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Choosing the right thermostat for your home.

If you have a heating and cooling system in your home, then it is essential to make sure you are using the right thermostat. The right thermostat can regulate the temperature of your HVAC system and will also help lower your energy bill.

With so many types of thermostats available on the market, it can be overwhelming to narrow down just which one will be right for your home. This guide will help you determine which one will best suit your needs!

So, what’s the best thermostat to buy? That depends on your HVAC system and how you will be using it. There are three types of thermostats to consider:

  • Smart thermostats
  • Programmable thermostats
  • Non-programmable thermostats

We want to share the pros and cons of these three types of thermostats to help you decide which option is best.

Smart thermostats.

A smart thermostat is a great way to save on your heating and cooling costs, as it can automatically regulate the temperature in your home based on a preset schedule or current conditions. They are ideal for people who are away from home often or those who want to have more control over their home's climate. Plus, many of them now come with voice control capabilities, so you can adjust the temperature without ever having to leave your couch!

Smart thermostat pros.

  • Can save on energy costs
  • Remote access and control
  • Many come with voice control capabilities

Smart thermostat cons.

  • It may be more expensive than a traditional thermostat
  • Your home or HVAC system may not be compatible with them

Multi-sensor thermostats.

These thermostats work as a subsection of smart thermostats. The devices are usually sold alongside WiFi/smart thermostats and come with sensors that homeowners can place in specific rooms. These sensors will then communicate with the thermostat to help it better regulate the temperature in your home.

Programmable thermostats.

Programmable thermostats offer an excellent way to save on your energy costs, as they can automatically regulate the temperature in your home based on a preset schedule or current conditions. Many of them also have "vacation" modes that will shut off the heating and cooling systems when you're not home to conserve energy. Are programmable thermostats worth it? They are more expensive, but they are worth it for people who are away from home often or want to have more control over their home's climate.

Programmable thermostat pros.

  • Can save on energy costs
  • Good for people that are out of the house on a set schedule

Programmable thermostat cons:

  • It may be more expensive than traditional thermostats
  • Some models can be challenging to program

Non-programmable thermostats.

This type of thermostat is great if you don't want to worry about programming a schedule and your home is always occupied. Non-programmable thermostats can maintain the same temperature 24 hours a day, but they won't help save on energy costs as a programmable thermostat can.

Non-programmable thermostat pros.

  • It's simple to use
  • Cheaper upfront cost

Non-programmable thermostat cons.

  • It won't help save on energy costs

Manual thermostats.

Also known as analog thermostats, this type of thermostat is the most basic option available. While a manual thermostat doesn't offer any special features, you can get one that precisely regulates your home's temperature without worrying about programming or modes.

Manual thermostat pros.

  • It's simple to use and install
  • Lasts longer than their fancier counterparts

Manual thermostat cons.

  • It won't help save on energy costs
  • It will eventually be obsolete

Petro Home Services provides homeowners with quality heating and cooling services. For more information about thermostats and your HVAC system, just give us a call at 888.735.5651.


Petro Home Services is proud to not only serve communities in DC, CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, and RI but we also proudly acknowledge the skills and experience of our expert team behind all resources. With insights on topics ranging from heating oil facts to common air conditioning questions, you can rely on Petro Home Services for facts and information to help you understand more about your heating, cooling and home comfort needs. This article and all articles on the Petro Home Services website have been approved by our team of home service experts.