Regulating your home’s temperature can be a tricky thing to do. But choosing the right thermostat can make it easy to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient.
There are many different makes and models of thermostats on the market today. Choosing the right one will depend on a few things, such as the type of heating and cooling system you have in your home, how you want to use your thermostat, and the features you want it to have. It will also come down to personal taste and how fancy you want to get with a thermostat. Your local hardware store can probably help you learn more about your thermostat options.
Different types of thermostats
Learning / programmable
The amazing thing about learning thermostats is that they are programmable without you actually having to program them. These ‘smart’ thermostats learn your behaviour and heating preferences as you use them, and create a schedule based on your usage patterns. They can turn themselves down when you’re away, guide you to energy-efficient settings and provide monthly energy reports. They also connect to your home Wi-Fi network and can be monitored, set and managed remotely right from your phone or tablet.
Remote Energy Management
A remote energy management thermostat allows you to set, program and monitor your heating and cooling system from a computer, smartphone or tablet. The thermostat connects through a hub to your home broadband network (the hub is sold separately), allowing you to access it over Wi-Fi from anywhere.
Programmable
This type of thermostat is a very efficient option because you can simply set it and forget it. Just program the thermostat according to your preferred temperatures at various times of the day and night. Then it automatically adjusts the temperature according to your schedule. It does all the work for you and you don’t have to keep turning the heat or cooling up and down.
Digital non-programmable
A non-programmable thermostat with a digital read-out is the best choice for people who prefer manually controlled settings with the convenience of an easy-to-read LCD display.
Mechanical / manual
With a mechanical or manual thermostat, you control the temperature setting manually. These are best for people who are home often and prefer a fixed temperature.
When choosing a thermostat, keep in mind that even if the make and model you want is a bit more expensive, it will save you money over time – up to 28 per cent on your electric heating bill.
