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.
