Are Smart Thermostats Worth It?

What is a Programmable Thermostat?

Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to program a routine for a home’s thermostat based on the occupants’ habits. Using a programmable thermostat allows homeowners to set a schedule and then let the thermostat do the adjusting. These thermostats save money by conserving energy, especially when the home is unoccupied.

Energy Star researched and reported that programmable thermostats can reduce energy bills by 10 to 30%, and for every 1-degree Fahrenheit that a thermostat is turned down, 1% less energy is used.

What is a Smart Thermostat?

As with a programmable thermostat, smart thermostats can be programmed to follow a routine. However, smart thermostats use Wi-fi to give homeowners access to the home’s temperature controls from any place at any time. For example, if you are on vacation you can adjust the thermostat on your way out to maximize energy savings by modifying the programmed schedule and then on your way home from vacation so your home’s temperature settings are ready for your arrival. Other features include in-depth data reports and analysis on home energy.

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Looking at the pros and cons of each type of thermostat can help you decide which is best for you.

Manual Thermostats

Advantages

• Lowest upfront cost

Disadvantages

• Often produces inaccurate temperature readings due to being outdated.
• Needs to be manually operated to adjust temperature.
• Can lead to excess costs when homeowners forget to adjust temperature.

Programmable Thermostats

Advantages

• Customizable- ability to set a temperature schedule.
• Automatically implements schedule after being set.
• Contributes to home energy conservation, saving money over time.

Disadvantages

• Higher upfront cost than manual thermostat.
• Not compatible with all HVAC systems.
• Only operates efficiently when programmed. Many people forget to change their settings and end up losing potential energy and cost savings.

Smart Thermostats

Advantages

• Accessible anytime and anywhere
• Eco-friendly and high-tech options
• Energy reports, alerts, and notifications available
• The most energy efficient option when operated correctly
• Offers data for better understanding home’s energy

Disadvantages

• Highest cost option
• Routine software updates need to be installed for peak performance