Smart Thermostats vs Programmable Thermostats – Which Is Best for Home Energy Efficiency

When it comes to saving energy and money, upgrading your thermostat is a great place to start. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one to choose? In this post, we’ll compare two popular choices: smart thermostats and programmable thermostats.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats have been around for a long time and are a reliable choice for many homeowners. These thermostats allow you to program temperature changes throughout the day, so you can set it and forget it. This means you can set the temperature to be lower when you’re away at work, and then have it automatically return to a comfortable temperature before you get home.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.” Programmable thermostats make this easy to do by doing it for you automatically.

However, some homeowners find that programmable thermostats can be difficult to use and program correctly. Plus, they don’t provide any real-time data or remote access to your thermostat.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are programmable thermostats on steroids. They have all the features of a programmable thermostat, but they also use Wi-Fi to connect to your phone or other devices. This allows you to control your thermostat from anywhere and monitor your energy usage in real-time.

Smart thermostats also have additional features, such as learning your habits and preferences to automatically adjust the temperature for maximum energy efficiency. Plus, they can provide you with energy reports and tips to help you save even more money on your energy bills.

According to a study by Nest, “the average homeowner saved 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling by using a smart thermostat.” Plus, if you live in a state with energy-saving rebates, you may be able to get a rebate for installing a smart thermostat.

Which One Is Best for You?

Both smart thermostats and programmable thermostats can save you money on your energy bills. However, smart thermostats are the clear winner when it comes to convenience and energy savings.

Ultimately, the choice between a smart thermostat and a programmable thermostat comes down to your individual needs and budget. If you’re tech-savvy, want real-time data and energy reports, and have a bit extra cash in your budget, a smart thermostat may be the best choice for you. However, if you’re comfortable with programming and want to save money on a tight budget, a programmable thermostat may be sufficient.

References

• “Programmable Thermostats.” Energy.gov, U.S. Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/thermostats/programmable-thermostats, 9 Dec. 2021.

• “Where Upgrading to A Nest Thermostat Saved The Most Money.” Nest, 26 Apr. 2020, https://nest.com/blog/2020/04/26/where-upgrading-to-a-nest-thermostat-saved-the-most-money/.