A thermostat is a common household device used for regulating temperature. There are different types of thermostats in the market, each with its own unique features and attributes. The standard thermostats are capable of the basic heating and cooling settings, while the higher-end models may come equipped with additional technologies that add comfort and make your household more convenient.
The ideal thermostat should be both practical and complementary of your lifestyle. Here are the various types of thermostat devices that you can choose from:
Type #1: Non-Programmable Thermostat
Often known as a manual thermostat or a mechanical thermostat, these non-programmable thermostats are the most basic type of thermostats in the market. They are operated manually. Once the thermostat is set to a certain temperature, it will stay at that point unless someone manually changes it or shuts it off.
Generally, a non-programmable thermostat features an LED display that lets you see the temperature you have chosen. There are also up and down buttons for controlling the temperature, and another button that switches its function from cooling to heating, or vice versa. When you turn on a non-programmable thermostat, you may have to wait for a short period of time before it heats up or cools down your residence.
Non-programmable thermostats were once the most common type in the market, but that changed when people discovered they contain mercury.
Type #2: Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat will make your life significantly easier, especially if you are currently using a mechanical thermostat. The main selling point of this thermostat is that it allows you to change the temperature without having to adjust it manually.
A programmable thermostat allows you to preprogram the temperature. After setting a program that best suits your needs, this thermostat will automatically control the temperature for the duration of the set program. Some commonly used programs include the 7-day program that allows you to have different temperature settings for each day of the week. This is the most flexible program and is great for people with busy schedules.
Another commonly used program is the 5-1-1 program, which allows a person to have a uniform temperature setting for the five days of the week and two different temperature settings for Saturday and Sunday. Next is the 5-2 program, which provides you with a consistent temperature setting for the five days of the week and a uniform temperature setting for both days of the weekend.
The simplest is the 1-week program, which comes with the option of having a uniform temperature setting for a whole week. Depending on the type of model, a programmable thermostat can change the temperature four separate times in just 24 hours.
Type #3: Touchscreen Thermostat
In recent years, touchscreen technology has become very popular. You can find it on almost all devices today, even on thermostats. The main selling point of a touchscreen thermostat is the fact that it eliminates the use of buttons on the panel. Since it does not feature buttons, there are lower chances of someone accidentally hitting a button, which can be very annoying, especially if you are in the process of setting a program.
Another selling point of this thermostat is that it makes the process of programming easier and quicker. You do not need to read through the manual to operate it, because everything is displayed on the screen for you. Although having a touchscreen thermostat is a great idea, not all touchscreen models are made to comfortably accommodate people with large fingers.
Other touchscreen thermostats may also have a complicated interface, requiring some effort and patience for novice users to learn all the settings.
Type #4: Wireless Thermostat
This is one of the most expensive thermostats in the market right now. A wireless thermostat is pricey, but it has superior features compared to other types of thermostats in the market. Most noticeably, wireless thermostats give you the freedom to access and control it anywhere, even if you aren’t in the same building it is installed.
Wireless thermostats give you the option of changing pre-set values on a running programmed routine. In the long run, this feature is highly economical and comes with lower utility bills. This feature also means you don’t have to leave the thermostat running whenever you aren’t at home. Just switch it on from your phone when you make your way home, and you can enjoy the air conditioning as soon as you step through those doors.
Type #5: Learning Thermostat
This is the most recent invention in thermostat technology. A learning thermostat has all the benefits of programmable thermostats, except that it only requires manual programming for the first few times you use it. Afterwards, it can predict your preferences, by which time it will start to set programs automatically.
A learning thermostat can connect to a wireless network, which allows you to set, monitor and manage it remotely from a smartphone or computer. This thermostat will only work efficiently for people with consistent or predictable schedules. Without consistency, it can’t learn your preferences effectively.
Type #6: Communicating Thermostat
Recently, many high-end thermostats feature a communicating system. The communicating thermostat lets you set and monitor programs simply by talking to it. It has advanced features that go beyond other types of thermostat devices, such as troubleshooting assistance, adjusting features and furnace settings directly from the thermostat and maintenance warnings.
