Different Types of Thermostats: A Simple Guide

Thermostats are like the brains of your heating and cooling system, ensuring perfect temperature in the house. When looking to buy one, there are many different types of thermostats.

From very basic ones, you can’t program up to these super smart ones that can learn your routine and connect to your other smart devices.

The classic mechanical ones use bimetallic coils to react to temperature changes. Then you’ve got the newer programmable and Wi-Fi thermostats that offer more precise control and can help you save energy. Finally, smart thermostats can use AI algorithms to learn your routine and use geolocation to save money on heating when you are not around.

No matter what type you go for, it’s important to understand their differences to pick the best one for your home or office.

So, read on to determine what you need and what will work best for you.

Key Takeaways

Thermostats regulate temperature in heating and cooling systems.
Options range from basic mechanical models to advanced smart thermostats.
Choosing the right thermostat depends on the level of control and savings you want.

Different Types of Thermostats

Mechanical Thermostats use mechanical components to sense the temperature in the room.

They’re usually less expensive than other thermostat types and straightforward to use. However, they can sometimes be less accurate and lack advanced features like programmability.

Programmable Thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your heating system, such as turning the heat down at night when you’re sleeping or away from home. Following a pre-set schedule, programmable thermostats can help save energy and reduce heating bills.

In contrast, Non-Programmable Thermostats offer more basic control over your heating system. They typically include a manual control for adjusting the temperature setting and may be digital or mechanical in their design. While they’re relatively straightforward to use, non-programmable thermostats lack the energy-saving benefits of programmable models.

Lastly, we have WiFi Thermostats or Smart Thermostats. These thermostats integrate wireless connectivity and advanced sensing technology to provide remote access and control over your heating system. You can adjust settings and schedules via your mobile device, making them highly convenient and flexible. Additionally, smart thermostats often include learning algorithms or other energy-saving features to reduce energy consumption further.

Mechanical Thermostats

Mechanical thermostats have been in use for a very long time. They’re simple, durable, and easy to install, making them popular in many homes in the past.

They operate using a bimetallic strip or coil, expanding and contracting when the temperature changes. Once it reaches a specific level, the coil triggers the thermostat to activate or deactivate the heating to maintain the desired temperature.

Here are the key advantages of mechanical thermostats:

Affordable: Mechanical thermostats are often less expensive than their digital counterparts, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. Yet they are not very popular because other types have become quite affordable.
Easy to install and use: Their simple design means you don’t need to worry about complicated installation and configuration. Also, it is very easy to use. Anyone can easily adjust the temperature by turning the dial.
Reliability: With fewer electronic components, mechanical thermostats are less likely to malfunction.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider:

Less precise: They may not offer the same level of temperature accuracy as digital thermostats, which can result in less accurate measurements and energy efficiency.
No programmable features: Unlike digital and smart thermostats, mechanical thermostats don’t allow for programming schedules or remote adjustments. This may increase energy consumption if left on all day.

Non-Programmable Thermostats

Manual thermostats are also pretty basic and simple to use. They require manual adjustments to change the temperature.

To use a non-programmable thermostat, you only need to set your desired temperature by pressing a button. The thermostat’s internal NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor will then measure the temperature of the area where it is installed and control your heating or cooling system accordingly.

There are a few key features and considerations to keep in mind when it comes to non-programmable thermostats:

Ease of use – Manual thermostats are incredibly user-friendly, making them suitable for those who may not be comfortable with more advanced technology.
Cost-effective – Due to their simplicity, non-programmable thermostats are often more affordable than their programmable counterparts.
Manual control – While some people appreciate the hands-on approach, it’s essential to remember that you’ll need to manually adjust the temperature settings whenever you want to change them. This could result in slightly less energy efficiency compared to programmable thermostats.

Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat is an excellent choice if you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency without compromising on comfort. It allows you to tailor your heating system to your lifestyle by setting pre-determined temperature schedules.

The primary advantage of a programmable thermostat is its ability to optimize energy consumption. By creating custom schedules, you can ensure that your heating system operates when needed. For instance, during winter, you might want your home nice and warm when you wake up and cooler while you’re away working. This reduces energy usage and saves you money on your utility bills.

Plenty of programmable thermostats are available on the market. Some models offer simple button controls, while others boast touchscreen interfaces for a more intuitive user experience.

In terms of types, programmable thermostats can be broadly categorized as follows:

7-Day Programmable: Ideal for individuals with varied daily routines, these thermostats permit unique schedules for each day of the week.
5+2-Day Programmable: Suitable for those with consistent weekdays and weekends, these thermostats allow separate schedules for weekdays and weekends.
5-1-1-Day Programmable: Designed for those with distinct weekday, Saturday, and Sunday routines, these thermostats let you set one schedule for weekdays and individual schedules for Saturday and Sunday.

WiFi Thermostats

WiFi thermostats can connect to your home’s wireless network and allow remote control over your heating and cooling systems. They can be paired with your smartphone or computer, allowing you to adjust the temperature settings wherever you are.

With advanced sensors, WiFi thermostats can monitor your home’s temperature, humidity, and occupancy. This means they can sense occupancy patterns, ensuring a comfortable living environment while minimizing energy waste.

When choosing a WiFi thermostat, you’ll want to consider the most important features. Here’s a brief list of some common features to keep in mind:

Compatibility – Ensure the thermostat is compatible with your central HVAC systems.
Ease of use – Look for a user-friendly interface and mobile app.
Remote access – Make sure you can control the thermostat from anywhere using your mobile device.
Energy savings – Many smart thermostat manufacturers claim significant savings on energy consumption and heating bills after installation.

Check your home’s Wi-Fi signal strength near the thermostat location to ensure a smooth installation. You can do this by streaming a video on your smartphone or tablet while standing next to your current thermostat. The signal should be sufficient for a WiFi thermostat if it streams without issues.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats have quickly become popular for homeowners who want to take total control of their heating and cooling systems.

The key feature of smart thermostats is their ability to automatically adjust temperature by learning your routines. Additionally, you can enjoy the following benefits:

Learning your preferences: Smart thermostats can learn your preferred temperature and daily routines and automatically adjust so you don’t have to do anything.
Energy savings: Different ways to preserve energy. Monitor local weather conditions and adjust the indoor temperature accordingly. Use geolocation on your mobile phone to keep the heating off when away based on set proximity. Use presence detection to heat only the rooms that are in use.
Integration with smart home systems: Many smart thermostats can be easily integrated with popular smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or more advanced ones like SmartThings.
Zone control: With the help of STRVs, some models allow you to set up multiple zones in your home, each with different heating and cooling settings.

Different brands and models of smart thermostats are available on the market, each with unique features. Some popular options include in the UK:

Whereas in the US these are pretty popular:

Specialized Types of Thermostats

In addition to the more common types of thermostats like programmable and smart thermostats, there are some specialized thermostat types. Those include a heat pump and underfloor heating thermostats, and low-voltage and line voltage thermostats are among those.

Line Voltage and Low Voltage Thermostat

Low-voltage and line-voltage thermostats operate differently and are compatible with heating systems.

A Line Voltage thermostat is designed for managing high-voltage (120 or 240 volts) electrical loads. They’re commonly used with electric baseboard heaters, convectors, and other directly-wired electric heating systems.

Low-voltage thermostats operate on a lower voltage (24 volts) and are compatible with central heating systems that use gas, oil, or electricity. They come in various forms, such as non-programmable, programmable, and wireless thermostats, making them a versatile option for many households.

Heat-pump and Underfloor heating Thermostats

A heat pump thermostat is designed specifically for use with heat pumps. Ensure your heat pump efficiently manages the transition between heating and cooling modes and adjusts the auxiliary resistance heating as needed.

Some smart thermostats, like Nest, are compatible with heat pump systems.

Underfloor Heating Thermostats control the temperature of underfloor heating systems, whether electric or hydronic. These thermostats usually have a temperature sensor installed beneath the floor, allowing precise control over the heat emitted.

Some models may also be wireless, programmable, or compatible with smart home systems.

Specialized thermostats offer tailored solutions for your heating needs, ensuring optimal comfort and energy efficiency. Be sure to consult with a professional or research the most suitable thermostat for your particular heating system.