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. Just programming your thermostat for periods when you’re sleeping or gone can make a big impact without harming your comfort levels. Depending on which thermostat you select, you can do a whole lot more to make an even bigger impact.

At Olde Towne Heating & Air, we’ve got an array of programmable thermostats to meet your needs—from the most simple models to the most modern learning thermostats. How can you know what is best for your space? First, learn 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.

All programmable thermostats will allow you to schedule your days to control temperatures when you’re routinely there and away. Depending on the model you select, you could be able to enter one schedule, which you may end up overriding on the days you are home. Some models will permit you to program your weekdays on one schedule and your weekends on a separate schedule. You’ll also want to review the number of periods you can select each 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 choose can meet your needs.

For some individuals, 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 every weekday.

Flexibility isn’t the only benefit that smart thermostats provide, but they’re also Wi-Fi enabled so you can regulate your home’s temperature from anywhere. 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 give them time to figure everything out on their own over the span of a few days.

So, no matter what your heating and cooling wants are, Olde Towne Heating & Air will help you find the best thermostat for your home and budget. You’ll experience ultimate home comfort with potential energy savings. Contact us at 843-485-0967 to find out more, or book an appointment with us online.