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How to Choose A Thermostat
There are several different types
of systems: line voltage, single stage, multi stage, heat pumps, and
multi stage heat pumps. Each is unique in it's own way. Read down below
to learn more about each type of system.
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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 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 in your
home. You will perhaps have a furnace and another method of heat like a
solar panel. The second level of heat is commonly referred to as an
emergency heat setting. Therefore, because the low setting is adequate
to meet household-cooling or heating demands 80% of the time, the
multi-stage unit runs for longer periods and provides more even heat
distribution.
Heat Pump: (If you have this
system, you will know)
A heat pump is a single system that does both your heating and
cooling. When a heat pump is used you will not have a separate air
conditioning system because the heat pump can do both operations. A heat
pump is used as the emergency heat for multi stage units because it can
produce heat faster than any other unit and heat up your home faster on
very cold days; these systems are popular all over the county but
especially in the Northeast. The Heat Pump thermostat will generally
have more than 5 wires and almost always with a W2 and a C or X wire.
Multi Stage Heat Pump: (Most
advanced thermostat)
This system uses more than one system just like the multi stage but
it uses a heat pump as the emergency heating or cooling. You will have a
typical heating or cooling unit and rely on the heat pump to help your
typical system heat or cool faster and more efficiently. You will have
to switch the thermostat to emergency heating or emergency cooling for
this to work but it is more efficient and can make your home more
comfortable faster.
Line Voltage: (Uses Direct
Voltage)
A line voltage system uses direct current instead of only 24 volts
like the typical thermostat of today's newer homes. This type of
thermostat is used in older homes that use direct voltage. The power
wires are thicker and they generally run either 120 or 240 volts on
direct current. Line voltage electric heat thermostats are common in
older construction especially with baseboard heaters and with electric
heaters. They are NOT used with gas heating (gas heaters are generally
single stage systems). Most line voltage systems are mechanical rather
than digital programmable. Depending on the voltage of the thermostat
and 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 off the power to your
system. The thermostat connects to the electricity via 2 wires.
Essentially, you can turn the temperature far down to prevent the heat
coming on but if your home happens to get to that low temperature your
thermostat will 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 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 down.
Step Two: Determine the
features you desire
Programmable
A programmable system has different types of setting depending on
the type of programmable. You can have 5-2, 2-2-1, or 7 day programming
capabilities. These are the separate types of day combinations that
exist for thermostats. These styles have even evolved to include touch
screens.
Digital
This style is not programmable but it has a digital read out similar
to your digital alarm clock.
Mechanical
These systems work with a mercury switch that does the job of a
relay switch today. They are not able to be programmed and are the
original technology of thermostats.
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