A thermostat is the last thing many homeowners think about. A somewhat underrated gadget, the thermostat is quintessential for ensuring that the HVAC system installed in your home works as intended and keeps you and your family from freezing or sweating at the peak of summer.
This gadget can be easily set to turn your air conditioning or heating on or off, and it also allows you to dictate what the temperature in your home must be set to. When installed and used responsibly, a thermostat can be your greatest buddy in bringing down your power bills.
Therefore, when hunting for the right thermostat for your home, you should choose one with an Energy Star symbol to optimize your cooling and heating use further. This article will review some common types of thermostats and their pros and cons to make your shopping experience less frustrating.
Before we go into the various types of thermostats you can put your money into, let us first explain what a thermostat is. A thermostat is a device or gadget that regulates the cooling and heating system in households and commercial setups. A thermostat eventually regulates humidity and temperature in such arrangements by controlling the HVAC system.
Different types of thermostat devices for domestic usage are available on the market. They can be manual, partly, or fully automated. However, most thermostats can be segregated into electronic and electromechanical categories.
There are subcategories under these two types. Both thermostats use varying oil, gas, electric energy, and air conditioning systems.
Different Types of Thermostats
Not everyone needs the same type of thermostat for home usage. Therefore, budget, usage needs, and climate conditions must be analyzed when selecting a thermostat model and style for residential use.
1. Non-programmable Thermostats
If you are someone who swears by technology, you may be surprised they make such units still! This is the most basic and affordable thermostat available on the market. Non-programmable thermostats are popularly known as manual thermostats.
This is because the settings can be tweaked manually by the user himself. You have to turn on the cooling and heating system manually, set the temperature, and operate the system fan using switches. Most models feature an LED panel that displays the temperature and a temperature up and down button. Some thermostats of this kind come with attractive features like backlighting, a digital display, and a touchscreen.
This is the perfect unit if you are someone who doesn’t like any fuss and is okay with pressing a button and waiting for your home to heat or cool. Let us not forget these thermostats are reasonably priced and do their job well despite not having many bells and whistles!
Pros:
- It’s cheaper than other thermostats.
- Memory for retaining temperature settings in case of power outages.
- Great for homes where thermostats are not needed frequently.
Cons:
- High energy consumption.
- Manual adjustments.
- It cannot be integrated into smart home systems.
2. Programmable Thermostats
These thermostats are a step above the old non-programmable thermostats. These thermostats can make your life much easier, especially if you are beginning to lose your patience with a non-programmable one. They come in several designs.
While some are basic and allow you to choose a different temperature for the morning and a different one for the evening, others will enable you to program the temperature for different times on additional days. Certain models make room for as many as four temperatures in 24 hours.
The programmable thermostats are ideal for people who do not want to tweak the temperature manually and yet do not want to deal with high-end tech. These types of thermostats are meant to run as per pre-programmed settings.
They can be set to run at specific heating and cooling schedules on weekdays and weekends. You may also set the settings to alter the temperature at suitable intervals a few times daily.
Pros:
- Need minimum manual intervention.
- It helps save on energy bills.
- Settings can be personalized to an extent.
Cons:
- It is not ideal for demanding users or those living in areas witnessing a sharp drop in day and night temperature.
3. Mechanical Thermostats
Mechanical thermostats are a kind of line voltage thermostats that are extremely easy to install. When triggered by metal bars, the thermostats start operating, which heat up and cool down quickly. There are either bi-metallic strips or vapor-filled bellows, which respond to the temperature differences.
These are the easiest and cheapest thermostats available in the market. In many older houses and establishments, such thermostats are readily available.
Pros:
- Cheapest and easiest thermostats available.
- Extremely simple to install.
Cons:
- Slow response of bi-metallic strips, which leads to temperature variations.
- It is not programmable and is inefficient in regulating room temperature like digital models.
- High energy consumption.
4. Wireless Thermostats
Contrary to the perception, Wireless Thermostats are not entirely free of wires! Like other thermostats, these devices are connected to the home heating and cooling system.
However, these devices can be controlled remotely using a remote control or smartphone. In addition, these devices have inbuilt Wi-Fi and can be paired to your home’s Wi-Fi network relatively easily.
Pros:
- Ideal for tech-savvy people.
- The flexibility of control through Wi-Fi and remote.
Cons:
- Operation is not user-friendly.
- It tends to be costlier.
5. Touch Screen Thermostats
Touchscreen technology is taking the world by storm. It is found everywhere, and thermostats haven’t escaped the trend. This type of unit eliminates fiddling with buttons. These thermostats come in two variants – non-programmable and smart.
These units look sleek and are easier to operate than older ones with push-button or knob-based controls. As a result, these are ideal for technology-savvy users. With these devices, a few quick steps can easily alter temperature or humidity by a very small degree.
Since everything is controlled via the touch screen, the interface is rather cluttered, free, and intuitive. However, some users may find it annoying and difficult to fix if a program gets messed up.
Pros:
- Sleek touchscreen-based control.
- Easier to make slight changes in temperature.
Cons:
- Not intended for primary users.
6. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are aimed at millennials who go gaga over tech! These devices can be synced with new-era home automation setups in a few quick steps. They can be controlled via smartphone apps, thereby eliminating manual operation. Some of the latest models also come with voice-based control. They are compatible with Google Assistant or Alexa, making them relatively easy to operate. Not only are these devices easy to use, but they also feature a digital display and touch controls. These units boast a simple user interface and can be programmed and controlled even by kids!
Pros:
- Remote control through Wi-Fi and apps.
- Largely automated operations.
Cons:
- Not light on the wallet.
7. Wi-Fi Thermostats
Wi-Fi thermostats connect to a wireless network and can be controlled or accessed through it. Just like your computer, they have an IP address containing your house’s cooling and heating. The IP address allows you to connect this thermostat to your home’s wireless internet and prevent it from the computer, laptop, or smartphone, even if you are not physically present.
Pros:
- Ease of control from anywhere, even if you are outside the building
- Economical and less burden on electricity bills once installed.
Cons:
- High Initial Cost
- Difficulty in using Apps for non-technology users.
- Requires time to identify which wire should precisely coincide with which part
Classification of Thermostats
Line Voltage Thermostat
Line voltage thermostats are used in electric-powered heaters like radiator systems, convection heaters, or resistance heaters. In addition, your wall or baseboard heaters are directly connected to the electric power supply. The line voltage thermostat converts your line voltage into usable heat. This way, the connection directly flows from the thermostat to the heater. These thermostats either have two wires (single pole) or four wires (double pole) coming out of the thermostat, and it is also clearly mentioned on the thermostat’s backside. The cables are usually in combinations of black, red, or white. Line voltage usually operates on 240V.
Low Voltage Thermostat
Low Voltage thermostats operate on 24 V, controlling airflow in blowers, fans & pumps for temperature in different rooms. As they work on low voltage, they are primarily used in the central HVAC system that uses gas, oil, water, or electricity for the heating system. The line voltage system only controls air current in heating parts, not power.
Features to look out for when choosing a Thermostat for Your Home
There are many types of thermostats in the market; you may feel baffled in picking the apt one. There are advanced smart thermostats with cutting-edge features and basic electromechanical models with fewer options. You must check the characteristics of various thermostat models when comparing them.
Energy Efficiency Compliance: Like most people, you want to save on energy bills. Power-saving appliances are good, but you must also buy a thermostat rated for working with energy-efficient HVAC systems and similar devices.
Type of Controls: For people who are not tech-friendly, buying electromechanical thermostats may be prudent. These devices have manual switches and controls. On the other hand, smart thermostats have a touch panel or feather touch buttons for smooth and hassle-free operation. Choose one that is suitable for your usage needs.
Clear Display and UI: If you plan to buy a smart thermostat for your home, ensure it has a large LCD screen that can be read from a distance minus issues. The touch screen should not be cluttered, and navigating the UI should be smooth.
App and Voice Command: The latest generation smart thermostats have apps for mobile OS platforms. As a result, you can easily control the device using your tablet or smartphone. In addition, some high-end units may be activated by voice commands using digital assistants like Alexa and Siri.
Automated Temperature Control with Smart Learning Capability: Most automated thermostats can run HVAC systems without much human intervention. Some high-end units have software embedded that can learn from your usage pattern and, over time, switch the temperature and humidity level accordingly.
Automatic Alert System: Advanced smart thermostat models often have an inbuilt alarm system. Such a thermostat device will emit an audible alert if something goes wrong with the attached heating or cooling system. These systems can also alert users through Smartphone apps. This is a useful feature found in models made by the top thermostat brands.
Final Words
Before you buy a thermostat for home use, a few practical aspects should be assessed and analyzed.
The budget can be a decisive factor for a section of buyers. Look into the device’s cost and how well it can regulate your HVAC system. Its impact on the overall energy bill needs to be assessed.
This can be done by sifting through reviews on the thermostat you have zeroed in on various consumer forums. User reviews will give you insight into how easily the thermostat can be operated, how efficient it is, and whether it is value for money.
It is also necessary to check the types of thermostat wiring required. In some cases, the existing HVAC wiring may need to be changed or enhanced. The compatibility of the thermostat with your HVAC system must also be ascertained. Call an expert to check your existing heating and cooling system.
Though you may be inclined to buy a thermostat manufactured by a specific brand, carefully weigh its pros and cons before you pay the bill. Also, check the warranty offered and the after-sales service provided by the company when buying a thermostat for your home.