Types of Thermostats Explained
Thermostats are temperature regulating devices that have a substantial impact on an HVAC system’s efficiency. It’s also the tool household members use to set up the optimal indoor comfort level.
If it's time to replace the old thermostat, some research is essential. There are several types of thermostats available on the market, and not all of them are suitable for every home. We'll cover everything one needs to know about the thermostat in the following sections, including its advantages and disadvantages.
Mechanical thermostat
While this type of thermostat is dated, they still exist. They operate on the principles of thermal expansion and produce electricity via strips of gas. Maintenance of mechanical thermostats is often expensive; therefore, replacing them is often a better choice.
Digital thermostats
Most of the thermostats across the US households are digitized. They rely on modern technology to provide a more efficient way of cooling and heating indoor space. However, not all digital thermostats are the same. There are four sub-categories; non-programmable, programmable, Wi-Fi enabled, and smart thermostats.
Non-programmable thermostats
These thermostats are ideal for those who rarely leave their homes. Construction-wise, they're pretty basic, and they require manual adjustment of temperature settings. They’re usually cheap and easy to install. Plus, the traditional interface makes them easy to use.
However, they don’t have any efficiency features and are not a great solution for those who often leave home.
Programmable thermostats
Many people enjoy the option to set up daily indoor temperature settings. Programmable thermostats are often the perfect choice. These devices are money savers because you can program a daily schedule into them. When household members are not at home, the HVAC system rests.
Wi-Fi enabled thermostats
Another popular option is the Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat which connects to the home's wireless network. Homeowners can control the temperature remotely, even when they're traveling abroad. The Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat is also programmable.
It has the added benefit of allowing homeowners to override the preprogrammed temperature remotely if circumstances change.
Smart thermostats
The future belongs to smart thermostats, and many homeowners have already integrated them into their smart homes. It's one of the most helpful home automation tools available. The smart thermostat learns about the living habits of the household member and adjusts the temperature accordingly. It also knows when the owner is coming home each day and works on delivering maximum comfort. Unsurprisingly, many smart thermostats come with voice control features.
The only downside is that these devices are still quite expensive and better fit in homes with many other smart features.
Choosing the right thermostat for your home
Mechanical thermostats belong to the past, even though there are some benefits to using them. When it comes to digital thermostats, there are plenty of options. The basic programmable thermostat is the norm, but Wi-Fi enabled and smart thermostats are becoming more popular each year.
A team of HVAC professionals should always do the thermostat installation, so choose only the best service in your area.
Modern Air Conditioning & Heating is a Boulder City-based HVAC company offering 15 years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC services for all makes and models. You can also call us directly at (702) 919-4365.
