Gone are the days when there was only one type of thermostat to pick from. Today, home and property owners searching for a new thermostat have a variety of features and functions to choose from including non-programmable, programmable, and smart (Wi-Fi enabled).
After reading today’s article, you can check out the following blog from the team at Autumn Air Heating and Cooling to learn more about the benefits of having a smart thermostat for your living space.
Mechanical thermostats
Mechanical thermostats allow users to regulate heat using an adjustable dial and expansion of metallic strips inside. When the strip is cool, it closes an electrical circuit that activates your heating system; once hotter, however, its metal expands, and this opens up, thus stopping heating systems and slowly cooling down rooms.
There are often older homes where traditional thermostats can be found, though these thermostats don’t offer as much programming or temperature regulation as electronic versions do. Also, they don’t switch automatically between heating and cooling as modern options do.
Nevertheless, they work with both millivolt and low voltage systems and remain an economical solution that gives some control of home temperatures while saving you money in the long run if used correctly.
Digital thermostats
Digital thermostats offer the ideal solution to living in areas that experience dramatic seasonal temperature variations. Programming your heating and cooling needs into schedules that you control with digital controls. Digital thermostats enable you to reduce energy use while still maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
These thermostats employ thermistor devices that produce electrical resistance when temperatures change, enabling them to measure air temperature and make adjustments accordingly. Some models also feature built-in clocks, proximity sensors, or geofencing technology for energy conservation purposes.
Non-programmable digital thermostats resemble mechanical models in that they do not feature pre-set temperatures and must be manually changed using a dial or meter. They’re suitable for people who plan to be home most of the time or who don’t feel confident using more advanced smart thermostat options.
Programmable thermostats
Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to program different temperatures at different times throughout the day to meet their comfort preferences while saving energy and money.
They’re conveniently handy during hotter summer months when air conditioning units can be set on more energy-efficient settings during the daytime hours to reduce demand on electrical supply systems and, therefore, power bills for customers.
Programmable thermostats offer a versatile range of programming options to match both newer and existing heating and cooling systems and make an excellent addition to many types of homes.
From setback settings, overrides, adjustments for daylight savings time, and daily programming options through weekly and weekend programming options are available. Zoning capabilities to control the temperature in different zones or rooms of a home make these thermostats especially helpful in multi-level homes where upper levels tend to feel warmer than lower areas.
Smart thermostats
With smart thermostats, you can manage the temperature settings in your home from your phone or other smart devices. These Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats are programmable and smart thermostats save energy costs by understanding your habits and preferences better.
Some smart thermostats include learning functions that allow them to detect when your home is occupied or vacant and tailor their schedule and lifestyle accordingly. They also offer energy reports that track energy use over time and may help you improve efficiency by shifting when heating or cooling is applied during the day.
When shopping, ensure the smart thermostat of choice is compatible with other connected home systems before selecting one and choosing a password and evaluating security concerns before permitting access from smartphones or other devices.
