Thermostats

Type of Thermostats

Programmable

A programmable thermostat is one that automatically adjust the temperature at specific periods of the day. For example, turning the heat down at night or while you’re at work during the day, and up during home hours. Energy Star states that “Through proper use of a programmable thermostat (using the four pre-programmed settings) you can save about $180* every year in energy costs.”  Find out more on the Energy Star website.

Wi-Fi

A wi-fi thermostat takes the programmable thermostat to the next level.  These thermostats can be controlled on the thermostat or using an app on your phone or computer and connects through your home’s wi-fi.  You could adjust the temperature at home from anywhere you get cell service, or from the comfort of your couch.

What’s more, many wi-fi thermostats can also notify you if the temperature drops below a certain preset limit.  This is especially useful if your furnace goes out and your pipes are at risk of freezing.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat like Honeywell’s Lyric™ T6 takes all the features of a wi-fi thermostat and introduces location-based temperature controls (geofencing).  After a quick setup and sync with your smartphone, the Lyric app uses your location to determine when you’re home or away, adjusting the temperature accordingly.  Geofencing uses a distance radius around your home, usually in miles. When you exit the geofenced area, the thermostat knows you are “away”.

In the heating season, it can be programmed to turn down the temperature a set amount of degrees while you are away and adjust it back up to your preferred temperature when you re-enter the geofenced area.  The benefit with geofencing is that your thermostat is always acting in the most energy-efficient way, and it always adjusting.  If you must leave earlier than usual for a meeting it will adjust accordingly, same as if you come home early.

Save money on your thermostat install by having it done when you replace your furnace or a/c!

Honeywell Lyric™ T6 shown here with the smartphone app.