If you're on the market for a new thermostat, you're likely considering what kind of thermostat is best for your home, and whether the extra features are worth the cost. With over 20 years of experience in HVAC installation and repair, we have extensive experience with a variety of HVAC accessories, so we're here to make your search a bit easier.
Programmable vs non-programmable thermostats
The cost of a programmable thermostat is slightly higher than that of non-programmable models. Programmable thermostats can cost more, but they have the potential to save you some serious money. The secret to success is the way in which you use them. When used correctly, the EPA touts programmable thermostats as saving homeowners between 10-30% on heating and cooling bills.
WiFi/Smart Thermostats
With WiFi thermostats, you can monitor and control the thermostat using a smartphone, tablet or computer and the thermostat app. If you have a predictable schedule, you may not need to adjust your home's temperature while you are away to save hours of energy. But if your schedule varies, adjusting your thermostat remotely can add up to major savings. Some smart thermostats even have geofencing. If you choose this feature, an app on your phone will adjust your HVAC system automatically to an away setting when you leave the neighborhood boundaries you have inputted, and it will return to your preferred settings by the time you get back. With a smart thermostat, you can save money on heating and cooling overall while still walking into a comfortable home every time.
Touch Screen Thermostats
Models with WiFi capabilities show both indoor and outdoor temperature, as well as a forecast for the next four to seven days. The downside is that they tend to be the priciest thermostats available, especially when WiFi-enabled.
However, simple touchscreen thermostats without WiFi cost about the same as push-button models. Depending on your needs, a touch screen thermostat can provide you with some top-of-the-line additional features at a reasonable price.
Zone Thermostats
With a zoned HVAC system, you can adjust the temperature accordingly for different areas of your home. For instance, you can direct more heat to bedrooms for long winter nights or keep living areas cool during summer days, allowing heat to rise in certain zones when they are not in use. A series of dampers in the ductwork allow zoned HVAC systems to control the flow of heated and cooled air.
If you have a zoned HVAC system, you will definitely need a zone thermostat. But either way, if you use zoning to lower energy consumption in rooms that aren't being used, zone thermostats will be more than worth it.
Your comfort at home is our priority. Reach out to one of our certified HVAC professionals at Shumate to make your dream HVAC project into a reality!