Smart Thermostats vs Programmable Thermostats: What You Need to Know

Is your home outfitted with an “old-school” dial thermostat? If so, then you, unfortunately, don’t have the ability to set heating and cooling schedules in your home, let alone control your air conditioner and furnace remotely. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat could help to improve energy efficiency, keep your home more comfortable year-round, and pay for itself over time in energy savings.

Not sure whether a programmable or smart thermostat is right for you? There are a few things to consider.

Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat is the next step up from your current dial thermostat; it has energy-saving features that allows you to set heating and cooling schedules for each day of the week. For example, if you know you’re away from home from 9 AM until 5 PM on Monday through Friday, you can set your home’s temperature to be a few degrees warmer or cooler during this time to save energy. And with proper scheduling, your home can still be your ideal, comfortable temperature by the time you get home each day.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat takes things a step further. In addition to being able to set heating/cooling schedules and having all the features of a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat is able to be controlled from your smartphone or other devices (such as a tablet) through your home’s Wi-Fi connection. This means you can check on the temperature of your home while you’re away (such as while at work or on vacation), and even increase or decrease the temperature as needed. Many smart thermostats also allow you to view your home’s indoor air humidity levels and other stats in real-time.

Which is Right For You?

The decision as to which type of thermostat is right for you will vary depending on your needs and budget. A smart thermostat generally costs more than a programmable thermostat due to its Wi-Fi capabilities and added features, so if cost is a concern, then a programmable thermostat will do just fine. On the other hand, if you want to be able to maximize your energy savings and are looking to gradually automate your home, it may be worth spending a little bit extra on a smart thermostat.

Thermostat Installation in Harrisburg, NC

Whether you’re looking to have a new thermostat installed or are in need of HVAC service, All Temp Co., Inc. is here to serve Harrisburg and the greater Charlotte area. Give us a call at to schedule a service call today.