How to Choose a Thermostat
You will first need to know the type of system that you \r
have in your home to accurately choose a thermostat. Every home is \r
different and in different sections of the states is it necessary to use a \r
specific type of system to accurately heat or cool homes. We are here to \r
help you find the correct thermostat for your needs.
There are several different types of systems: line voltage, single stage, multi \r
stage, heat pumps, and multi stage heat pumps. Each is unique in it\'s own \r
way. Read down below to learn more about each type of system.
Step One: Determine what system you have
Single Stage: (Traditional Gas heat and Electric AC Systems)
Single-stage heating means that your furnace only has one level of heat output. An example would be if you only have a gas, forced air heater, or if you have an electric AC system with a separate heating system. This is the most common type \r
of system all over the country. If you already have a thermostat then you will generally have 6 wires or less coming from your wall.
Multi Stage: (More than one level of heating or cooling)
Multi Stage heating means that you have two levels of heat \r
in your home. You will perhaps have a furnace and another method \r
of heat like a solar panel. The second level of heat is commonly referred \r
to as an emergency heat setting. Therefore, because the low setting is adequate \r
to meet household-cooling or heating demands 80% of the time, the \r
multi-stage unit runs for longer periods and provides more even heat \r
distribution.
Heat Pump: (If you have this system you will know)
A heat pump is a single system that does both your \r
heating and cooling. When a heat pump is used you will not have a separate air \r
conditioning system because the heat pump can do both operations. A heat pump is \r
used as the emergency heat for multi stage units because it can produce heat \r
faster than any other unit and heat up your home faster on very cold days; these \r
systems are popular all over the county but especially in the Northeast. The \r
Heat Pump thermostat will generally have more than 5 wires and almost always \r
with a W2 and a C or X wire.
Multi Stage Heat Pump:
(Most advanced thermostat)This system uses more than one \r
system just like the multi stage but it uses a heat pump as the emergency \r
heating or cooling. You will have a typical heating or cooling unit and \r
rely on the heat pump to help your typical system heat or cool faster and more \r
efficiently. You will have to switch the thermostat to emergency heating \r
or emergency cooling for this to work but it is more efficient and can make your \r
home more comfortable faster.
Line Voltage:
(Uses Direct Voltage)A line voltage system uses direct current instead of only 24 volts \r
like the typical thermostat of today\'s newer homes. This type of thermostat is \r
used in older homes that use direct voltage. The power wires are \r
thicker and they generally run either 120 or 240 volts on direct current. Line voltage electric \r
heat thermostats are common in older construction especially with baseboard \r
heaters and with electric heaters. They are NOT used with gas heating (gas heaters \r
are generally single stage systems). Most line voltage systems are mechanical \r
rather than digital programmable. Depending on the voltage of the thermostat and \r
the home the thermostat will use either 2 or 4 wires black and red wires.
Double Pole or Single Pole? A matter of personal preference!
A line voltage single pole thermostat is a system where you cannot shut \r
off the power to your system. The thermostat connects to the electricity \r
via 2 wires. Essentially you can turn the temperature far down to prevent the heat coming on \r
but if your home happens to get to that low temperature your thermostat will \r
turn on the heat. These types of systems are good for vacation homes in cold climates to make sure that pipes don\'t freeze.
A line voltage double pole thermostat is the type of system you would want if you need to entirely shut off power to your unit. This thermostat will connect to your power via 4 wires. The double pole \r
system utilizes a circuit that can completely turn off, similar to an electrical device that has a turn dial that if turned all the way to one side will \"click\" and completely turn off. This type of system works perfectly for those that shut off their homes completely at night, or have summer homes that they like to power \r
down.
Step Two: Determine the features you desire
A programmable system has different types of setting depending on the type of programmable. You can \r
have 5-2, 2-2-1, or 7 day programming capabilities. These are the separate \r
types of day combinations \r
that exist for thermostats. These styles have even evolved to include \r
touch screens.
This style is not programmable but \r
it has a digital read out similar to your digital alarm clock.
These systems work with a mercury \r
switch that does the job of a relay switch today. They are not able to be \r
programmed and are the original technology of thermostats.
Understand Why You Need to Replace Your Thermostat
If you think you need a new thermostat, chances are that you do. Several homes, especially those in the Midwest, still use mercury thermostats, which...
Installing a Programmable Thermostat to Save on Your Energy Bills
Replacing an old, single-setting thermostat with a programmable model is one of the easiest and quickest ways to save big energy dollars. Such a repla...
Cooling Your Home - Money Saving Methods
Looking for ways to drop your thermostat without raising your energy bill? The goal is to minimize sources of heat and remove built-up heat from insid...
Cut Down The Cost of Heating Your Apt
Because of inflation, keeping your apartment as warm this winter as you did last winter could cost you an estimated 11 % more. It's a proven fact tha...
What’s The Difference Between A Underfloor Heating Cable Mat And Cable Kit?
What is a cable kit?Electric underfloor heating cable kits are quite simply the loose heating cable as one long continuous roll of wire on a spool. Th...
What is HVAC? HVAC Information For Home Owners
HVAC, or heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, is a term that deals with the climate control of a structure. In some regions of the world, HVAC ...
Solar Window Heater: South Facing Savings
I recently discovered an inexpensive, eco-friendly product to supplement your home heating system. It's a compact, but efficient, solar powered room h...
How To Understand Gas And Electric Controls For Water Heaters: Even If You’ve Lost The Instructions
Electric ControlsElectric heaters heat up water with two horizontal elements running inside the tank of the water heater. One is located on the upper...
What Is A Contactor In An Air Conditioning System? A Bad Contactor Can Lead To Major Failures!
A contactor is defined as an electrical relay used to control the flow of power in a circuit. Many people also refer to them as a relay. A relay is ac...
Simple Ways to Lower Your Heating Bills and Make Your Home Cozier
One of the most common problems encountered by homeowners is a heating bill that seems to go through the roof as soon as the temperature outside turns...
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint By Using Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating: Electric.In a standard home, approximately 30% of the living space is taken up by radiators. Underfloor heating systems give you b...
Atlanta Heating and Cold Weather Alert
Here are some tips from the R.S. Andrews Technicians on how you can save money and ensure your comfort with your home's heating system:- Have your fur...
The Benefits Of An Electric Heater
In an effort to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature in our homes, we often compare and contrast the heating abilities of the electric he...
Avoid Forced Air Heater Repair with Regular Maintenance
Central forced air heater repair can be expensive, so the best plan of action is to prevent the repair in the first place if at all possible. Of cour...
Electrical vs. Hydronic Underfloor Heating
When it comes to deciding which is the best underfloor heating system, you have two alternatives to choose from: electrical and hydronic systems. Both...