How Learning Thermostats are Different from Programmable Thermostats

December 04, 2018

Your thermostat is a big part of how much you are spending on energy costs. Just programming your thermostat for stretches when you’re sleeping or gone can make a large impact without having a negative affect on your comfort levels. Depending on the model of your thermostat, you might benefit from a lot of additional features.

At Knoechel Heating Company, we’ve got an array of programmable thermostats to meet your needs—from the most basic models to the newest learning thermostats. How will you know what is best for your space? First, research the difference between basic programmable thermostats and advanced learning models. Either of these can help you save energy and money, but you’ll need to decide which features are most important to your home.

Most programmable thermostats will give you the chance to schedule your days to control temperatures when you’re routinely there and away. Depending on the model you pick, you might be able to enter one schedule, which you may end up overriding on the days you are home. Some models will allow you to program your weekdays on one schedule and your weekends on another. You’ll also want to check the number of periods you can select each day. For instance, will you want the temps different when you sleep, when you wake up, when you’re at work and when you are home in the evening? Confirm that the thermostat you select can meet your needs.

For some individuals, being able to set a regular schedule (or two) and override it when needed is enough. But if you want additional flexibility, it’s probably time to consider a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat allows you to completely customize a heating and cooling schedule for every day of the week.

Smart thermostats don’t just add more flexibility, but they’re also Wi-Fi enabled so you can control your home’s temperature from anywhere. Some selections of smart thermostats take innovation even further—these are called “learning thermostats.” Learning thermostats do everything a regular smart thermostat can do, but they can also learn from your behaviors and adapt your heating and cooling schedules based on the actual activity in your home. Some models don’t even need to be programmed—you just turn them on and give them time to figure everything out on their own over the span of a few days.

So, no matter what your heating and cooling desires are, Knoechel Heating Company will help you find the most appropriate thermostat for your home and budget. You’ll end up with ultimate home comfort with potential energy savings. Contact us at 724-425-5852 to learn more, or book an appointment with us online.