For decades, the old round manual thermostat controlling the temperature of the heater had been considered the standard. The wiring on those models was usually quite simple, just a red and a white wire.
When central heating and air conditioning became more common, the thermostats required more terminals and at least 3 to 4 wires. Still the older central heat and air thermostats were analog or manual thermostats.
Then digital became the new standard. Older homes may still have older manual thermostats, but most thermostats, even those in older homes, are now digital. The digital thermostats give a more precise reading, and you can actually see the numbers.
Having a digital thermostat isn’t really enough these days.
Having a digital thermostat isn’t really enough these days. There are exciting thermostat options available that may make even the thriftiest homeowner want to upgrade. Whether you are looking for energy savings, more control of your environment, or automation, there are some nice options to choose from.
If you are getting a new HVAC installation, it is definitely a good idea to explore your thermostat selection with your HVAC technician. If your High Desert heating and air conditioning system is still in good shape, a thermostat upgrade might give this ubiquitous device a new wow factor.
Programmable Thermostats
Most new digital thermostats are programmable. You can choose from many options from 7-day programming to different options for nights, days and weekends. These units are also very precise and can help you control energy use and save money. Many also come with tons of bells and whistles, from digital clocks to touch screens to cool back lit displays.
Wi-Fi Thermostats
Home automation is the wave of the future, and Wi-Fi thermostats are here. These awesome thermostats have the bells and whistles of the programmable thermostats, but you can also control them from your tablet or phone. Having the ability to change the temperature of your home while you are at work or still lying in bed has its advantages. It’s also possible to get fancy and control these with other devices such as an Amazon Echo or even create your own IFTTT recipes.
Learning Thermostats
If you have heard of the Nest thermostat, then you probably know it is a learning thermostat. It remembers your temperature adjustments and automates them to customize your heating and cooling experience. The Nest Thermostat was one of the first learning thermostats and probably the most popular. The Nest Thermostats also interfaces with the aforementioned smart home systems. It also has a classic round look with a colorful digital display which probably adds to its popularity.
No matter what thermostat upgrade you choose, it is a good idea to let the High Desert professionals at Elite Climate Control help with the installation. Wire configurations have gotten more complex, and having a properly tested and calibrated thermostat will affect proper operation.
