Thermostat technology has come lightyears over the past few decades. With so many options available, many Indianapolis area homeowners are often left confused about which one they should choose for their homes. In our most recent blog, the HVAC technicians at Thiele Heating & Air walk you through the different thermostat types available and how to select the right one for your home.
Types of Thermostats
When you’re shopping for a new thermostat, you must first know what types of thermostats are available. Below are the four most common types of thermostats we install for Indianapolis area homeowners. Contact us today, and we’ll discuss what type of thermostat is best for your home.
Manual Thermostats
Manual thermostats are the most basic thermostat option, which you likely remember from your childhood home. This thermostat must be set manually, with the user making temperature adjustments anytime more or less heating or cooling is required in the home.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to adjust the temperature of their HVAC system according to a pre-set schedule. For example, you can set the temperature to 70 degrees during the day and to 66 degrees from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. while you’re asleep. During the winter, you can set the programmable thermostat to a higher setting on the weekends while you’re home.
Wi-Fi Thermostats
Wi-Fi thermostats connect to the home’s wireless internet source and allow users to control the temperature remotely. These thermostats may use an app or connect to your preferred smart home hub.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats offer automated temperature adjustments and a variety of other energy-saving features, depending on the model. Some of the features include vacation hold mode, HVAC filter and maintenance alerts, connectivity with indoor and outdoor sensors, and the ability to gather data on the home’s energy consumption to further reduce energy use.
What Kind of Thermostat Do I Need?
While it may be easy to be excited about all the bells and whistles that come with a new thermostat, it’s important to consider the following factors to figure out which would be best for your home.
HVAC System Requirements
You must first determine if a particular thermostat is compatible to use with your home’s heating and cooling system. Thermostats come in several configurations, and they won’t work correctly if they are not matched to your home’s HVAC equipment. You need to know if you have a conventional heating and cooling system (furnace and air conditioner), a heat pump system, or electric baseboard heating. A professional HVAC technician will be able to best tell you which thermostat will work with your HVAC system configuration.
Scheduling Needs
Next, consider the functionality you desire to determine what kind of thermostat you need. When shopping for a programmable thermostat, consider your household’s schedule to determine the scheduling capabilities you’ll need for energy savings.
A 1-week thermostat runs the same set of temperature adjustments each day of the week.
A 5-2 thermostat uses one set of temperature adjustments during the week and a second set for weekend days.
A 5-1-1 thermostat runs a set of temperature adjustments during the week, one set for Saturday, and one set for Sunday.
A 7-day thermostat allows you to set your home’s temperature schedule for each individual day of the week.
Desired Features
Next, think about the thermostat features you’d like to have. If you’d like to be able to change your HVAC system’s settings remotely, you’ll need a thermostat that is connected to the Wi-Fi. Many smart thermostats can also adjust the home’s temperature because they have sensors to detect when people are in the home. While some people find this handy, others don’t want their thermostat to make automatically adjust the temperature without their permission.
If you have a hard time remembering maintenance for your HVAC systems, or your heating bills are on auto-pay, and you want additional notifications when the HVAC system isn’t working efficiently, you can buy a thermostat that gives you detailed data reports as well. There are so many different thermostats out there, that it is important to consider all the features available and your budget to make the ideal choice for your home.
Which Is the Right Thermostat For Me?
Whether you’re replacing your existing thermostat, or have a thermostat installed in your new home build, it’s important to know the thermostat options available to you.
A Manual Thermostat May Be Right for You If…
If you are a homeowner who prefers simplicity and direct control over their heating and cooling system, you may wish to opt for a manual thermostat. If you’re not interested in the advanced features or smart technology that come with programmable or smart thermostats, you may find comfort in the straightforward functionality of a manual thermostat.
Manual thermostats are typically more affordable and easier to use, making them an attractive option for those on a budget or for individuals who may not be tech-savvy. Additionally, some homeowners may appreciate the energy independence that comes with manually adjusting the temperature settings, as it allows them to have full control over their home’s climate without relying on pre-programmed schedules or remote access.
A Programmable Thermostat May Be Right for You If…
If you are a homeowner who values convenience, energy efficiency, and cost savings, you may be inclined to install a programmable thermostat. Individuals who choose programmable thermostats often lead busy lifestyles and appreciate the ability to create customized schedules for their heating and cooling systems, ensuring optimal comfort when they are at home while conserving energy when they are away or asleep. Programmable thermostats can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills by automatically adjusting temperature settings based on the homeowner’s preferences and schedule.
A Wi-Fi Thermostat May Be Right for You If…
If you are a homeowner who seeks cutting-edge technology and remote-control capabilities, installing a Wi-Fi thermostat may be a good choice. If you appreciate the convenience of adjusting your home’s temperature settings from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet, a Wi-Fi thermostat is a good choice. Wi-Fi thermostats make it easy to optimize comfort and energy efficiency on the go. These thermostats can also provide valuable insights and automation that help homeowners make informed decisions about their heating and cooling habits.
A Smart Thermostat May Be Right for You If…
If you are a homeowner who desires advanced energy-saving features, intelligent climate control, and seamless integration with your smart home system, you may be interested in installing a smart thermostat. Smart thermostat users often appreciate the ability to remotely monitor and adjust their home’s temperature settings via smartphone or voice commands, ensuring optimal comfort while maximizing energy efficiency.
Smart thermostats go beyond traditional programmable models by incorporating remote temperature sensors to detect when the home is commonly occupied and use learning algorithms to automatically adjust settings for improved energy management. This algorithm learns the homeowner’s habits and preferences to create a comfortable home with very little effort on the homeowner’s part.
Additionally, these thermostats provide detailed energy usage reports and can even offer tailored suggestions for further savings. Homeowners who are environmentally conscious, tech-savvy, or eager to create a fully connected home environment will find smart thermostats particularly appealing, as they not only enhance comfort but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle through intelligent energy management.
Thermostat Installation in Indianapolis by Thiele
If you need more assistance choosing a thermostat for your home, contact Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning for expert advice you can trust. Our technicians help you understand the different thermostat types and features so you can best choose a new model for your home. We provide trusted installation services so your new thermostat functions properly and works correctly with your home’s HVAC system. Contact us today to request an estimate for thermostat installation.