Thermostats

A thermostat is part of a heating and cooling control system that maintains a desired set temperature in a building. The thermostat operates by switching heating and cooling devices on or off in response to the room sensor. It regulates the flow of a heat transfer fluid as often as necessary to maintain the correct temperature.

There are two different types of thermostats, both with their own benefits. There are programmable or smart thermostats:

Programmable thermostats

Also known as smart thermostats, these have an automatic setback that starts and stops the heating or cooling system of your thermostat at least twice over 24 hours. A programmable thermostat may have a control pad with buttons or a touchscreen.

A smart thermostat connects to your Wi-Fi network, so you can change your home’s temperature wirelessly (from a device such as a smartphone), instead of manually adjusting the thermostat unit itself. You can connect the thermostat to a mobile app on your phone like Google Home or Apple HomeKit, and then you can control the temperature settings from the app. Some also have built-in air quality monitoring or geofencing controls. A few common brands of Wi-Fi thermostats include:

• ecobee Smart Thermostat
• Google Nest Thermostat
• Sensi
• Honeywell Home

Once you have a smart home thermostat, you can even use voice control technology to adjust the temperature, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. And with automatic temperature regulation, a programmable thermostat can save you money in the long run. Some utility companies provide rebates for switching to a smart thermostat that cuts your energy usage.

Non-Programmable thermostats

This traditional analog style of thermostat is common in older homes. These thermostats cannot be programmed, meaning you have to set the temperature yourself. With a simple adjustable dial, they are easy to operate. Mechanical times are usually set for 60-minute increments for safe and effective temperature control. Non-programmable thermostats usually cost less to purchase but do not offer the same energy savings as smart home devices with temperature sensors.

More details about programmable and manual thermostats and their features are covered in HomElectrical’s thermostat breakdown.

This type of heating system uses a furnace or heat pump to warm the air and release it through ductwork and vents. Cold air is pulled into the HVAC system, where it is filtered and heated. The filter gets rid of any allergens and dust that could be brought in with the air. Forced-air heating technology is the only energy-efficient system that can combine both heating and cooling.

If you’re purchasing a line-voltage thermostat, you’ll need to choose between single pole and double pole:

• Single Pole: When this thermostat is turned completely to the left and the temperature falls below a designated temperature (generally around 45 degrees Fahrenheit), the thermostat will turn on the heater. To identify a single-pole thermostat, look for two wires on the back.
• Double Pole: In contrast, this style has a true “off” feature that will not turn on the heater when the temperature falls. A double-pole thermostat has four wires on its back.

Although baseboard heaters are standalone appliances, not a central heating system, you can still control them with a thermostat. You can use a single-pole or double-pole thermostat with a baseboard heater. Follow HomElectrical’s guide to learn how to install a thermostat.

Summer brings sunshine, warm weather, and longer days – but it also means it can get uncomfortably hot inside your home. If you want to run your air conditioner and keep your house cool without sky-high utility bills, make energy-efficient changes:

• Use curtains or blinds to keep the sun’s rays from heating your house during the day.
• Switch to LED bulbs, which emit much less heat than incandescent lighting and can cut your energy use.
• Replace your old thermostat with a smart thermostat you can program.

Find even more ways to save on your energy costs.

At HomElectrical, we’re proud to carry Stelpro electric heating systems and accessories. These include:

• Baseboard heaters: Offering an effective long-term heating solution without central ductwork, these units are installed along the baseboard of a wall.
• Fan heaters: Providing instant heat, these units have a built-in fan to circulate warm air. They can be used with or without a thermostat.
• Unit heaters: Available in a variety of different sizes, these come with wall and ceiling mounts so they can be installed in areas without ductwork.

Learn more about effective heating methods with Stelpro that can deliver energy savings.

If you need to install a new thermostat for a construction project, plan to upgrade your existing heating system, or just want to save on your energy bill, HomElectrical is here to help. Since 2011, we’ve worked with DIY homeowners and professional contractors alike. Providing a wide range of products at affordable prices, we have a convenient online ordering system and a network of warehouses throughout the country to ensure efficient shipping. In addition to the best smart thermostats and high-quality HVAC equipment, HomElectrical carries:

• ENERGY Star LED lighting
• Power tools
• Hardware
• Janitorial supplies
• Appliances
• Storage and organization systems

Ready to get started? Create an account today or give us a call at 888.616.3532.

• How to Install a Single Pole or Double Pole Thermostat on a 240 Volt Baseboard Heater
• How to Save on Your AC Bill This Summer
• Effective Heating Methods with Stelpro
• HomElectrical's Comprehensive Thermostat Guide