February 8, 2025
Thermostats have come a long way in recent years. Thermostats of the past only had one temperature setting and allowed users to select three simple modes: cool, heat, and fan. The thermostat could be adjusted manually as needed. Its only job was to maintain a specific temperature in your home at all times, and it did it well.
Today’s thermostats use less energy while saving money on energy costs by adapting to your needs. At Scott-Lee Heating Company here in St. Louis, MO, we understand that choosing the right thermostat is an effective way for today’s homeowners to save time and money. This guide will help you choose the thermostat that is right for you
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats allow users to set heating and cooling schedules based on weekly routines. Unlike smart thermostats, they don’t require Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a smartphone to operate. This makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a simple, energy-saving solution.
Once set up, the thermostat follows the schedule you set for it automatically, providing convenience and efficiency without any fuss. To save money, choose more comfortable settings when people are present at home and energy-efficient settings for when they are not.
Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats offer many advantages over a basic thermostat, including:
- Budget-friendly option to save energy
- Simple to program and operate
- No extra equipment is needed
- Reduces energy usage by following a set schedule
- Routine-based scheduling
Is a Programmable Thermostat Right for You?
Programmable thermostats work best for households with predictable schedules. Manual changes must be made directly at the thermostat if a schedule requires frequent changes. These devices don’t offer remote access or advanced features like system alerts.
Busy families with complicated or abrupt schedule changes may benefit from the convenience of remote access and more advanced features. It is important to consider your family’s current and future needs before choosing a programmable thermostat.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are on another level when it comes to energy savings and convenience. These thermostats are connected to Wi-Fi and can be connected to other smart home systems and devices that work together to save you money, improve your comfort at your home, and simplify your life.
Smart thermostats have unique features that give them an edge. No other type of thermostat offers more customization and control or can save you as much money. These are a few of the benefits you can expect.
Self-Learning Technology
A smart thermostat is connected to Wi-Fi and can receive much more information about the weather and your family’s usage and needs over time. It also receives information from sensors in your home and your smartphone to improve your comfort and energy savings.
It processes the information it receives and automatically makes adjustments based on this data it receives and patterns of use. As a result, it saves you more money and keeps you more comfortable without any additional effort.
Weather Information
Smart thermostats are internet-connected devices that receive information on current weather conditions, historical weather records, and live weather alerts. This information allows it to plan and predict how each part of your HVAC system should respond to operate.
Location Information
Smartphone apps connected to the thermostat detect when a user is present and when they are away. It automatically adjusts its settings to respond to the user’s departure and respond to their arrival.
It uses proximity features to know when a user is leaving and reduces energy consumption while they are away. As the person crosses the predetermined proximity on the way to their location, the thermostat will automatically adjust its settings to ensure they are comfortable upon arrival.
Sensors
Sensors can be connected to the smart thermostat, or a connected smart home system, to improve its effectiveness. These include devices like indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity, and motion sensors. This information helps the thermostat to improve the efficiency, air quality, and comfortability of your home.
Remote Access and Voice Control
A smartphone app or connected devices give you hands-free options to adjust your smart thermostat settings remotely or from within your home. Whether you are driving in a car or have your hands full, this is another convenient option that gives you more control with less effort.
System Alerts
System efficiency and air quality depend on maintaining your system. A smart thermostat enables you to receive notifications when maintenance is needed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your HVAC. Maintenance also increases the life span of your system while improving its effectiveness.
Other Things to Consider for a Smart Thermostat
The Up-Front Cost and Requirements
You need internet connectivity, a smartphone, and other equipment to get the most out of a smart thermostat. While the cost-savings you receive will offset this cost of operation, the initial cost of equipment and installation is greater than a programmable thermostat.
Internet Stability
Your internet stability should be another thing you consider when deciding which thermostat to install. An unreliable internet connection makes it more difficult to use your system remotely and can create delays and other issues related to a poor connection.
Smart Thermostats Are More Complicated
Homeowners who don’t own a smartphone, and prefer the simple, straightforward setup and operation of a traditional thermostat, may prefer a programmable thermostat. It is simpler to use and program, without a technology hurdle.
Privacy and Security Risks
Although generally considered secure, any device with an internet connection or the ability to track you could pose privacy and security risks. Hackers could use your internet connection to access your smart home devices, security system, and even your smart thermostat.
Not everyone is comfortable being tracked by a smartphone app or using devices that can be accessed remotely. It’s important to understand cybersecurity and ensure that Wi-Fi-connected devices and internet connections are as secure as possible.
Choosing the Right Thermostat
Every user has their own unique preferences and needs. Purchasing a thermostat is an investment that can save you money and improve the longevity of your HVAC system. That means that you should take time to decide which options are best for you in the long run.
Questions to Ask Yourself
The following questions are great to ask yourself before making your final decision:
- Do you have a consistent schedule?
- Is the up-front cost feasible?
- Are you tech-savvy?
- Do you own the equipment needed?
- Do you need remote access?
Only you know your preferences and needs. We hope this guide helps explain the differences between a programmable and smart thermostat and helps you make the best decision for your home.
Thermostat Installation in St. Louis
Are you ready to upgrade your thermostat today? We are happy to help you choose the right thermostat for your needs. At Scott-Lee Heating Company, we offer commercial and residential HVAC services including installation, maintenance, and repairs in St. Louis. We can help you improve the air quality and efficiency of your system. Call us today to schedule your thermostat installation or learn more about HVAC zoning systems and enjoy the comfort and savings year after year.