It’s a common misconception that smart thermostats are the same thing as programmable ones. While both do control your heating and cooling, they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
For example, smart thermostats can adjust to your schedule and preferences, but they’re not always accurate at learning how long it takes to heat or cool a room. Programmable thermostats can learn your habits over time, but you have to manually set them every time you want them to change temperatures.
If you’re still confused about which kind of thermostat is right for you, keep reading! We’ll cover the advantages of each so that you can make an informed decision about which HVAC thermostat works best in your home.
Types of Thermostats
We know what you’re thinking: “What’s the difference between a programmable thermostat vs smart thermostat?”
Well, we’re here to help. The thermostat is a device used to control a room’s temperature. It can be programmed and smart, depending on the system type that you have in your home.
There are two types of thermostats:
Smart Thermostat
The best thermostats are smart or digital thermostats. They are simpler, more efficient, and can save money. They’re like a super-smart friend living in your house and looking after your thermostat’s requirements.
Smart thermostats employ sensors to determine how warm or chilly your home is at any given time and subsequently alter the temperature. They also learn from your behavior patterns, such as whether or not you’re home when it’s hot outdoors, and make judgments based on what they’ve learned about how you want things to be organized.
Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are self-explanatory: you program them with the temperature settings you want and how frequently you want them to change each day or week, and they do their thing until you tell them differently! They are often less expensive than smart thermostats since they lack fancy features—but if all you need is a dependable way to keep track of your home’s temperature while saving money, a programmed thermostat may be ideal for you!
Pros and Cons of Smart Thermostat
The smart thermostat is your new best friend.
It will learn your preferences and adjust the temperature according to them. It’s like having your own personal climate control system that can’t be manipulated by other people in the house or even weather conditions!
Here are the pros and cons of smart thermostats that will help you make informed decisions:
Pros of Smart Thermostat
Energy Efficiency
The first and most obvious benefit of a smart thermostat is its ability to save energy. Many homes have inefficient heating systems or other appliances that are sucking up electricity needlessly. A smart thermostat will help you track your usage over time and adjust accordingly so that you’re not wasting any energy on heating or cooling your home when nobody is there.
Remote Control
Another major benefit of a smart thermostat is that it allows you to control your house’s temperature remotely. Whether you want the temperature lowered while you’re out of town or just want to ensure that everything is running smoothly at home, being able to control it from anywhere makes things easier for everyone involved!
Learning Abilities
The learning feature of smart thermostats allows the device to learn your preferences and adjust accordingly. You can set up your schedule, and the thermostat will suggest how to save energy throughout the day. When you’re away from home, it will automatically turn off when it’s not needed.
Integration with Smart Home Systems
Another best thing about smart thermostats is that they can integrate with other smart home systems—like lighting, security cameras, and even doors! You can program your smart thermostat to turn on the lights when you get home from work or adjust your temperature based on whether someone’s home or not (or even if they’re asleep). And if you have a security system that includes video cameras, you can use those same cameras to tell if anyone’s still sleeping or if everyone has left for work already!
Cons of Smart Thermostat
Higher Cost
Smart thermostats are generally more expensive than traditional models, and many people hesitate to pay more for a device they don’t fully understand.
Installation Complexity
The installation process for a smart thermostat can be quite complex, especially if you’re not comfortable working with electricity or don’t have any experience with home improvement projects.
Reliance on Internet Connectivity
It’s not much of a smart thermostat if it isn’t connected to the internet, right? Unfortunately, that means a smart thermostat can’t work without internet connectivity. And when you’re away from home, the power goes out, or there’s some other issue with your connection, your smart thermostat is useless. And that means more money is spent on energy bills!
Pros and Cons of Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a thermostat that may be set to adjust the temperature in the home at specific times of the day. For example, you may arrange your house to be cooler throughout the day so that it feels cooler when you get home from work. You can even program the house to crank up the heat later in the evening so that it’s lovely and comfortable when you arrive home.
However, before you go out and get one, you should know some things about these useful devices.
Here are some of the pros and cons of programmable thermostats:
Pros of Programmable Thermostat
Ease of Use
A programmable thermostat is simple to operate since it includes a display that indicates the current temperature and allows you to quickly and simply modify it. You may adjust your house’s temperature to be at its lowest or maximum position, depending on whether you are at home or away.
Energy Savings
When used properly, a programmable thermostat may save you up to 20% on your energy spending. It does this by adjusting the temperature in your house to make it pleasant for you without overheating or chilling items.
Cost-Effective
Programmable thermostats are generally more affordable compared to smart thermostats, making them a budget-friendly option for energy-conscious homeowners in London, KY.
Cons of Programmable Thermostat
Limited Flexibility
The most common complaint about programmable thermostats is the fact that they aren’t as flexible as people would like. They are designed to be used in one way, and although there are ways to adjust them, it can be a small hassle.
Lack of Remote Control
Another complaint about programmable thermostats is that they don’t have remote control functionality. You need to physically be at home or work in order to change the settings on your thermostat, which can be inconvenient if you want to make quick changes while away from home or work.
Limited Integration
Programmable thermostats are generally incapable of integrating with other home appliances, making it difficult to control your heating and cooling system from other rooms in your house.
Difference Between Smart Thermostat Vs Programmable Thermostat: Comparison Chart
Here’s a detailed comparison chart highlighting the key differences between smart thermostats and programmable thermostats:
| Feature | Smart Thermostats | Programmable Thermostats |
| Connectivity | Connect to the internet and enable remote control via smartphone, tablet, or computer. | No internet connectivity; adjustments can only be made directly on the thermostat |
| Learning and Adaptability | Advanced learning capabilities to adapt to user behavior | No learning abilities; manual programming required to schedule |
| Energy Efficiency | Optimize energy usage based on user behavior and occupancy patterns | Energy savings based on pre-set schedules; limited adaptability |
| Integration with Smart Home Systems | Seamless integration with other smart home devices | Limited or no integration with smart home systems or devices |
| Additional Features | Advanced features like occupancy sensors, geofencing, air quality monitoring, etc. | Basic functionality focused on temperature scheduling; no additional features |
| Installation | May require professional installation for complex wiring | Relatively simple installation, often replacing existing thermostats |
| Cost | Generally more expensive compared to programmable | More budget-friendly option compared to smart thermostats |
| Flexibility | Highly adaptable to user behavior and preferences | Limited adaptability; manual adjustments required for routine |
| Convenience | Remote control and access from anywhere with the internet | No remote control capability; adjustments are only on the device |
| Compatibility | Compatible with several smart home systems and devices | Limited compatibility with advanced home automation feature |
Which Thermostat is Best for You? Smart vs Programmable Thermostat?
Wondering, “Should I buy a programmable vs. smart thermostat?” Well. We have the answer for you.
Consider your particular requirements and preferences when selecting a thermostat. A smart thermostat makes the most sense if you value convenience, energy economy, and the ability to operate your thermostat remotely. Advanced capabilities and seamless connection with other smart home devices are available with smart thermostats.
A programmed thermostat may be a good alternative if you’re searching for a low-cost option. Although programmable thermostats save energy using pre-programmed temperature plans, they lack the technologically advanced capabilities and adaptability of smart thermostats.
Consider factors such as your budget, lifestyle, desired level of control, and integration with existing smart home systems to make an informed decision.
If you need advice on which thermostat will be ideal for you and your home, then reach out to HVAC professionals in London, KY!
Call for Residential and Commercial HVAC Experts in London, KY!
You don’t have to deal with your thermostat on your own. If you need advice on the best thermostat for your home or business, call Kentucky Climate Control. We specialize in both residential and commercial HVAC systems and can assist you in choosing the best HVAC system for your needs.
We provide a full range of HVAC Maintenance and Services in London, KY, including heating and cooling system installation, maintenance, and repair, as well as indoor air quality systems such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, and more.
We also provide energy efficiency audits that can lower utility bills by up to 30%. Our team of highly trained HVAC technicians will work with you to assess your needs and recommend solutions that fit within your budget.
We’re committed to providing our customers in London, KY, with exceptional service and unmatched expertise—and we’ve been doing it for years! We even have the equipment necessary to get the job done quickly and efficiently—and if there’s ever an issue with a part or appliance in our company’s inventory (which there never is), we’ll let you know about it immediately so you’re aware of what’s going on with your unit before anything serious happens!
Call us today at (855) 482-2522 or visit our website at www.kentuckyclimatecontrol.com to learn more about how Kentucky Climate Control can help improve the comfort in your office or home!
