Thermostats - Zonal & Central

ZONAL SYSTEMS

There are two types of thermostats for zonal (baseboard, ceiling, and wall) electric heating systems: digital electronic or electromechanical with bimetallic control sensors.

Electromechanical thermostats are slow to react allowing wide temperature swings (as much as five degrees on either side of the temperature setting) before turning the heater on or off.

Electronic thermostats eliminate the wide temperature swings and provide better comfort. They act as a control center for individual zonal-heated rooms. Each room or area can be programmed individually and turned down as desired for maximum comfort and efficiency.

CENTRAL SYSTEMS

There are two main types of thermostats for forced-air systems: digital electronic and electromechanical. All thermostats are essentially an on/off switch. When it senses the room temperature has dropped below the temperature setting, it signals the furnace to provide heat until the temperature rises sufficiently.

Electromechanical thermostats depend on the expansion or contraction of a metal coil to physically move a small mercury switch that turns the furnace on or off. An electronic thermostat uses more elaborate sensors and microchips instead of the mechanical devices. Both offer a setback feature which is a good option for energy savings.

A programmable thermostat also offers dependability since it automatically changes the temperature day-to-day based on your schedule. Digital electronic models offer the greatest variety of temperature settings and setback periods but programing can be complex.

Electromechanical thermostats are easier to set but have fewer features and less flexibility. Quality thermostats should keep the temperature fairly constant without letting the temperature vary more than a few degrees. They should also be easy to program and give options for time and temperature settings. The most versatile setback models can be programmed to allow different comfort levels and setback periods for each day of the week.

The ideal setback thermostat for a heat pump system maximizes energy savings because it plans ahead. It monitors when to start bringing the home up to a comfortable temperature and prohibits the auxiliary heating system from activating - saving on your heating costs.