How Learning Thermostats are Different from Programmable Thermostats

December 04, 2018

Your thermostat is a big part of how much you are spending on energy costs. Merely programming your thermostat for stretches when you’re sleeping or away can make a great impact without having a negative affect on your comfort levels. Depending on the type of programmable thermostat you purchase, you may be able to do even more.

At Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve got an array of programmable thermostats to meet your needs—from the most simple models to the newest learning thermostats. How will you know what is best for your space? First, research the difference between basic programmable thermostats and advanced learning models. Either of these can help you save energy and money, but you’ll want to determine which features are most important to you.

Most programmable thermostats will allow you to schedule your days to control temperatures when you’re typically there and not at home. Depending on the model you choose, you may be able to record one schedule, which you may end up overriding on weekends or other days you’re home. Some models will let you program your weekdays on one schedule and your weekends on a separate schedule. You’ll also want to look at the number of periods you can select each day. For instance, will you want the temperature setting different when you sleep, when you wake up, when you’re at work and when you are home in the evening? Be sure the thermostat you select can accommodate your needs.

For some people, being able to establish a regular schedule (or two) and override it when needed is all they need. But if you want additional flexibility, it’s probably time to look into a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat will let you completely customize a heating and cooling schedule for every weekday.

Not only are smart thermostats more flexible, 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 the actual activity in your home. Some models don’t even need to be programmed—you just turn them on and they will figure everything out on their own after a short amount of time.

So, no matter what your heating and cooling needs are, Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning will help you find the most appropriate thermostat for your home and budget. You’ll end up with ultimate home comfort with potential energy savings. Call us at 952-373-0377 to find out more, or book an appointment with us online.