Smart vs Programmable Thermostat

What Every Homeowner Should Know to Save Money with Home Automation.

These days, technology is making everything "smarter," and home automation systems are no exception.  We've seen the rise of smart plugs, smart lights, and even automated smart home security systems.  These smart devices all share a common thread: they allow us to operate our homes more efficiently.  The result? Energy savings and increased control over our environment.

Installing smart devices isn't just about convenience; it can give you immediate financial benefits through reduced energy usage.  The cost savings act as a strong incentive to upgrade as early as possible.  One of the most impactful smart devices you can consider is your thermostat. A smart thermostat goes beyond simply maintaining a comfortable temperature – it will help you minimize costs while keeping your home feeling just right.

Differences Between Smart and Programmable Thermostats

Programmable Thermostat

A manual thermostat never seemed like a big deal in the past. When you were cold, you turned it up. Simple, right? It certainly solved the problem in the short term. However, by failing to turn it back down it created another problem. It used energy when it wasn’t needed. Money is often wasted by heating an entire house during the night or when no one is home.

Programmable models took the next step in making heating and cooling more efficient. It was a good feeling to be able to set the time when the heater kicked in each day. It felt even better to adjust the settings for times when you knew that you weren’t going to be around.

These days, we demand more out of our home automation systems, which should include a smart thermostat. We want each room to be at the right temperature without paying any more than is needed on our utility bills. Being” smart”means that the thermostat learns your behaviors over time. This has incredible benefits, such as the ability to:

• Connect to WiFi and allow you to remotely control the temperature of your home with your remote or smartphone.

• Sense when you’re there or not and automatically adjust the temperature.

• Incorporate the weather to ensure your home reaches your ideal temperature as efficiently as possible.

• Provide information on your energy use.

Think of a programmable thermostat like a timer for your comfort.  Just like you set an alarm to wake up, you can program different temperature settings throughout the day and week.

Weekday mornings: Cooler setting while you're getting ready for work.

Workday hours: Adjust the temperature down a bit to save energy when nobody's home.

Evenings: Warm things back up for a comfortable return.

Weekends: Set a different schedule that reflects your relaxed routine.

Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are like learning companions for your climate needs.

• No more manual scheduling headaches: Smart thermostats observe your preferences and build a personalized temperature program that keeps you comfortable.|
  
  

• Remote control at your fingertips: Gone are the days of worrying about a forgotten AC. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can adjust the temperature from anywhere using your phone, so you can come home to a perfectly pre-cooled (or pre-warmed) haven even if you're miles away.

• Smart anticipation for ultimate comfort: Imagine a thermostat that knows when you're on your way home thanks to geo-fencing. It can automatically adjust the temperature for a smooth transition from the outdoors to your ideal indoor climate.

With a smart thermostat, you gain ultimate control over your  comfort and potentially save money on energy bills through its intelligent adjustments.

How Do Smart Thermostats Save Money?

Imagine a device that seamlessly blends comfort and cost-savings in your home's climate control. That's the magic of a smart thermostat. Unlike its programmable cousin, a smart thermostat goes beyond simply following a schedule. It acts like a learning chameleon, constantly adapting to your needs and the environment to optimize energy efficiency.

Here's how these clever devices translate to real savings on your energy bill:

Automatic Adjustment Champions:  Smart thermostats are champions of automatic adjustment. They don't rely on a rigid schedule you might forget to update. Instead, they learn your routines and preferences, observing when you use heating and cooling the most. This allows them to subtly adjust temperatures throughout the day, keeping you comfortable without excessive energy use. Think of it like a whisper instead of a shout — small adjustments that make a big difference.

Empty House Advantage:  Let's face it, we don't always remember to adjust the thermostat when we leave the house. Smart thermostats come to the rescue with occupancy sensors that detect if someone's home. When the house is vacant, they automatically shift to a more energy-efficient setting. This eliminates the unnecessary heating or cooling of an empty space, saving you money that would have otherwise gone toward maintaining an unused temperature.

Weather Whisperers:  Some smart thermostats are like weather whisperers. They not only learn your habits but also integrate with weather forecasts. By considering the outside temperature and humidity, they can pre-heat or cool your home in anticipation of extreme weather. This reduces the strain on your HVAC system, preventing it from working overtime and lowering your energy consumption.

Data Detectives:  Many smart thermostats are like data detectives, tracking your energy usage and providing reports. This transparency allows you to see how your habits and settings impact your energy costs. With this knowledge, you can make informed adjustments to your temperature settings or routines, leading to even greater savings.

The beauty of a smart thermostat lies in its ability to seamlessly learn and adapt.  It takes the guesswork out of energy-efficient climate control, saving you money without compromising on comfort. So ditch the rigid schedules and embrace the learning chameleon approach to a more comfortable and cost-effective home environment.

As it learns your patterns, a smart thermostat does more for less. It takes into account the outside temperature, season, and time of day. Then, it responds to control the temperature inside depending on whether you are home or away. A smart heating and cooling system quickly goes far beyond what you could predict on your own. It’s easy to see how a smart thermostat can save you hundreds of dollars each year.

Do Smart Thermostats Work for Everyone?

Smart thermostats are a perfect fit for those seeking both comfort and convenience.  If you're tech-savvy and appreciate the ability to control your home's temperature from anywhere, a smart thermostat is a great choice. Busy schedules benefit from remote adjustments that prevent wasted energy, while cost-conscious homeowners concerned with energy bills can find significant savings through features like occupancy sensors and learning capabilities.  

However, if you're on a tight budget or lack technical knowledge, a programmable thermostat might be a better option. Renters with limited control over HVAC systems or those who simply prefer a more basic approach may not need the extra features of a smart model.

The Control4 Wireless Smart Thermostat

If you’re looking for the smartest device to regulate your temperature, look no further. The Control4 Wireless Smart Thermostat is the solution that saves you the most energy and money. 

What makes it ideal is that it is compatible with all modern HVAC systems. Whether you have forced air, geothermal, dual fuel and humidity control systems, you can install it quickly and easily. There is no need for any expensive or complicated upgrades. It is truly an asset that pays for itself.

Is a smart thermostat right for you?

Smart thermostats are ideal for tech-savvy homeowners who value convenience and cost-savings.

Ready to experience the future of home comfort? Give Sphere Audio Video a call today at 205.777.5626.