Discover 3 Different Types of Thermostats and Pick the Right One for Your Home

Thermostats have come a long way in recent years, evolving from mercury-filled boxes with manual dials to internet-connected devices with their very own smartphone apps. These days, if you’re in the market for a new one, you can choose from several different types of thermostats, including non-programmable, programmable, and smart thermostats.

So, which of these three types of thermostats is best for your home? Let’s look at the basics of each option.

1. Manual/Non-Programmable Thermostats

Manual or non-programmable thermostats are the most traditional and basic kind of thermostat. 

They come in mechanical and digital models and are most often found in older homes.

Unlike the other types of thermostats, a non-programmable thermostat doesn’t have any automatic settings, so you’re in complete control of turning your heating and cooling on and off and setting a comfortable temperature. Every time you want to adjust it, you’ll have to do so manually—either by turning a dial (on a mechanical model) or by pushing buttons (on a digital version).

Best for: Anyone who lives in a moderate climate where temperatures don’t fluctuate much

2. Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats automate your home’s heating and cooling so that you don’t have to change the settings by hand. If you have one of these thermostats, you can create custom settings to lower or raise the temperature at certain points of the day or on specific days of the week.

Plus, you can use this functionality to automatically set your thermostat to the best temperature for energy savings depending on the season, which is a great way to reduce your energy usage and lower your utility bills. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), you can cut your yearly heating and cooling costs by up to 10% by keeping your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees above (in summer) or below (in winter) your normal temperature.

Best for: People willing to spend time programming their thermostat in exchange for better energy efficiency

3. Wi-Fi/Smart Thermostats

Wi-Fi or smart thermostats are the most advanced and priciest type of thermostat. These internet-connected devices let you control your home’s temperature from an app. So, if you’re on your way home during a snowstorm, you can crank up the heat for a toasty arrival.

Certain smart thermostats will set up automatic heating and cooling programs based on your typical energy consumption. Some will allow you to track your usage, making it easy to see where you can conserve energy. The most sophisticated thermostats can flag potential problems with your system and remind you when it’s time for HVAC maintenance.

Best for: Tech-savvy folks who want advanced heating and cooling features

When to Replace Your Thermostat

So, how do you know when it’s time for a new thermostat? If you experience any of these bad thermostat symptoms, it might be time for an upgrade: 

• Your thermostat is unresponsive or won’t turn on.

• The temperature in your home doesn’t match what your thermostat says.

• Your thermostat won’t stick to its programmed settings.

• Your HVAC system doesn’t respond when you adjust the thermostat.

• Your HVAC system short cycles.

But before you call in a pro, there are a few things you can try first. Here’s a quick overview of how to troubleshoot your thermostat: 

• Verify whether or not your thermostat has power.

• Check its program settings.

• Clean the thermostat.

• Make sure it’s level and in an optimal location that’s away from sunlight, drafty areas, and heat sources.

• Fix any loose or corroded wires.

Keep in mind that repairing a thermostat involves working with electrical components, so be sure to hire an HVAC expert or electrician for the job.

How to Choose the Right Type of Thermostat

If you’re not sure which type of thermostat is best for your home, reach out to a local thermostat installer to discuss your options. Your HVAC system might only be compatible with certain kinds of thermostats, so it’s a good idea to understand what’s possible in your home before choosing a specific type of thermostat.

From there, consider your budget and decide which features you want in a thermostat. Don’t want to break the bank? A manual model might be best. On the other hand, if you’re willing to spend a bit more money on a thermostat that supports automatic heating and cooling cycles, you could consider a programmable thermostat. 

Let’s say you’re curious about which type of thermostat provides the closest temperature control or has the most advanced features. In that case, smart thermostats are your answer.