Thermostats

When it comes to controlling the temperature in your home, a good thermostat can both warm your heart and cool your jets as needed.

With a smart thermostat, you can save $50 a year on your energy bills, according to Energy Star, and some thermostat manufacturers claim those savings can reach $100 or more. Before there were smart thermostats, of course, non-connected, programmable thermostats provided energy savings, and they still do.

Types of Thermostats

• Mechanical thermostats are the earliest version of thermostats that use a bimetallic strip to detect and adjust the temperature. They're the least expensive model and are often found in older apartments.
• Non-programmable thermostats require direct human intervention to adjust the temperature settings but usually have a digital operation. They are relatively inexpensive but don't do much to help reduce energy bills.
• Programmable Thermostats adjust the temperatures automatically based on preset preferences. In addition to being convenient and time-saving, programmable thermostats help you save quite a lot in energy bills.
• Wireless thermostats give you the ability to adjust temperature levels remotely. The price is a little steeper, but they deliver exceptional functionality and help you cut back on energy costs. They're also useful if you have pets or handicapped or elderly individuals in your home.
• Smart thermostats learn your temperature preferences throughout the day and smartly adjust temperatures for you. The best models can sense when there is no movement in the house, or in a room, and adjust the temperature accordingly. They usually have remote access and other handy features such as voice control. They're more expensive but will generally save you the most in your heating and cooling bills.