Which type of thermostat can adjust temperatures based on different schedules?

A programmable thermostat is designed specifically to adjust temperatures based on different schedules set by the user. This type of thermostat allows homeowners to create specific heating and cooling schedules for different times of the day or days of the week. For example, a user can set the thermostat to lower the temperature during the day when the house is empty and raise it before returning home. This flexibility contributes to energy efficiency and comfort because the temperature can be tailored to align with the household's routine.

While smart thermostats also can adjust temperatures based on schedules, their capabilities extend beyond basic programming. They often incorporate learning algorithms to adapt automatically to user habits and can be controlled remotely via smartphones or other devices. However, programmable thermostats are still effective for anyone who prefers a straightforward scheduling function without the need for advanced features.

Manual thermostats do not allow for scheduled temperature adjustments; they require physical input each time the temperature needs to be changed. Digital thermostats display the temperature on a digital readout but do not inherently provide scheduling functions unless they are also programmable.