How to properly compare different digital thermostat models

Mechanical thermostats are a thing of the past. There are many types of types of thermostats available on the market right now that will save you a lot more money - all of which fall under digital thermostats.

The very best one you can get is a smart thermostat, but even a non-connected, programmable thermostat would go a long way in energy savings.

However, people have been struggling with these products for years and they’ve gotten the reputation that they’re too difficult to operate.

In a recent study by Energy Star, it even shows that around 40% of home owners don’t use the features of their digital thermostat, which defeats the purpose of owning one.

Thankfully, with recent strides in home tech, thermostats have gotten a lot more uncomplicated. Take the smart thermostat for example.

It has simple controls, which make programming exponentially easier. It also takes advantage of connectivity by allowing you to access it through an app - meaning, you could easily hook it up to your home Wi-Fi.

The best part about digital thermostats is their accuracy. Back then, mechanical thermostats were never able to keep rooms in the temperature you set them in.

Nowadays, digital thermostats can take care of that without a hitch. But how do you weigh different models of digital thermostats?

To figure that out, we have to explore what kind of digital thermostats there are and how they function. Once you know these, you can then check the models that you’re interested in if they have the features that you want.

Smart thermostats

This kind will allow you to control the temperature of your home using your smartphone, laptop or PC setup.

Some of these even allow you to set up sensors all over your home to monitor the temperature of specific areas to balance cooling or heating.

The very best ones keep track of your preferences and habits and adjust themselves accordingly to keep your comfortable.

Advantages:

Energy efficient

Prioritizes more used rooms in the house, so you won’t have to worry about regulating rooms that aren’t being used.

Convenient

Easy accessibility through smartphone

Automates your temperature regulation

You won’t have to manually input your choice of temperature all the time.

Disadvantages:

Can be quite expensive

May not be compatible with your current HVAC system

Programmable thermostats

You will have to manually set the temperature on the unit itself with this kind of thermostat. On it, you’ll be able to set a schedule, so that it will automatically adjust the temperature of your home based on the times you’ve set.

Advantages:

Economical

Time whenever you don’t much temperature regulation like when everybody’s out of the house.

Convenient

Allows multiple settings to suit each day of the week

Compatible with most HVAC systems

Disadvantages:

Doesn’t have the accessibility that comes with using your smartphone, a remote, or voice control.

So, as you can see, there are a number of things to weigh when selecting the right digital thermostat. It’s really just a matter of knowing what a specific model can do and if it’s worth the price tag.