Choosing the right thermostat for your home furnace is crucial for optimizing comfort, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Here are the different thermostat options available, along with tips for replacing or upgrading your furnace thermostat.
Types of Thermostats for Home Furnaces
Manual Thermostats
Features: These are the simplest and most basic type of thermostats. They require manual adjustments to set the temperature.
Best For: People who prefer basic functionality and don’t mind adjusting the temperature manually.
Pros: Easy to use, affordable, and durable.
Cons: No programmable features, which can lead to energy inefficiency if you forget to adjust the temperature when you’re away.
Programmable Thermostats
Features: Allows you to program different temperatures for different times of the day and days of the week. You can set it to automatically lower or raise the temperature when you're not at home.
Best For: Homeowners who want to save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature.
Pros: Can help save on energy costs by adjusting the temperature based on your schedule. Available in 5-2, 7-day, or even 5-1-1 programming options.
Cons: Requires initial programming and may be more difficult for some users to set up.
Smart Thermostats
Features: These thermostats offer Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled remotely through your smartphone, tablet, or voice assistants (like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant). They also learn your habits and adjust the temperature automatically.
Best For: Tech-savvy homeowners who want maximum control and efficiency.
Pros: Remote access, energy-saving features, integration with smart home systems, and the ability to control the thermostat from anywhere.
Cons: More expensive than manual or programmable thermostats, and setup may require an internet connection and technical knowledge.
Wi-Fi Thermostats
Features: A type of smart thermostat that connects to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control the thermostat remotely from a mobile app.
Best For: Homeowners who want to adjust the temperature from anywhere, even when they are not at home.
Pros: Allows for remote access, easy-to-use apps, and energy-saving scheduling features.
Cons: Some models may require a subscription for advanced features.
Zoned Thermostats
Features: Allows you to control the temperature in different areas (zones) of your home independently. This system requires multiple thermostats and motorized dampers in the ductwork.
Best For: Larger homes or homes with multiple floors where different zones require different temperatures.
Pros: Enhanced comfort and energy savings by controlling the temperature in individual zones of the home.
Cons: Expensive and may require professional installation.
Considerations for Choosing a Thermostat
Compatibility
Ensure the thermostat is compatible with your furnace system (e.g., gas, oil, electric). Some thermostats may not be compatible with certain types of HVAC systems or require additional wiring.
Wi-Fi or App Control
If you are looking for convenience, consider a Wi-Fi or smart thermostat that can be controlled via a mobile app. This is useful for adjusting the temperature remotely when you’re not at home.
Programmability
If you have a regular schedule, a programmable thermostat can save you energy by adjusting the temperature when you're not home. For instance, you can program it to lower the temperature while you're away and raise it before you return home.
Energy Efficiency
Look for thermostats that have energy-saving features such as adaptive scheduling, energy reports, or alerts when you are consuming more energy than necessary.
User Interface
Choose a thermostat with a user-friendly interface that is easy for you to navigate. Some models come with touchscreen displays, while others have simple buttons or knobs.
How to Replace a Furnace Thermostat: Step-by-Step Tips
Replacing a furnace thermostat is a relatively straightforward task, but if you're unfamiliar with electrical work, it may be best to hire a professional. Here's how to replace a thermostat yourself:
Tools You Will Need:
New thermostat
Screwdriver
Drill (if needed)
Wire stripper (if needed)
Voltage tester
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Turn Off Power
Before doing any work, turn off the power to your furnace by switching off the breaker or unplugging the unit.
Remove the Old Thermostat
Use a screwdriver to remove the thermostat cover.
Take note of how the wires are connected to the old thermostat. You can use masking tape to label the wires according to the terminal they are connected to (e.g., “R”, “C”, “Y”, “W”).
Disconnect the wires from the old thermostat and remove the mounting screws that hold it in place.
Prepare the New Thermostat
If the new thermostat requires batteries, insert them.
Check that the wires are correctly labeled and connect them to the new thermostat's terminals (refer to the manufacturer's instructions if unsure).
Install the New Thermostat
Mount the new thermostat to the wall and attach the wires to their respective terminals. Tighten the screws to secure the wires in place.
If needed, drill new holes and use anchors to ensure the thermostat is securely installed.
Test the New Thermostat
Once the new thermostat is mounted, turn the power back on.
Set the thermostat to your desired temperature and check that your furnace responds as expected.
Make sure the thermostat is calibrated correctly and is reaching the set temperature without issues.
Program Your Thermostat
If you’re using a programmable or smart thermostat, take the time to program your schedule according to your needs. For Wi-Fi thermostats, follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect it to your home network and mobile app.
Maintenance Tips After Installation
Check the Batteries: For programmable or smart thermostats that use batteries, change them every year to ensure continued performance.
Regularly Clean the Thermostat: Dust can build up on the thermostat, causing it to work inefficiently. Clean it occasionally with a soft cloth.
Recalibrate as Needed: Some thermostats may need recalibration over time, especially if they’re showing incorrect temperatures. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to adjust settings as needed.