No matter what you use to power your home – electricity, gas, oil, solar power, or something else – energy costs are high and most people would like to learn how to lower them. One of the best ways to do this is by using a programmable or smart thermostat.
These gadgets raise and lower the temperature in your house according to your activities. Out during the day? The thermostat adjusts the temperature, using less energy while you’re away.
There have been some major advances recently so even if you currently use a programmable thermostat, you might want to consider upgrading. Here are a few of the best available today:
The Nest
The Nest is the most popular of the new models. It was released in 2012 to critical acclaim. What makes this thermostat special is that after only one week of use it learns your habits. It then creates a program to meet your energy needs in the most efficient way possible. You can also control it from your smartphone or a web browser – whether you’re home or out.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat
The Ecobee is similar to the Nest in that it is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled from your phone or web browser. The Ecobee connects directly to your heating and cooling systems which makes installation challenging and best handled by a professional. The unit is more expensive than The Nest but also has better control and is better at learning your schedule.
Homewerks Radio Wireless Thermostat
Homewerks offers their smart thermostat at a more affordable price than the others. It does not have as many features but the main ones like remote operation and scheduling are there for you. This unit does not have learning capability but the remote operation means you can still set it from the road so it is just how you like when you arrive home.
According the Canadian National Energy Board, households that use a programmable thermostat can save an average of $180 a year on their energy bill. These smart thermostats make it even easier to keep your house comfortable, allowing you to adjust your settings even when you’re not at home. No matter what your budget, a smart thermostat is a great way to reduce energy consumption.