If you haven’t purchased a thermostat in a while, choosing one may seem overwhelming. The wide variety of brands and models on the market range from basic to sophisticated, and many have advanced features you’ll need to configure. Let’s consider these many options to determine which ones are the best for your home and HVAC system.
Understanding the Core Thermostat Types
Most modern thermostats are fundamentally similar in that they use a thermocouple to measure temperature. Thermocouples have two different metals welded together to form a junction. When exposed to the ambient heat, the two metals react differently. One becomes more positively charged while the other becomes more negatively charged. The system measures that voltage difference to determine the temperature.
While most thermostats are fundamentally the same, they can vary greatly in the user interface they provide. The three core options are manual, programmable, and smart. Manual thermostats can either be analog or digital. Analog models are often round dials and tend to be less precise when setting them. Still, some homeowners prefer the classic aesthetic and simplicity. Digital models have a display along with virtual or physical buttons to adjust the temperature and other settings.
Programmable thermostats are digital units that let you program or schedule them. An optimal schedule can reduce your annual heating and cooling costs by up to 10%.
The essential difference between a smart and programmable thermostat is Wi-Fi capabilities that connect to your local network, the internet, and other smart devices. Often, the Wi-Fi label means that the unit offers scheduling, Wi-Fi, and that’s it. The smart label, on the other hand, indicates that the unit offers a more advanced feature set, including machine learning.
Ensuring Compatibility With Your System
Not all thermostats are compatible with every HVAC system. That’s why it can be much easier to go through your local HVAC company rather than buy the product yourself. A technician can help you ensure compatibility with all the basic and advanced features offered.
One consideration is thermostat size. Unless you’re buying a system that supports remote sensors, your current installation location is very important. You should choose a unit small enough to fit into the existing area easily.
Wiring and voltage compatibility are considerations as well. HVAC systems range from low to high voltage, and low-voltage systems are the most common. Some thermostats use a small amount of electricity to signal the HVAC equipment. There are also millivolt systems that use very low voltage and don’t connect to the home’s wiring at all. In mid- to high-voltage systems — what technicians call line voltage — there’s a direct connection that controls how long the HVAC equipment cycles.
Most thermostats support a range of wiring configurations. How your technician wires the thermostat will depend on the type of equipment you have. Many advanced thermostats require a common wire. This is notable if you haven’t had a thermostat upgrade in a long time because you may not have a C-wire. You may need to choose a unit that doesn’t require it. Alternatively, you can have your technician install a C-wire or a C-wire adapter.
There are compatibility concerns with the type of HVAC equipment as well. Some thermostats only support furnaces or boilers while others offer the wiring for both. Not all thermostats that support air conditioners are compatible with heat pumps in heat mode. The wrong choice could reduce energy efficiency in winter. You may also need a thermostat that supports the specific advanced equipment you have. That includes thermostats for dual-fuel heat pumps, variable-speed air handlers, and zoned HVAC systems.
Claim a Rebate to Save Money
An appealing aspect of programmable and smart thermostats is that they’ll often pay for themselves over time. You can speed up recouping that investment through a rebate offered by manufacturers, local utility companies, and state agencies. You may even be able to claim multiple rebates if they’re available through different sources.
You can search for available rebates through the ENERGY STAR website. ENERGY STAR is a joint Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency program that certifies products for energy efficiency. You should also contact your utility company for details on local offers.
Scheduling
Scheduling helps you save by avoiding unnecessary heating and cooling while you’re sleeping or away from the home. Most programmable thermostats will have at least basic profile support. A unit may offer a schedule for each day of the week or weekdays and weekends. More advanced units will offer seasonal profiles and a vacation mode.
There are smart thermostat features that augment scheduling. Many models with machine learning can track your usage patterns and optimize your schedules automatically. There’s also geofencing. Models with geofencing can choose a profile based on whether you’re home. You can use that feature as an alternative or in addition to standard scheduling.
Demand Response and Peak Rates
Many utility companies change their rates based on the time of day. During peak usage, the rate will be higher. Peak periods aren’t a windfall for energy providers, as their costs are higher during these periods as well. To help lower demand on the grid, many have instituted demand response programs. These programs are optional and require a smart thermostat compatible with the utility’s system. Opting in allows your utility to adjust your thermostat several degrees in return for discounts and other perks.
You can also consider a thermostat that adjusts itself automatically based on current rates. The most convenient solutions are those that can go online and download the rate data automatically. This feature lets you set different settings depending on the rate. That can make a significant difference in your cooling bill over an entire summer.
Smart Home Integration
Smart devices are becoming increasingly common in modern homes, and a smart thermostat is just one example. There are smart hubs, personal assistants, and appliances. If you already have a smart hub, consider its operating system and communication protocols. Make sure that the thermostat you choose is compatible.
If you don’t yet have a hub but may in the future, you’ll want to think ahead. Your smart thermostat can essentially serve as the hub in a basic setup. Still, this choice will affect all of your future smart home decisions likely for a decade at least.
Local Thermostat Experts in Tigard
Specialty Heating & Cooling LLC has been serving Tigard, OR and other parts of the Portland metropolitan area since 1985. Our technicians install, maintain, and repair furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and mini-split heat pumps and ACs. We install and maintain standby generators to help you avoid the hassles and damages of extended power outages. Our team specializes in modern, energy-efficient water heaters. We also help clients achieve better energy efficiency and air quality with duct cleaning, ductwork sealing, and in-duct air purifiers, and we provide commercial services. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
