No matter what type of heating or air conditioning system you have, a critical part of the system is the thermostat. Depending on what type of thermostat you have, your system may operate more or less efficiently and bring you more or less comfort. Because of this, it’s important to choose a new thermostat carefully.
While you have many options for thermostats nowadays (literally hundreds), you can break down these options into three categories: non-programmable, programmable, and smart (also known as WiFi-enabled).
How can you determine which type of thermostat is right for your home? All you have to do is take into account a few factors. And our HVAC technicians in Burlington, WI, are here to guide you through each of these key factors.
The Three Main Types of Home Thermostats
Manual (or Non-Programmable) Thermostats
This is the most basic type of thermostat. It’s the classic “set it and forget it” model… until you get too hot or too cold, and then you have to get up and change the temperature again.
While these thermostats are easy to use (with a sliding lever for heat/off/cool and fan on/off options and up/down buttons for temperature control) and reliably keep your home at the right temperature, they are not the most efficient option. This means that when it’s time to leave the house or go to sleep, you have to remember to adjust the thermostat manually. Otherwise, you could end up heating or cooling spaces that don’t need it!
Benefits of Manual Thermostats
- Simplicity and Ease of Use: If you can push a button or slide a lever, you can operate a manual thermostat. They don’t require a complex setup or programming, which makes them an excellent choice for individuals who are not tech-savvy or prefer straightforward, no-fuss technology. These manual thermostats are also best for heating or cooling a space that just requires a single set point (such as a garage or work shed).
- Lowest Upfront Cost: Manual thermostats are by far the most affordable option on the market. If you’re on a tight budget or need a quick, inexpensive replacement, a manual thermostat will get the job done without breaking the bank.
- Reliability: With fewer complex components, there’s less that can go wrong. These thermostats are built to last and perform their one core function reliably for years.
Drawbacks to Manual Thermostats
- No Energy Savings Potential (Unless You’re Diligent): The biggest downside is the lack of automation. If you forget to turn down the heat before you leave for work or neglect to adjust the AC before bed, you’ll end up wasting energy and money.
- Inconsistent Comfort: Your comfort is directly tied to your manual adjustments. This can lead to periods of feeling too hot or too cold as you wait for the system to catch up after you’ve changed the setting. You might even come home to a freezing house in the winter or walk into a stuffy home in the summer.
- Lack of Features: What you see is what you get. There are no advanced features like remote control, vacation modes, or filter change reminders. These thermostats also do not control auxiliary system components (such as a humidifier, dehumidifier, or ventilation system).
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are a major step up from manual models. They allow you to create a heating and cooling schedule based on your daily routines and then automatically adjust the temperature at different times of the day.
Benefits of Programmable Thermostats
- Significant Energy Savings: By automatically lowering the temperature when you’re away or asleep, a programmable thermostat can save you a substantial amount on your heating and cooling bills.
- Consistent Comfort: Another major benefit of a programmable thermostat for a heating or air conditioning system is that you can program the device to start warming up or cooling down your home before you wake up or before you arrive home from work. This means you can enjoy a consistently comfortable environment without having to think about it.
- Cost-Effective: They are more expensive than manual models but significantly more affordable than most smart thermostats, offering a great balance of features and value.
- Compatible With Other Systems: Many of these system controls can work with zoned HVAC systems for further efficiency and more accurate comfort control. Others can even be paired with humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilation components.
Drawbacks of Programmable Thermostats
- Can Be Complicated to Program: For some, programming the schedule can be confusing and tedious. If the interface isn’t user-friendly, many people give up and use it like a manual thermostat.
- Rigid Schedules: Your life isn’t always predictable. If your schedule changes — you come home early, leave unexpectedly, or go on vacation — the thermostat will stick to its pre-programmed schedule unless you manually override it.
Smart (Wi-Fi Enabled) Home Thermostats
The newest and most advanced type of home thermostat connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network. This connectivity unlocks a world of features, including remote control via your smartphone, learning algorithms, energy usage reports, and integration with other smart home devices.
Benefits of Smart Thermostats
- Greater Comfort: Many high-end smart thermostats track your adjustments over the first few weeks and begin to build a schedule automatically based on your habits. They can also use geofencing to detect when you’ve left the house and when you’re on your way home, adjusting the temperature accordingly.
- Maximum Energy Efficiency: Between learning algorithms, geofencing, and detailed energy reports that help you make smarter choices, these thermostats offer the greatest potential for energy savings. Many manufacturers claim savings of up to 20% or more on heating and cooling costs.
- Unmatched Convenience: Adjusting the temperature from your couch, your bed, or from halfway across the world is a game-changer. Voice control adds another layer of hands-free convenience.
- Smart Features: They can provide reminders for changing your air filter, alert you to potential HVAC system issues, and integrate with other smart home devices to create a more connected and automated home.
Drawbacks of Smart Thermostats
- High Upfront Cost: Smart thermostats are the most expensive type of home thermostat by a significant margin.
- Requires Wi-Fi: Their best features are dependent on a stable internet connection. If your Wi-Fi goes down, you lose remote access and other smart capabilities.
- Potential Learning Curve: While designed to be user-friendly, setting up the app, connecting to Wi-Fi, and learning all the features can take some time.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Thermostat
Now that you know the main types of thermostats, how do you decide which is right for you? Here are a few key factors to weigh:
- Your Lifestyle: Is your daily schedule consistent, or does it change frequently? If you have a predictable 9-to-5 routine, a programmable thermostat might be all you need. If your schedule is erratic, or you travel often, the geofencing and remote access of a smart thermostat would be incredibly valuable.
- Your Budget: Consider both the upfront cost and the long-term savings. A manual thermostat is cheap, but it could cost you more in the long run on your energy bills. A smart thermostat is a bigger investment, but the energy savings can deliver a great return over time.
- Your HVAC System: Not all thermostats are compatible with all HVAC systems. Do you have a heat pump, a multi-stage furnace, or separate heating and cooling systems? Do you have accessories like a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier? You need a thermostat that can control all your equipment properly.
- Your Comfort With Technology: Be honest about your tech-savviness. If you love gadgets and apps, a smart thermostat will be a fun and powerful tool. If you prefer simplicity and get frustrated by complex menus, a straightforward programmable or even a manual model might be a better, less stressful choice.
Different Types of Thermostats at a Glance
| Manual Thermostat | Programmable Thermostat | Smart Thermostat | |
| Upfront Cost | Very Low ($) | Low to Moderate ($$) | High ($$$) |
| Energy Savings | Low | Good | Excellent |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Can Be Complex to Program | Easy (App-Based) |
| Convenience | Low | Medium | Very High |
| Best For… | Those on a tight budget or who prefer simplicity. | People with a consistent, predictable daily schedule. | Tech-savvy users, those with irregular schedules, or anyone wanting maximum savings. |
Find Your Perfect Thermostat With H.J. Faust, Inc.
When it’s time to upgrade your home’s thermostat, you need to do more than just pick the first model you come across. To truly unlock your home’s potential for comfort and savings, you need a thermostat that is perfectly matched to your home’s unique HVAC system and installed correctly. This is where working with a professional HVAC technician can make all the difference. And for homeowners in Burlington, WI, and the surrounding areas, there’s no better partner than H.J. Faust, Inc.
Our experienced technicians will assess your existing HVAC equipment to determine which thermostats will give you the best performance and then help you navigate the options and choose the right system. Once you’ve made your choice, we will handle the installation from start to finish.
So, optimize your home’s comfort and save big by scheduling a thermostat installation service with H.J. Faust today!
