How do I know if my thermostat is accurate?

To test the accuracy of your thermostat, place an accurate thermometer beside it and check if the temperature reading aligns with the temperature set on your thermostat.

What is a line voltage thermostat?

A line voltage thermostat regulates the electricity going to your heater and is generally used with electric heating sources such as baseboards. They operate according to the temperature settings in your room, and respond by powering off when the temperature is met, or powering on when the temperature dips below the set temperature.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?

Symptoms of a bad thermostat can include: the temperature of your room not matching your thermostat temperature, your heater being non responsive to adjustments on your thermostat, and if your heater does not turn on, or off, according to your thermostat settings.

Why is my thermostat reading the wrong temperature?

A thermostat can read the wrong temperature if the mechanical contacts become dirty and are in need of cleaning. Certain thermostats can also have a calibration screw that may require adjustment over time. Other thermostat types that rely on mercury for temperature readings must also remain in a level position otherwise they will give inaccurate readings.

Is it cheaper to leave heating on all day?

Cost savings from leaving your heating on depends on how well your home is insulated. In a well insulated home, it can be more efficient to leave your heating on as it will not have to work as hard to maintain the set temperature. In contrast, turning your heating off can result in higher energy consumption when powered back on, as it will work harder to raise the temperature from cool back to its set temperatures.

Do smart thermostats save you money?

According to the EPA's Energy Star program, smart thermostats can save the average household up to $180 per year by intelligently managing heating and cooling.

How do I install a smart thermostat?

Smart thermostats can be installed by a homeowner or by a local home professional. Many popular smart thermostat manufacturers provide an easy installation guide to follow. These guides often begin with the basics; including switching off your circuit breaker and removing the existing thermostat. If you plan on completing the smart thermostat installation yourself, we strongly suggest that you review the procedures outlined by the manufacturer. You must be familiar with wiring and have completed similar installations in the past. Hiring a local home professional or expert ensures proper setup and reduces any issues that could occur during installation.

What is a smart thermostat C Wire?

A c wire is a low voltage wire that provides a continuous return of 24V of power. Smart thermostats need more power than traditional programmable thermostats to connect to a WiFi network and interact with devices such as heating and cooling devices and home automation hubs. Several smart thermostats can be installed without a c wire as they include an alternative source of power.

Smart thermostats for multiple zones

The ability to set temperature settings from a central control point or mobile application versus individually setting temperatures room by room adds convenience and can save time. Several multiple zone smart thermostats accomplish this by offering room sensors that report temperature back to the central thermostat. Most popular smart thermostat manufacturers will indicate multi-zone control abilities right on the packaging if the product is capable.

Are there rebates for smart thermostats?

Your energy provider or local government may offer you a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat rebates to assist in covering some or all costs associated with upgrading your current heating and cooling controls.

Do smart thermostats work with high voltage?

Many popular smart thermostats are designed to work with low voltage central heating systems that operate on 24V. Several manufacturers do offer smart thermostats designed for use with high voltage heating devices such as electric baseboard heaters. Manufacturers clearly communicate compatibility on the package so it's important to confirm whether the smart thermostat is compatible with your heating system.

Learn about Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a home automation device that controls your heating and cooling system. A smart thermostat can schedule heating and cooling within your home, intelligently learn your patterns and preferences, and automatically adjust the temperature accordingly. Many smart thermostats also offer remote access to control the device with your mobile phone.

Be sure to find one that is compatible with the wiring of your existing thermostat. Depending on your heating system, you may have two, three, four, or five wires, and your switching may be high-voltage or low voltage. Beyond that, look for one that has an app that you like so that you can set the temperature remotely.

By having your house at lower temperatures in winter when you are not there (higher temperatures in summer), you can save energy while maintaining comfort. The thermostat will learn a schedule to keep the temperature just right when you want it.

The first thermostat appeared almost 400 years ago (in 1620), when Dutch inventor, Cornelis Drebbel fabricated a mercury thermostat to help regulate the temperature of his chicken incubator.