Choosing a thermostat can be a little overwhelming when you are not sure which one is right for you system. This article will explain how to choose the right thermostat for you specific HVAC system.

The first thing you want to do is find out if you have a heat pump system. There are a couple of ways to check this:

• If the thermostat that you have now has an emergency heat setting, then you probably have a heat pump.
• Turn on the heat. If the outside unit runs then you have a heat pump.
• Check your breaker box. Sometimes they will put on the word Heat Pump on there.
• Write down the model number off the outside unit and Google it. You might get lucky and find some information on it.
  

If you have a heat pump system then you are likely to have a backup heat source. This is usually an electric heat source.

Next, check and see if you have a Gas furnace. This will be your indoor unit (or possibly your outdoor unit if you have a gas package unit

• The main indicator for a gas unit is a Gas vent pipe will be connected to the unit.

You have to find out what type of unit your thermostat will be controlling. You will have several different options.

1. Heat Only or Cool Only Thermostat
Used to control only a unit that supplies either heat or cool (ex...baseboard heater, furnace, window air conditioner).


2. 1 heat 1 cool thermostat
Used for a condensing unit and electric air handler.


3. 1 heat 1 cool thermostat (with Gas setting)
Used for a condensing unit and either an electric air handler or a gas furnace.


4. Heat pump thermostat
Used for home owners with a heat pump air conditioning unit with most commonly an electric air handler or sometimes a gas furnace.


5. Multi-stage thermostat

Used to control multiple heating or cooling systems. (ex...package units with a heat pump for the primary source and electric heat for a backup heat source).

 

Now you must choose between a digital and mechanical thermostat. If you decide to go with a digital thermostat you will have two other options to decide on. You can get either a programmable or non-programmable thermostat.
 

• Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to have total control over when your heating and cooling comes on. You can set it up for every day of the week. (ex..You can have it set to 74 degrees F until 8:00 am, then at 8 you can have it set to 78 while nobody is home, cutting energy costs.)


• Non-programmable Thermostat

A non-programmable is good for people who want to be able to set their thermostat whenever you want.

 

 

 For a complete listings of all of our thermostats, check out the Thermostats section in the HVAC Truck Stock Store.