Energy Insights: 5 Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats can provide numerous benefits to your household. Investing in a programmable thermostat is a great way to help maintain your HVAC system, is a great smart home device, and helps save energy. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits, as well as different types:
Save on Energy Costs
An undeniable perk of the programmable thermostat is saving on your energy bill. According to Energy Star, the average American household spends more than $900 a year on heating and cooling their home. By installing a programmable thermostat that you can adjust your home to energy-saving temperatures when people are gone, homeowners can ensure they arrive at a comfortable house without wasting electricity.
Optimizes Your HVAC System
Pairing your HVAC system with a programmable thermostat helps your system operate more efficiently. If you have an older HVAC system that may be nearing the end of its life, you can prolong it by installing a programmable thermostat. It’ll allow the system to reduce its workload to operate at its best.
Vacation Mode
Programmable thermostats also have a vacation mode. Residents can utilize this setting when they are away from home for extended periods. The device maintains a low energy temperature while the house is unoccupied to reduce costs. In addition, you can tell the system your return date, which will reset your home to a comfortable temperature.
Home Zoning
As many of us learned in grade school, heat rises. When hot air expands, it loses density and travels upwards. As a result, it creates temperature fluctuations in your home.
You can inform your thermostat of differing temperature zones and alter its settings. The device can cater to these differences, reducing energy use rather than keeping the entire structure at one set temperature.
Advanced Features
Some programable thermostats have advanced features that make it easier for you to operate your HVAC system. For example, some thermostats can connect to Wi-Fi and consider weather patterns when adjusting the temperature. But, of course, the most popular advanced feature is the ability to sync your mobile device to your thermostat so you can manage your system from anywhere!
Types of Programmable Thermostats:
We have all heard of smart thermostats, but they are not the only type of programmable thermostats. Here are some other programmable thermostats that you might not be aware of:
7-Day Thermostats: This type of programmable thermostat works well for homes with a different heating and cooling schedule every day of the week. For example, this type may work for families or individuals with hectic schedules. It is also the most flexible type of programmable thermostat.
5+2 Thermostats: This type is for those with the typical five-day work week and two-day weekend. Essentially, it works for those who want one schedule for the workweek and a different schedule for the weekend.
Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats are the most well-known type of programmable thermostats, and they are Wi-Fi enabled with the ability to be programmed from a smartphone or computer. This type works well for those with irregular schedules or those who may forget to set their thermostat. Most smart thermostats come with an app for easy programming when you’re away from home. Also, they allow the homeowner to track their energy savings.
Learning Smart Thermostat: This thermostat learns the daily habits of your home and self-programs a schedule. A smart thermostat, is Wi-Fi enabled and can be programmed remotely through a smartphone or computer. This is a good option for those with a regular schedule and for those who don’t want to bother setting it themselves.
Heat-Pump Specific Thermostats: These thermostats are specifically made to work with heat-pump systems. Energy usage, while using heat, can negate programmable thermostats’ energy-saving benefits with heat-pump systems.
