Learning or smart thermostats offer the benefit of being programmable but don’t require you to program them. They learn as you use them and create a schedule based on your preferences. They can turn themselves down when you’re away, guide you to energy-efficient settings and provide monthly energy reports. These thermostats connect to your home Wi-Fi network and can be monitored, set, and managed over Wi-Fi from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Sensors can work with a smart thermostat to identify which rooms are cooler or warmer and adjust settings for you.
A programmable thermostat makes the most efficient use of your system by automatically adjusting the set temperature throughout the day. You let the thermostat know your preferred temperature at different times of the day and night, and then forget about it – the thermostat does the work.
A non-programmable thermostat with a digital read-out is the best choice for people who prefer manually-controlled settings with the convenience of an easy-to-read LCD display.
With a mechanical or manual thermostat, you control the temperature setting manually. These are best for people who are home often and prefer a fixed temperature.
