Three Common Thermostat Types and How They Work: Manual, Programmable, Smart

Different Thermostat Options

How much control a household has over its comfort and energy use depends heavily on which kind of thermostat is installed, because that device determines when the heating and air conditioning equipment runs. Choosing between the available options is easier once the differences are clear, and a professional thermostat installation confirms the model selected works with the existing system. This post looks at the different thermostat options, including manual, programmable, and smart thermostats.

Manual Thermostats

A manual thermostat, also called a non-programmable thermostat, controls the heating and air conditioning through direct input only. There are no automatic settings on a non-programmable or manual thermostat, so turning the cooling or heating on or off, or adjusting the temperature, has to be done by hand each time.

That makes a manual thermostat the simplest and least expensive option upfront, and it can suit a household where someone is home to make adjustments. The limitation is that the temperature stays where it was last set, so a system can keep running at a comfortable setting while a house sits empty. A manual thermostat is also the most common candidate for a thermostat replacement, since an upgrade adds scheduling the existing unit cannot provide. A non-programmable thermostat can still work well for households that keep the temperature at a steady setting year-round.

Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat is an upgrade over a manual model because it can act on a schedule. Custom settings can be created to automatically lower or raise the temperature at certain times of the day or on specific days, so the heating or cooling can ease off while everyone is out and return to a comfortable setting before anyone comes home.

Those automated schedules can provide greater comfort, since the temperature no longer depends on someone remembering to change it. A programmable thermostat can also help lower heating and cooling costs, because the equipment spends less time maintaining a temperature no one is there to feel. The upfront cost is higher than that of a manual model, though reduced energy use can return part of the difference over time. Models differ in how many separate schedules they allow, which is worth checking before a thermostat installation.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat, or Wi-Fi thermostat, has the most advanced features of the three options. Because it connects to the internet, the temperature and settings can be controlled via an app, allowing adjustments to be made from anywhere. That connection is the main practical difference a smart thermostat installation adds over a programmable model, and it means a schedule can be changed while traveling or when plans change during the day.

A smart thermostat can create custom settings and schedules in the same way a programmable thermostat does, and it includes additional advanced and energy-saving features on top of that, such as energy use reporting, adjustments based on whether anyone is home, alerts, and more. Those features are aimed at better comfort and greater savings on heating and cooling costs over time.

A smart thermostat is also the most expensive option upfront, but it can save energy and help further reduce utility bills. A professional can go over which of the three types is the best fit for a home and its equipment before a thermostat installation or replacement is scheduled.

About Davis Heating & Cooling

Davis Heating & Cooling is a family-owned heating and air conditioning company that has served Flemington and beyond. They offer factory-trained technicians, the latest technology, and a 10-year parts and labor warranty. Call for thermostat installation and replacement services in Flemington, NJ.

Contact Information:

Davis Heating & Cooling

105 Route 31 Bldg C
Flemington, NJ 08822
United States

Tom Davis
(908) 806-7419
https://www.davis-hvac.com/