double-check the HVAC system. Most models are made to work with central heat or central heat and air, which can be 24V, gas, oil, or electric. Other system types include heat pump, electric baseboard, fireplace, and floor/wall furnace.
- Ask if a programmable or smart thermostat is in the budget. Because they're more technologically advanced, they tend to come with a higher thermostat cost, especially if you have a professional install the device (which we recommend with the wireless connectivity).
- Try other energy-saving methods. If you're committing to this special setback thermostats only to save money on your energy bill, attempt a few different money-saving habits before splurging.
- Do your research. View online consumer reports to see which is rated highest before calling for installation.
If you're interested in how modern residential thermostat technologies can help reduce your monthly energy usage or improve your comfort, contact the experts at Warner Service. We have the resources and knowledge to help you through your thermostat upgrade.
