Is a Programmable Thermostat a Good Investment? 

As advances in technology revolutionize indoor heating systems around the world, you might be wondering if programmable thermostats are really worth it? Does a smart thermostat actually save you money? Is it worth the time and effort to replace your current thermostat if everything seems to be working fine? 

With proper installation, set-up and use, a programmable or smart thermostat can certainly save you money. Whether or not it’s the right decision for you depends on the details of your home and your comfort preferences. Read on to find out more about the types of thermostats available and make an informed decision about what’s best for you! 

The Difference Between a Manual and Programmable Thermostat 

A traditional, manual thermostat is designed to ensure the room temperature in your home matches the desired temperature set on the thermostat. Monitoring the surrounding temperatures, it switches your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system on and off accordingly. A manual thermostat will keep the room the same temperature until it’s manually changed by the homeowner. 

In recent years, programmable thermostats have been introduced as cost and energy savings tools to help homeowners save energy, live comfortably, and help the environment. A programmable thermostat can be set to adjust the temperature at different times of day. For example, keeping the house at a cooler temperature while you sleep or while you’re out during the day. 

Programmable thermostats have now evolved into Wi-Fi enabled, smart thermostats that automatically adapt to your heating and cooling behaviours. A smart thermostat lets you control your home heating system remotely, provides energy reports in real time, and can even let you know if your air filters need replacing. 

To make an informed decision, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of each type of thermostat: manual, programmable, and smart. 

Manual Thermostats

Although they are being phased out by their more energy efficient and programmable counterparts, manual thermostats are simple, consistent, and often outlast some of the newer, more technical systems. If you like familiarity and comfort, and keep the indoor temperature of your home consistent most of the time, this may be the best option. Manual thermostats also have lower initial and installation costs. 

Things to Consider

Although a manual thermostat may cost less initially, sometimes, they are less precise with temperature accuracy, which can lead to higher energy usage and higher costs. Also, any adjustments in temperature will need to be made manually, meaning you have to remember to do it yourself every time, whereas a programmable thermostat will take care of those adjustments for you. 

Programmable Thermostats 

With a programmable thermostat, you can set your temperature preferences for each day of the week, and it will independently adjust to your comfort levels and settings. With multiple programming options, it saves you from having to manually adjust the temperature for varying conditions.

In terms of ratios, for every one degree you turn down your thermostat, you will use 1% less energy. Programming your thermostat to a slightly lower temperature while you’re sleeping or away from home can mean up to $100 or $200 saved every year. Customizable and adaptable, a programmable thermostat will accommodate your needs and keep a consistent, comfortable temperature in your home. 

Things to Consider

To maximize the potential savings with a programmable thermostat, it needs to be installed, set up, and programmed correctly. If you’re not tech savvy, consult your owner’s manual, or give us a call at Ashton, as we’d love to help you out! A programmable thermostat will be a higher upfront cost; however, you will easily earn this money back in energy savings if everything is set up the right way.

It’s also important to ensure the thermostat you choose is compatible with your heating system. At Ashton, our professionals are equipped with the tools, skills, and knowledge to help you find a compatible system and have it accurately installed in your home. 

Smart Thermostats 

The most evolved, innovative, and efficient thermostats available today are smart thermostats. Beyond letting you use a pre-set schedule to control the temperature settings throughout the day, a smart thermostat allows you track your energy use in real time, adjust the temperature from anywhere, and will automatically adapt to changes in your home environment. Since they run on Wi-Fi and are compatible with mobile phones, you can check in and make adjustments from anywhere, anytime. 

Things to Consider

Smart thermostats are available in various designs and models, and it’s important to choose one that’s compatible with your heating system and right for your needs. If you already have a programmable thermostat in your home, a smart thermostat may not be necessary. 

Although a smart thermostat is a great option for maintaining a comfortable environment with very little effort, it’s important to speak with a professional to make a decision that’s right for you. The amount of savings you’ll see depends on which smart thermostat you choose, how well insulated your home is, the type of heating system you have, and whether or not you can effectively take advantage of the features offered. 

Make an Informed Choice That’s Right for You
If you’re ready for an upgrade, give us a call! At Ashton, our certified technicians will assess your needs, ensure seamless installation, and walk you through exactly how to set up and use the features of your new thermostat system. Still have questions? Visit our website for all your thermostat repair needs.