Programmable vs Smart: How to Pick the Right Thermostat

While the terms are often used interchangeably, smart thermostats and programmable thermostats are not the same. If you’re stuck on deciding between the two for your Brighton, Illinois, home, here’s a short guide to help explain the key differences.

What Is a Programmable Thermostat?

A programmable thermostat lets you set your home’s temperature at certain levels throughout the day. It doesn’t adjust automatically, meaning it will follow the schedule you set beforehand. In the summer, this allows you to raise the temperature during the day while you’re at work and then lower it again right before you return home.

Most programmable thermostats let you set temperatures for every day of the week, meaning you can alter the schedule for weekends when you might be home more.

Programmable thermostats are simple to use, as you just need to set your schedule one time for the system to remember it. Best of all, they are far cheaper than smart thermostats, meaning you’ll immediately reap the financial benefits of upgrading.

What Is a Smart Thermostat?

Rather than requiring you to set a temperature schedule, a smart thermostat will monitor activity in your home to learn your preferences and create a schedule based on this data. For example, some systems use motion sensors to tell when you leave and adjust cooling efforts automatically.

Best of all, you can control smart thermostats on the go. If you’ll be coming home from work early, whip out your smartphone and lower the temperature before you get in your car. By the time you get back, your home will be a comfortable oasis.

Smart thermostats also track your real-time energy usage so you can see how much you’re spending. While they’re more expensive to purchase, their intuitive heating and cooling capabilities can help you save more on your utility bill.

When you’re ready to choose between smart and programmable thermostats, give Den-Son Inc. Cooling & Heating a call. We can help with the installation process so that your air conditioning and heating systems run smoother than ever. Plus, we can recommend some great brands for you to choose from. Schedule your appointment with us by calling 618-372-8375.

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