Lowcountry Families: Here Are Some Things You Might Want To Know About Thermostats
Published by Travis Baucom on
We do our best to provide honest opinions and feedback about the world of HVAC for Lowcountry families here at My Three Sons Heating & Air.
From our HVAC Handbook, which is a hand-picked selection of terms and concepts that are most relevant to Lowcountry homeowners, to our family maintenance and MTS Advantage programs, which aim to offer only what families need – our mission is to keep you informed on everything you need to stay comfortable here in our corner of South Carolina.
Among the very large universe of the HVAC industry – from AC repair to installation – thermostats serve as the front line for most homeowners.
While more complex terms like BTU and SEER rating or technical terms like single and variable stage operation may not be widely known, most families are aware of the thermostat: the primary control over their system.
Like many pieces of HVAC equipment, they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, types – and are produced by many different companies and manufacturers.
Knowing which one is best for your home can be really difficult.
Knowing which one is right for your HVAC system is, perhaps, the more important bit that many homeowners may not understand.
To help you out, I’d like to cover a few thermostat basics and summarize why not all thermostats may not be right for your particular HVAC situation.
Analog Thermostats vs. Digital Thermostats
The age of the analog thermostat may be at an end, but in case you happen to be living in an older home in the Lowcountry, this might be useful for you.
Analog thermostats work the same as any other digital thermostat, but instead of digital components, it can use metal strips that expand or contract to control your HVAC system.
The technical details of an analog thermostat can go a bit further here, but the essential idea is that it uses moving parts instead of electronic parts to operate.
Moving parts have the tendency to wear down over time and might not be as precise as the electronic components inside of digital thermostats, making them the less efficient option of these two.
Odds are good that you’ll most likely have a digital thermostat if your home is relatively new, so you’ll not want to move backwards into an older analog thermostat if this is the case.
Digital Thermostats vs. Smart Thermostats
Believe it or not there is a difference between digital thermostats and smart thermostats.
Digital thermostats, as mentioned above, use electronic components to control you HVAC system — most with an option to manually “program” system operation according to a set schedule.
This set schedule can help optimize your HVAC system’s operation so that it runs more or less during certain parts of the day – or automatically – when temperatures change outside.
Smart thermostats add another layer to the digital ecosystem by “learning” your preferred settings, so to speak.
Over time, smart – or connected – thermostats will take your presets as well, but can include learning these settings in advance so that your system operates automatically according to those habits.
The “connected” part of the smart thermostats also allow you to control your system via a WiFi connection – through a mobile app on your phone, for example – which offers another convenient way to keep an eye on your HVAC system.
Manufacturer Thermostats vs. 3rd Party Thermostats
This is where it gets more interesting – and likely something many homeowners may want to take note of.
While many thermostats are compatible with most types of HVAC manufacturers (companies that make your system), not all may not be the best for your system’s optimal operation.
Most of those system manufacturers also manufacture their own specifically designed thermostat.
The advantage is that their control systems are fine-tuned specifically for operating their mechanical equipment.
This subtle fine-tuning can actually mean your system may operate better than with a thermostat not built by the manufacturer (known as “3rd-party” thermostats).
Popular 3rd party thermostats like Nest or ecobee can be perfectly fine in many cases, but just know that to get the optimal experience, getting equipped with a thermostat designed for your system can make a big difference over time.
What’s The Best Thermostat For Your System?
As we mentioned several times on this blog, not all homes – and associated heating & cooling needs – are the same; this is the same for your choice of thermostat.
While you’re free to choose any thermostat that you desire, it’s usually a good idea to consult with your favorite local HVAC contractor in the Charleston area.
Not only for choosing the right thermostat, but also for installation assistance.
Getting the wrong thermostat – and having it poorly installed – is a sure bet for future issues, so letting a professional handle it is a great way to give you family peace of mind when it comes to your HVAC situation.
Your HVAC system isn’t just another piece of equipment – it’s an investment in your family’s comfort.
By letting the pros handle your system with genuine care, you can be sure that investment will continue to pay off for years to come in the Lowcountry.