If you’ve started researching your next thermostat, you’ve likely noticed the vast number of options available. It can be quite overwhelming for the average consumer. With that in mind, let’s explore the top points that will help you choose the best device for you and your Belleville, ON, home.
Voltage
HVAC manufacturers design systems for a particular voltage. There are three broad categories: low voltage, millivolt and high voltage. The vast majority of HVAC systems and thermostats on the market are low voltage. But if you have a millivolt or high-voltage system, you’ll need a thermostat specifically designed for it. Common examples of HVAC systems with these higher power requirements include those with electric baseboards, wall and floor heaters.
Stages
Stages refers to the speeds at which your system can operate. Traditional HVAC systems are single stage. They’re either on or off. When they’re on, they run at the same consistent speed. Two-stage systems have a low and high mode. Variable-speed systems can have different compressor settings. It’s important that you choose a thermostat that supports the full range of settings your system has.
Analog vs. Digital
A basic thermostat is also known as a manual thermostat. That means that you adjust the thermostat by hand when necessary. Analog manual thermostats are the most basic kind and the cheapest. They are easy to use, last a long time and rarely malfunction. The downside is that they’re not as accurate and don’t provide a temperature display. Digital manual thermostats cost a bit more and don’t have as long of a lifespan, but they’re far more precise and provide a temperature readout.
Programmable vs. Smart
Digital thermostats are by far the most common thermostat option these days. Many of them have additional features beyond basic temperature sensing and control. Programmable thermostats are digital thermostats that allow you to set a schedule. This can save you a great deal of money by lowering or raising the temperature automatically while you are at work or sleeping. Smart thermostats are programmable thermostats that can connect to the local network and directly to other smart devices. Access to the internet provides a wide range of additional capabilities.
Programmable Thermostats for Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are units that can transfer warmth from one place to another. They can work in reverse to cool a space as well. Thermostats are not universal. The standard configuration supports a traditional air conditioner and furnace pairing. If you have a heat pump, you need to ensure you choose a thermostat that works with it. Likewise, if you have a dual-fuel system—a heat pump paired with a furnace for auxiliary heating—you need to choose a thermostat that supports that arrangement.
Hold, Vacation Mode and Profiles
Programmable thermostats often have various modes. The hold mode is very common and allows you to pause programming to override any preset functions. Vacation mode is an additional profile that lets you have different programming for when you’re away from home. Many units nowadays have even more profiles for things like seasons, weekends, individual family members, and so on.
Learning
An increasingly common feature for smart thermostats is machine learning. This refers to a thermostat’s ability to track your usage and analyze it. Based on that analysis, your thermostat can either adjust the programming automatically or make suggestions that will save you money.
Energy-Efficiency Features
Home heating and cooling are primary contributors to greenhouse gases. The focus of the HVAC industry has shifted to minimizing the carbon footprint of individual users. You will see this reflected in many of the thermostats that are available on the market.
Adaptive Recovery
Thermostats with adaptive recovery learn how long it takes to reach a desired temperature. This feature allows the thermostat to, for instance, remain at your sleep temperature longer. That can have a dramatic impact on energy efficiency over the course of a year.
Smart Setback
Smart setback lessens the burden of having to program your thermostat. A thermostat that automatically lowers the AC when you’re at work sounds like a great idea. It’s less practical if you don’t leave home at a set time each day. Smart setback automatically adjusts when you leave.
Often, thermostats achieve this through geofencing and a connection with your smartphone. This also means that they can adjust the temperature when you’re returning home based on adaptive recovery.
Sensor Support
Many programmable and smart thermostats now support home sensors. There are a wide range of applications for this. The most fundamental includes multiple temperature sensors. This provides the thermostat with more data, which makes it more accurate. It reduces or eliminates the importance of thermostat placement, and it often facilitates HVAC zoning.
Humidity Sensing and Control
If you do or will have a whole-home dehumidifier, or humidifier, or both, you’ll want a thermostat with humidity sensing and control. This is much more convenient than having a separate unit for humidity. These units either have an onboard hygrometer or connect to a humidity sensor.
ENERGY STAR Certification
Energy Star is a program run by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. If a thermostat has Energy Star certification, you know that it achieves a high level of performance in terms of energy efficiency. There are also Energy Star rebates available. These rebates can offset your initial purchase by as much as $75.
Remote Access and Control
If you opt for a smart thermostat, you’ll want to consider choosing a product that supports remote monitoring and control. Many brands offer a smartphone app that lets you connect to your thermostat through your smartphone or other device. Through this app, you can adjust temperature and relative humidity, change the programming, put the thermostat in vacation mode, and so forth.
Energy Reporting and Analysis
Energy reporting is a great feature that’s becoming more prevalent with smart thermostats. It lets you see how much energy you’re consuming and when you’re being efficient or not. You can pull reports directly from the thermostat through your computer or phone. Many of the newer systems will even provide you with recommendations on how you can be more efficient and save money.
Peak and Non-Peak Energy Rates
Many power companies in the U.S. have peak and non-peak rates. You may even have rate tiers in your area. One of the recent innovations in smart home technologies is the ability to adjust based on these rates. A smart thermostat could, for example, adjust your indoor temperature a couple of degrees higher when the rates are less favorable.
In some cases, you can opt into a specific program with your energy company. This allows them to adjust your thermostat by up to 4 degrees during peak usage periods. The benefit is that they give you credit on your bill each month. If this is something that interests you, check with your power company to determine the supported thermostats.
Your Local Thermostat Experts in Belleville
If you need help finding the right thermostat for your Belleville home, Armour Home Comfort is here to help. We have more than 30 years of experience in the HVAC industry. This includes installing, replacing, maintaining and repairing ducted and ductless heating and cooling systems. We can also service your fireplace or heat pump. Call today or contact us online to schedule an in-home consultation or service appointment.
