How Learning Thermostats are Different from Programmable Thermostats

December 04, 2018

Your thermostat is a big part of how much your energy bills are every month. Simply programming your thermostat for times when you’re sleeping or not at home can make a big impact without having a negative affect on your comfort levels. Depending on which thermostat you select, you may be able to do even more.

At TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we’ve got an array of programmable thermostats to meet your needs—from the most uncomplicated models to the newest learning thermostats. How will you know what you need in your home? First, take the time to understand the difference between basic programmable thermostats and advanced learning models. Either of these can help you save energy and money, but you’ll want to determine which features are most important to you.

All programmable thermostats will let you schedule your days to control temperatures when you’re typically there and not at home. Depending on the model you pick, you may be able to record one schedule, which you may end up overriding on weekends or other days you’re home. Some models will let you program your weekdays on one schedule and your weekends on a different one. You’ll also want to review the number of periods you can set up during the day. For instance, will you want the temperature setting different when you sleep, when you wake up, when you’re at work and when you are home in the evening? Be sure the thermostat you pick can accommodate your needs.

For some homeowners, being able to set a regular schedule (or two) and override it when needed is plenty. But if you want additional flexibility, it’s probably time to consider a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat will let you completely customize a heating and cooling schedule for each individual day of the week.

Smart thermostats don’t just add more flexibility, but they’re also Wi-Fi enabled so you can regulate your home’s temperature regardless of where you are. Some types 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 adjust your heating and cooling schedules based on your household’s activity throughout the day. Some models don’t even need to be programmed—you just turn them on and give them time to figure everything out on their own after a short amount of time.

So, no matter what your heating and cooling desires are, TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical will help you find the best thermostat for your home and budget. You’ll experience ultimate home comfort with potential energy savings. Call us at 847-362-0262 to learn more, or arrange an appointment with us online.