How Learning Thermostats are Different from Programmable Thermostats

December 04, 2018

Your thermostat is a big part of how much you’re paying on your utility bills. Merely programming your thermostat for times when you’re sleeping or not at home can make a large impact without negatively affecting your comfort levels. Depending on the model of your thermostat, you may be able to do even more.

At Western Mechanical, Inc., we’ve got an array of programmable thermostats to meet your needs—from the most simple models to the state-of-the-art learning thermostats. How will you know what you need in your home? First, research the difference between basic programmable thermostats and advanced learning models. Either of these can help you save energy and money, but you’ll need to select which features are most important to your home.

Most programmable thermostats will give you the chance to schedule your days to control temperatures when you’re routinely there and away. Depending on the model you choose, you might be able to record one schedule, which you may end up overriding on the days you are home. Some models will allow you to program your weekdays on one schedule and your weekends on a different one. You’ll also want to look at the number of periods during each day you can set up. For instance, will you want the temperature in your house different when you sleep, when you wake up, when you’re at work and when you are home in the evening? Check that the thermostat you choose can meet your needs.

For some people, being able to arrange a regular schedule (or two) and override it when needed is all they need. But if you want added flexibility, it’s probably time to look into a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat lets you completely customize a heating and cooling schedule for each individual day of the week.

Not only are smart thermostats more flexible, but they’re also Wi-Fi enabled so you can regulate your home’s temperature regardless of where you are. Some selections of smart thermostats take innovation even further—these are called “learning thermostats.” Learning thermostats do everything a regular smart thermostat can do, but they can also learn from your behaviors and monitor your heating and cooling schedules based on the actual activity in your home. Some models don’t even need to be programmed—you just turn them on and they will figure everything out on their own after a short amount of time.

So, no matter what your heating and cooling needs are, Western Mechanical, Inc. will help you find the perfect thermostat for your home and budget. You’ll experience ultimate home comfort with potential energy savings. Call us at 435-753-5515 to find out more, or book an appointment with us online.