If you’re looking to upgrade your home with the most energy efficient options, it’s time to consider the difference between using a smart thermostat and a programmable one. There are several advantages and disadvantages of each type of thermostat that should be taken into consideration before deciding on which is right for your home. In this blog post, we’ll compare smart thermostats against programmable ones based on features, performance, cost-effectiveness, and more! Weigh out all pros and cons before making a decision so you can save Energy costs while having ultimate control over your home’s temperature settings.

What is smart thermostat and what is programmable thermostat?

A smart thermostat is a device that allows users to control their home’s temperature remotely, often via an app on their smartphone or tablet. They are designed to automatically adjust the temperature in your home according to preset schedules, or even respond to changes in outdoor temperature and humidity. These devices can also be integrated with other home automation products like sensors, lighting controls and security systems.

A programmable thermostat is a more traditional model that requires manual programming of the desired settings for specific times of the day. This type of thermostat can be used to save money by setting different temperatures throughout the day when less people are at home and keeping it warmer during peak hours. It may require you to manually change settings as the seasons change, or when there are changes in your daily routine.

Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular and offer a variety of additional features that make them more convenient than programmable models. They can learn to adjust the temperature based on your habits and preferences, and some even come with voice-activation capabilities. Smart thermostats can also be integrated with other home automation products to further optimize energy savings.

Both types of thermostats have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your lifestyle and needs. While smart thermostats may require a larger upfront cost for installation, they do offer more convenience, greater control over temperature settings, as well as potentially bigger long-term energy savings.

Key differences between smart thermostat and programmable thermostat

1. Smart thermostats are connected to the internet, allowing users to control their home’s temperature from anywhere. This makes it easier for people to adjust the temperature in their homes even when they are away or out of town. Programmable thermostats require manual adjustments and can’t be controlled remotely.
2. Smart thermostats use sensors and algorithms to monitor your home’s environment and adjust temperatures accordingly. Meanwhile, programmable thermostats require you to set a schedule for when the heat or air conditioning should turn on and off.
3. Smart thermostats offer more features than programmable thermostats, such as energy tracking, reminders when filters need changing, automated scheduling based on weather forecasts, and compatibility with other smart home products. Programmable thermostats are more basic, typically offering just a few basic settings.
4. Smart thermostats are often more expensive than programmable models, although prices have dropped dramatically in recent years. For those looking for an easy way to save energy and money on their heating and cooling bills, investing in a smart thermostat may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive option that still provides some temperature control, a programmable thermostat might be the better choice.
5. Smart thermostats come with sophisticated software that allows users to customize settings based on their needs and preferences, such as creating energy-saving geofencing rules or setting different temperatures for different times of the day. Programmable thermostats come with basic features that allow users to set different temperatures for certain days of the week or at certain times of the day, but they don’t have nearly as much flexibility as smart thermostats.
6. Smart thermostats are designed to learn a homeowner’s schedule and habits over time, allowing them to adjust temperature settings automatically without any additional input. Programmable thermostats require manual adjustments and don’t adapt to changes in user behavior or schedules on their own.

Pros of smart thermostat over programmable thermostat

1. Smart thermostats are more convenient than programmable ones. Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature in your home from anywhere, even when you are away. This means that you can change the temperature while commuting or on vacation without having to worry about turning the heat back up when you arrive home.
2. Smart thermostats also learn from your usage patterns and can adjust temperatures automatically for maximum energy efficiency and cost savings. They will be able to detect how often a room is used and what temperatures are comfortable for it – meaning no more wasted energy due to incorrect settings.
3. Smart thermostats come with additional features like tracking your energy usage so that you get an idea of where your money goes each month, setting reminders for filter changes, and providing temperature notifications. This means that you can stay on top of your energy costs without having to constantly check and adjust the settings yourself.
4. Smart thermostats are more aesthetically pleasing than programmable ones, with sleek designs and touchscreens. They come in a variety of colors, allowing you to customize the look of your home heating system.
5. Smart thermostats are much more user-friendly than programmable models, with easy-to-follow instructions and intuitive interface designs that make it easy to use them without any prior knowledge or experience with heating systems. With all these advantages, it’s no wonder why smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular!

Cons of smart thermostat compared to programmable thermostat

1. Smart thermostats can be more expensive compared to a programmable thermostat, making it a less attractive option for those on a budget.
2. Smart thermostats require internet access, which may not be possible in certain locations or homes depending on your wireless network.
3. Smart thermostats may also require additional wiring and extra installation steps to connect with compatible systems or devices, which can add to the cost of ownership.
4. Unlike programmable models, smart thermostats are less customizable without professional help as they feature limited programming options by default.
5. Smart thermostats usually do not offer manual override functionality that allows you to easily change the temperature directly from the unit itself when needed.6. Some users report issues with connectivity or other technical issues when using a smart thermostat, making them more difficult to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.
6. Smart thermostats may also require additional maintenance or updates from time to time, which adds an extra layer of complexity to ownership.
7. Some users have reported privacy concerns that come with the use of a smart thermostat as it collects and stores information about your home’s temperature settings and schedules.

Pros of programmable thermostat over smart thermostat

1. Cost: Programmable thermostats are often cheaper than smart thermostats. As such, they provide a great value for those on a budget.
2. Simplicity: Programmable thermostats have straightforward controls that allow users to easily program their desired temperature settings.
3. Accuracy: Because programmable thermostats do not require an internet connection or other additional hardware, the temperature setting accuracy is much higher when compared to smart thermostats.
4. Traditional Functionality: For some people, having the traditional look and feel of a non-digital device may be preferable to the sleek and modern design of a smart thermostat.
5. Compatibility: Since programmable thermostats are designed to work with a variety of heating and cooling systems, they may be a better option for those with an older or non-standard heating and cooling system.
6. Universal Settings: Since programmable thermostats are set to the same settings each day, users don’t need to constantly adjust their settings when their daily routine changes. This can be beneficial for busy families who may have different schedules from one day to the next.
7. Environmental Friendly: Programmable thermostats can help reduce energy use by setting temperatures back automatically when no one is home and restoring comfortable temperatures before someone returns home. This helps conserve energy and reduces utility bills while keeping homes comfortable at all times.

Cons of programmable thermostat compared to smart thermostat

1. The main disadvantage of programmable thermostats is that they are limited in their capabilities. They can only be programmed to a certain schedule, meaning you cannot make changes when the need arises.
2. Programmable thermostats lack the convenience and flexibility offered by smart thermostats, as they cannot be controlled remotely or accessed via an app on your smartphone or tablet.
3. The energy-saving features available with many smart thermostats (such as geofencing, which turns down the temperature when you’re away from home) are not available with programmable models.
4. Programmable thermostats require user input to set up and maintain schedules, making them less user friendly than their smarter counterparts.

Overall, programmable thermostats are simpler and less expensive than smart thermostats, but lack the bells and whistles that come with a smart device. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use option that won’t break the bank, a programmable thermostat may be right for you. However, if you value convenience and energy savings, then a smart thermostat is likely your better choice.

Situations when smart thermostat is better than programmable thermostat

1. When you are away from home for long periods of time, a smart thermostat can detect when no one is home and automatically adjust the temperature accordingly. This helps to conserve energy and save money on heating and cooling costs.
2. Smart thermostats can also be programmed with your lifestyle habits so that they learn your preferences over time and make adjustments as needed. This means that you don’t have to manually adjust settings in order to stay comfortable while saving energy.
3. A smart thermostat can also connect to other devices in the home such as lights, fans, humidifiers and air conditioning units, giving you more control over the climate in your home. With this increased control, you can ensure that your house stays at the perfect temperature throughout the year.
4. Smart thermostats can also be controlled remotely, so you can make temperature adjustments from anywhere – even when you’re away on vacation. This is incredibly convenient and makes it easy to stay comfortable no matter where you are.
5. A smart thermostat can send notifications when it detects potential problems in your home, such as high humidity levels or a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. This ensures that any issues are addressed quickly and prevents further damage from occurring to your home and HVAC system. Overall, if convenience and energy efficiency are important factors for you when choosing a thermostat, then a smart thermostat is definitely the better choice over a programmable model.

Situations when programmable thermostat is better than smart thermostat

1. Programmable thermostats are more affordable than smart thermostats. While the initial cost of a smart thermostat can be expensive, a programmable thermostat is much less costly.
2. Programmable thermostats may be easier to use than smart thermostats for those who don’t want or need the advanced features that come with a connected device.
3. Programmable models may work better for homes with limited access to Wi-Fi and Internet connections.
4. Programmable models allow homeowners to customize their own settings, which gives them complete control over their HVAC system’s performance and energy efficiency.
5. Smart devices need regular updates in order to keep functioning properly, while programmable models do not require the same level of maintenance.
6. Smart thermostats may not be compatible with all HVAC systems and require additional installation costs, while programmable models are more universally compatible.
7. Programmable thermostats can still offer the convenience of preset temperatures and time-based settings without having to pay for a smart device.
8. Homes with multiple occupancy schedules will benefit more from a programmable model than a smart device, as each individual in the household can easily customize their own settings without disrupting anyone else’s preferences.
9. As technology advances, so do the capabilities of both types of thermostats, but if you don’t need or want the latest features that come with connected devices, a programmable model may be the right choice.

Smart Thermostat vs Programmable Thermostat Summary

All things considered, programmable thermostats and smart thermostats both have their own advantages and disadvantages. It really depends on your specific needs as to which type of thermostat will be the best fit for you. If you have any questions or need help making a decision, leave a comment below and we’ll be happy to answer.