Smart thermostats can be a great option for a home in both convenience and energy savings. We thought it beneficial to create an energy savings comparison for smart versus programmable thermostats, so you can make an informed decision of which thermostat is right for you.
Covered in this article:
- Smart versus programmable thermostats
- Energy savings by brand
- Energy savings by home size
- Cost savings over time
Smart Versus Programmable Thermostats
While both types of thermostats allow you to save money on your energy bills, there are differences between smart and programmable thermostats in a few key areas. Each works by setting the home to different temperatures automatically based on the outside temperature and usage patterns to ensure the home is only heated or cooled when needed. This allows the HVAC system to rest when not needed. However, there are some differences in features with both types of thermostat.
The table below details the primary differences between each thermostat.
| Feature | Programmable Thermostat | Smart Thermostat |
| Control Options | Manual scheduling required | Auto-scheduling, learns usage patterns |
| Remote Access | Not available | Accessible via smartphone app |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate (based on set schedules) | High (adaptive to habits, weather) |
| Learning Capabilities | None | Learns and adapts to user behavior |
| Cost | $25 – $150 | $100 – $300 |
| Energy Use Reporting | Limited or none | Detailed reports and energy use insights |
| Geofencing | Not available | Adjusts temperature based on proximity of phone to home |
Energy Savings by Brand
There are many brands available selling both programmable and smart thermostats. This table gives the expected energy savings in & and $.
| Brand | Thermostat Type | Estimated Annual Savings (%) | Estimated Annual Savings ($) |
| Nest | Smart | 10 – 12% | $131 – $145 |
| Ecobee | Smart | 10 – 23% | $120 – $180 |
| Honeywell | Smart | 10 – 15% | $100 – $150 |
| Honeywell | Programmable | 5 – 8% | $50 – $80 |
| Emerson Sensi | Smart | 5 – 10% | $75 – $100 |
| Emerson | Programmable | 2 – 5% | $20 – $50 |
Notes:
- The percentages represent the potential reduction in energy use as a percentage. These percentages are estimates based on typical household heating and cooling usage.
- The estimated energy savings are based on the average annual HVAC cost in the US, which is $1,300 according to the US Energy Information Administration.
Energy Savings by Home Size
The size of the home and the number of HVAC zones will affect the energy savings that can be achieved from a programmable or smart thermostat. The table below highlights how home size affects the energy savings:
| Home Size (sq ft) | Number of HVAC Zones | Thermostat Type | Expected Energy Savings (%) | Estimated Annual Savings ($) |
| 1,000 – 1,500 | 1 | Programmable | 5 – 10% | $50 – $150 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 | 1 | Smart | 10 – 15% | $100 – $225 |
| 1,500 – 2,500 | 1-2 | Programmable | 4 – 9% | $60 – $180 |
| 1,500 – 2,500 | 1-2 | Smart | 12 – 17% | $180 – $255 |
| 2,500 – 3,500 | 2-3 | Programmable | 3 – 8% | $90 – $240 |
| 2,500 – 3,500 | 2-3 | Smart | 15 – 20% | $225 – $300 |
| 3,500+ | 3+ | Programmable | 2 – 7% | $100 – $265 |
| 3,500+ | 3+ | Smart | 18 – 23% | $270 – $345 |
Notes:
- We grouped square foot ranges to reflect common home sizes.
- The estimated annual savings ($) are figured based on the typical annual cost of heating and cooling a home with considerations made for the increasing sizes of homes and the additional costs associated with larger homes. We recommend using your current HVAC yearly cost and multiplying by the expected energy savings (%).
Cost Savings Over Time
Lastly, the graph below shows cost savings over time for both programmable and smart thermostats. These are estimated based on current energy prices.
We performed these calculations using an average price of a programmable thermostat of $50 and $250 for a smart thermostat. We also used an average of 7% annual savings for programmable, and 15% for smart. Lastly, this is based on the US average household energy cost of $1,300.
Next Steps: Energy Efficiency
To further energy efficiency, we recommend a full energy efficiency audit from one of our expert technicians. We are experts in identifying ways to save energy, be it with a new thermostat, general system repair and maintenance, or even a thorough cleaning. To reach us, call (586) 854-9278 or send us a message on the contact page.
