The thermostat in your home is one of the key parts to operating your heating and air
conditioning unit to your preference. A thermostat is an automatic device that regulates
temperature in an enclosed area by controlling heating or refrigerating systems. It is commonly
connected to one of these systems, turning it on or off in order to maintain a predetermined
temperature. Its operating principle is based on the fact that one of its components expands or
contracts significantly during a temperature change. This expansion or contraction actuates a
control on a furnace, cooling system, or piece of machinery. There are several different types of
thermostats. Just to name a few types you have: mechanical non-programming, digital non-
programming, programmable thermostats, wireless thermostats, learning thermostats, and
communicating thermostats.
Non-Programming Thermostats:
A mechanical non-programming thermostat is just that, you have to manually change the
temperature. You do not have any sort of screen with a mechanical non programming thermostat.
These thermostats turn on when you switch them on and turn off when you switch them off, the
temperature adjusts when you manually adjust the temperature lever. These thermostats were
once the most common type of thermostat, but they are being phased out because they contain a
small vial of mercury in them.
A digital non-programming thermostat has a digital display but
just as the mechanical non-programming thermostat you have to manually change the
temperature, and manually turn the system off and on. These thermostats are now among the
most common type of thermostat.
Programmable Thermostats:
There are several different types of programmable thermostats. A programmable
thermostat does not require any manual adjustments to the thermostat every time there is a
temperature change.
Starting with the 7 day programming thermostat, these thermostats allow
you to have a different setting for each day of the week, and at several different settings
throughout the day.
A 5-1-1 programmable thermostat can be programmed for a different setting
for the weekdays and for Saturday and Sunday. This programmable thermostat allows for
different settings throughout the day just as the 7 day programmable thermostat.
The 5-2 programmable thermostat has the option to program for up to four different periods throughout
the weekdays and weekends.
Lastly the 1 week programmable thermostat has the ability to have
one programmable setting for the entire week; this thermostat is the simplest in the
programmable thermostat category.
WIFI - Thermostats:
A WIFI thermostat can be controlled remotely from anywhere using your computer, lap
top, or smart phone. Some thermostats provide internet access free of charge. Some require you
to sign up for a contract and pay a one-time fee or a monthly fee.
Learning Thermostats:
A learning thermostat does not require any programming. It learns what temperature you
set it on when you come home from work, or when wake up in the morning, etc. A learning
thermostat is perfect for homeowners that have consistency in their schedule. If you do not have
consistency, and then the thermostat will never learn any routine behavior.
In part two, we will be discussing the different features in thermostats and what
thermostat best fits you.