Having air conditioning and heating inside your home is one of those things that are often taken for granted, but that in the big scheme of things, they do so much to make life much more pleasant. Even in milder climates, such as Florida, we do get a wide range of weather — from close to 100 degrees in the summer, to chilly 30s and 40s during the winter. No matter which way you slice it, it feels good to be able to adjust the environment indoors. But, with so many options available in the market, how do you know what’s best for you and your family? What’s the difference between a programmable and a smart thermostat? And are they worth it?
Manual Thermostats
Manual thermostats are the basic ones most people in the developed world grew up with — the kind you adjust yourself, straight from the unit screwed to the wall. It’s the source of thermostat wars in homes all over the country. While useful, they do require you to go back and forth to reprogram it at different times of the day — when you’re going to leave home for work, when you return, when you go to bed, or when you’re going on vacation.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are a superior alternative to manual thermostats. This is due to several reasons:
Lower energy bills. Adjusting the temperature between 7 to 10 degrees on a daily basis when you’re away at work, on vacation, or sleeping, translates to saving up to 10% on your regular monthly utility bills.
Schedule temperature settings only once. Most people already have a full plate in the mornings — working out, getting ready to work, getting kids ready for school, packing lunches, or [insert your own morning routine]. Readjusting the temperature on the thermostat is likely to fall through the cracks. However, a programmable thermostat only requires that you preset it once — one temperature when you’re at home, a different one when you’re away — and maybe even switch it between weekdays and weekends. Set it once, and you’re done.
It makes your home more comfortable. Even if you always remember to reset the thermostat when you leave and return home, once you readjust it, you have to wait a while for your home to reach the desired temperature. A programmable thermostat starts readjusting before you arrive home, so by the time you walk through the front door, the indoor climate is already at your desired setting.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats up the ante of programmable thermostats by offering additional technology options. These features include:
Control settings remotely. Once you install a smart thermostat, download the manufacturer’s app to your phone or tablet, and control the settings from any location around the world. This makes things easier for whenever you have a change of plans — a meeting that’s running late, a delayed flight, or a last-minute decision to extend a vacation.
Motion sensors. Smart thermostats have motion sensors and will adjust the temperature up or down depending on what the circumstances require — whether there’s a get-together or party at your home, or your home is suddenly empty. Another benefit of having sensors is that the thermostat will regulate temperature depending on which rooms in your home are occupied.
It’s a virtual assistant. Some of the higher-end models have voice recognition that allows you to give voice commands to control settings. Some of them also have an indicator light that notifies you when it’s time to change the air filter.
Both programmable and smart thermostats make life easier and may result in more energy efficiency and lower energy bills. If you have a regular schedule and are happy with the basics, a programmable thermostat is a practical option. However, if your schedule varies from day to day, you have to travel a lot for work, or if you prefer the convenience of controlling your home’s climate from any location, a smart thermostat is the better option.
AC Service in Brevard County
At Colman Air, we understand that sometimes, AC issues happen during the most inconvenient times. This is why we have a 24/7 AC emergency line. Call us if you need assistance ASAP, or to schedule routine HVAC maintenance.
24-HR Emergency Service: (321) 269-4565
