How Learning Thermostats are Different from Programmable Thermostats

December 04, 2018

Your thermostat is a big part of how much you’re paying on your utility bills. Simply programming your thermostat for periods when you’re sleeping or away can make a big impact without having a negative affect on your comfort levels. Depending on which thermostat you select, you may be able to do even more.

At B & B Heating & Cooling, we’ve got an array of programmable thermostats to meet your needs—from the most basic models to the state-of-the-art learning thermostats. How will you know what you need in your home? First, take the time to understand the difference between basic programmable thermostats and advanced learning models. Both can help you save energy and money, but you’ll want to determine which features are most important to your home comfort.

Most programmable thermostats will give you the chance to schedule your days to control temperatures when you’re routinely there and not at home. Depending on the model you select, you could be able to input one schedule, which you may end up overriding on the days you are home. Some models will let you program your weekdays on one schedule and your weekends on another. You’ll also want to review the number of periods you can select each day. For instance, will you want the temperature in your house 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 pick can accommodate your needs.

For some individuals, being able to establish a regular schedule (or two) and override it when needed is plenty. But if you want added flexibility, it’s probably time to look into a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat lets you completely customize a heating and cooling schedule for each individual day of the week.

Flexibility isn’t the only benefit that smart thermostats provide, but they’re also Wi-Fi enabled so you can regulate your home’s temperature regardless of where you are. Some models 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 your actual daily activity. 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 after a short amount of time.

So, no matter what your heating and cooling desires are, B & B Heating & Cooling will help you find the best thermostat for your home and budget. You’ll get to enjoy ultimate home comfort with potential energy savings. Contact us at 314-325-7552 to learn more, or arrange an appointment with us online.