The latest wave of programmable thermostats now features "smart" technology that lets them accomplish more than the average thermostat. If you're in need of a new thermostat, then chances are you're asking yourself if you should make a smart thermostat your next choice. The following explains how upgrading to a smart thermostat could potentially benefit your home.

You'll Save Money in the Long Run

When used properly, upgrading from a manual to a programmable thermostat can save you a bundle of money on your annual heating and cooling expenses. The same also goes for upgrading from a typical programmable thermostat to the latest smart thermostat. According to one manufacturer's recent research, their smart thermostats offered a 15-percent savings in cooling costs and up to 12 percent in heating cost savings.

The savings you'll see from using a smart thermostat may depend on a wide variety of factors, including home size, HVAC system type, local weather and the amount of time spent outside the home.

A Smart Thermostat Can Learn Your HVAC Habits

One of the more fascinating features of a typical smart thermostat is its ability to study how it's being used and make adjustments based on those usage patterns. In other words, a smart thermostat can learn from your heating and cooling preferences and automatically make adjustments in order to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

Your Smart Thermostat Can Receive Weather Forecasts and Alerts

Thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, a typical smart thermostat is capable of receiving the latest in weather forecasts, as well as severe weather alerts and storm advisories. Receiving these alerts can help you plan your heating and cooling needs in advance of changing weather conditions.

You Can Control Your Smart Thermostat While You're Away from Home

If you regularly on-the-go, yet you need to keep an eye on heating and cooling conditions within your home, a smart thermostat makes it all the more easier to do just that. All you need is a smartphone loaded with the latest smart thermostat app to remotely monitor and adjust temperatures from nearly any location.

Some smart thermostats also allow you to check in on your heating and cooling system through an online interface that can be accessed with your laptop or tablet. In addition to remotely controlling your smart thermostat, you can also lock it down against guests and other family members to prevent errant adjustments to your thermostat. For more information about thermostats, contact a company such as CLIMATE CONTROL LTD.