Wondering what the difference is between different types of thermostats and how to choose the right one for your home? Here is a simple comparison of different types of thermostats and what you can expect from each one.
Manual Thermostat
A manual thermostat is the norm for older systems. This type of thermostat has a dial that allows you to set the approximate temperature you want your home to be. You can manually turn the temperature up or down, or turn the whole system on or off. These are perfect for tech-adverse people who just want to keep things simple when it comes to their heating.
Simple Digital Thermostat
Simple digital thermostats are non-programmable and display the temperature on a backlit digital screen. Many people find digital displays easier to use because they can be set at a specific temperature, and are therefore more precise than manual thermostats. Some of these thermostats have features such as locking systems (to prevent children or guests from changing the temperature) and information on humidity levels.
Millivolt Thermostat
Millivolt thermostats are primarily found in older homes and are used primarily for natural gas fireplaces. These low-voltage thermostats are self-powered by a thermocouple device called a “thermopile generator” which produces direct current electricity.
Four-Wire Digital Thermostat
These programmable thermostats have a digital display of the temperature and will automatically adjust to keep your home at the approximate temperature you have set. They are connected by four wires that look similar to the wires connected to a light switch. Four-wire digital thermostats are generally used for furnaces.
Wi-Fi Thermostat
Wi-fi-controlled thermostats connect to your home’s internet connection, which provides you with remote access to control your thermostat. This means that you can control your thermostat from any device connected to your internet, including smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers. Wi-fi thermostats offer an array of features, including weather forecasts, real-time energy usage data and savings reports, and more. Wi-fi thermostats offer the most convenience and accuracy, and they are also highly energy efficient.
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