A thermostat is one of the most important devices in a home because it regulates the cooling and heating system. In simple terms, a thermostat maintains a comfortable temperature inside the rooms. However, not all people know that thermostats perform a vital role in saving energy since it is created to operate at its best efficiency.
With this, you must choose a thermostat that best suits the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system of your home. If you heard about comparisons like Nest Thermostat vs Ecobee and you still get confused, it is time that you learn about the basics. To help you, here’s how to choose the right thermostat:
Step 1: Identify your home’s current system
The first thing that you need to do is to identify your home’s current system before you run off to buy. By identifying, you can ensure that the thermostat you will purchase is compatible with the current system. In the end, you will not waste money. If you are having difficulty identifying, you should contact the HVAC specialist immediately.
Step 2: Learn about the three types of thermostats
You must know that there are three major types of thermostats in the market. Types include:
- Mechanical: this thermostat is usually found in older homes, which feature a dial or slider that has to be manually moved to adjust the temperature.
- Digital: this thermostat is similar to mechanical in the sense that you need to manually adjust the temperature settings. The only difference is the digital display allowing you to keep track of the room temperature.
- Programmable: this is by far the best type of thermostat because it is energy efficient. Programmable thermostats can set the temperature based on different times.
Step 3: Select the features and options
As soon as you identified your thermostat and you learned about the different types, it is time that you select the features that best cater to your lifestyle and needs. As a start, you can consider the following features and options:
- Touch screens: this can help you track the temperature accurately. It can also help you modify the settings with your fingertips.
- Backlit display panel: this is useful so you can see it when it is dark.
- Selectable program periods: this can allow you to set temperatures for separate periods depending on your needs.
- Indicator lights: this can alert you when the furnace needs a new filter or battery is low.
- Remote programming: this can help you control the thermostat for comfort and convenience.
Step 4: Choose a thermostat and have it installed
Now it is time to choose a thermostat and have it installed. To install the thermostat properly, you should look for experts.
Step 5: Set the temperature
You can now set the temperature. If it is a digital thermostat, you have to manually set the temperature.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right thermostat is not easy since there are many considerations but if you have the right information, selecting is a breeze. The key here is research. If you are in doubt, you can always ask experts. Whatever the case, you should not rush.
