Types of Thermostats

When it comes to your furnace, the thermostat is the most important part of it all.  This is a device that will essentially be installed into the HVAC system and it ensures that the heating and air conditioning in your home is working efficiently and properly.  This little device can turn off the heat/AC as well as on the heat/AC and also set the room temperatures to a pre-defined temperature.  Essentially when a thermostat is used correctly, it’s a great way to heat or cool off your house, but it’s also a great way to manage your energy bills.  If you are shopping for a new thermostat it’s important to know what types of thermostats there are, as well as what they do and the benefits and negatives of each.  Below, you will find just that! If you would like to upgrade your thermostat and are afraid to do this job yourself you can contact a company that offers HVAC services in Summit NJ; New Jersey HVAC firms have many years of experience

with these types of jobs and can discuss your choices with you as well as install the thermostat that you select.

Non-Programmable Thermostats

Believe it or not, manufactures are still making non-programmable thermostats.  These are the easiest to use, but the downside is that they are not technological, like, at all.  This might not be the best choice for the younger folks, but it is a good option for people that are older or people that just don't get what the big deal is about "gadgets" and they just want a regular old thermostat. 

Most all of the models in this arena have an LED display panel, this will allow you to see what temperature you want the heat or air condition to go to, as well as what is the overall temperature in the house right now.  There is going to be an up and down arrow button, and a button to switch between AC and heating, as well as an off and on switch.  If you don't like to fuss around with a lot of buttons and just want it to do what it’s supposed to do, this is the best option for you.  These are also reasonably priced for what you get.

Programmable Thermostat

Okay, if you like technology and want something to make your life a whole lot easier, this is the option for you.  These come in many different colors and design options, some of them are pretty basic while others include more options.  For example, on this device you will have a timer like option; it will let you choose when you want the AC or the heat to come on.  SO say for example it’s a blistering cold morning, you usually wake up at 700am, but you hate how cold it is in the house around then and thinking about going down to turn the heat on, just makes you shiver.  Well, you can set this thermostat to turn on to whatever temperature you want, at 700am or even a little earlier if you would like.  The same goes for air conditioning.  If you like to sleep in the cool at night, but it often gets hot in your upstairs bedroom, you can set the AC to come on once the room temperature reaches a certain temperature and you can set it so that it goes no lower than what you set it at.  Pretty neat.  Definitely more options than the other one above.  Some models even let you make 4 different temperature settings in a 24 hour period, let you choose which days/times you would like to set those temperatures for and much more.  These, of course, do cost a little more, but it’s worth it because it’s very customizable.

Touch Screen

These are newer, but becoming more and more popular, especially by people that LOVE technology.  As you would assume by the title, this is a touch screen thermostat.  Maybe not the best option if you have kids that can reach up to it, lots of fingerprints and such, but overall a nice option.  This option completely eliminates the need for buttons, so like any other touch screen device like a tablet, for instance, its smooth all the way from top to bottom and left to right.  The lack of buttons can also be good for people that don't like buttons, have larger fingers and always seem to press the wrong temperature, or people with arthritis - it’s much easier and takes less energy to touch a screen, than it does to press a button.  Also, these devices don't usually come with a manual because everything

can be accessed on screen which keeps you from having to keep it somewhere safe or worse - add more junk to your already overfilling junk drawer.

Wireless Thermostats

Eventually when touch screens came out, it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a wireless option!  To be honest, this option is a little more expensive, but for some people it might be worth it.  This wireless option allows you to still have control of your HVAC system without even being in the house.  One of the more important reasons why people decide to go with this option is because even though it costs a little more, its insanely efficient.  It allows you to literally control everything in or out of the house and lets you peek in on what is going on with the presets and readjust them whenever you want.  This might not seem like its useful, but if you've ever had an emergency meeting, had a death in the family and had to leave right away from work, or your boss asked you to drive to a client meeting 2 hours away and he wants you to leave now, you know that this IS a useful device.  It will help you save money on electricity and energy bills when you have those just in case moments you can’t control.  Instead of the heat or AC coming on or being on while you aren’t there, you can remotely activate it to turn off or on wherever you are.  Talk about convenience.

Hopefully after reading this blog, you know a little bit more about what is available out there, as well as the best options for your needs.  After all, everyone lives differently, in and outside of the house, and wants different things, so it only makes sense that the above-mentioned devices cater to all of your needs and wants - not to someone else's.