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Nov 1, 2024|HVAC

How Do Different Types of Thermostats Affect HVAC Performance?

Smart Thermostat Benefits in Oregon

Many Oregon homeowners and property managers don’t realize that the type of thermostat they use for their HVAC system can significantly affect the system’s efficiency and performance. Thermostats not only offer control over a building’s comfort but also affect the lifespan and efficiency of your HVAC system. Here is your guide to understanding how different types of thermostats affect the performance of your HVAC system, your comfort, and your energy bills.

Understanding the Role of Thermostats in HVAC Performance

A thermostat is the control center of your home or business’ HVAC system. It turns the HVAC system on and off depending on the desired temperature set on the thermostat system. It coordinates with temperature sensors in your HVAC system, and when the temperature reading varies from the setpoint you entered in the thermostat, the system turns on or off.

A thermostat can directly impact the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it can make the HVAC system run longer than it needs to or cycle on and off rapidly. An outdated or incorrectly installed thermostat may not properly read the temperature in a room and may turn your HVAC system on and off too often or not often enough. Installing a modern, energy-efficient thermostat like a smart thermostat or programmable thermostat offers you enhanced control over the operation of your HVAC system.

Types of Thermostats Affect HVAC Performance, Beaverton, OR

Mechanical Thermostats

Mechanical thermostats are very basic manual thermostats. They are typically found in older homes or in the homes of people who aren’t tech-savvy. Mechanical thermostats require you to adjust the temperature by hand using the touchpad or keypad or turning a dial. They use heat-sensitive metallic strips that expand or contract in response to variations in temperature. They are less reliable in performance and do not offer as much control over the operation of your heating and cooling system.

  • Pros – Inexpensive, simple, easy to use, and durable.
  • Cons – No control over schedules and no programming capabilities. They are slow to react to temperature changes, so they are not energy efficient.

Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat can be programmed to adjust the temperature according to a schedule that you set. They typically allow you to create a number of schedules that offer complete control over the temperature, depending on whether you are there, away, awake, asleep, or on vacation. They typically offer seven-day programs that allow for a different schedule for each day of the week; 5-2 programs, which allow for a specific schedule for the work week and separate schedules for the weekend; 5-1-1 programs, which allow for a specific schedule for the work week and separate schedules for both Saturday and Sunday; and one-week, which uses the same schedule for all seven days of the week.

  • Pros – Offers advanced, comprehensive control over temperature and scheduling, is highly energy-efficient, can reduce the wear and tear on your HVAC system, improves energy efficiency, lowers energy bills, reduces the need for HVAC repairs, and offers a very quick response to temperature fluctuations.
  • Cons – Can be harder for non-tech savvy people to use and requires initial set-up and programming.

Wi-Fi Enabled Thermostats

Wi-Fi enabled thermostats can be programmed, but you can also adjust the thermostat remotely and override the programming. This offers greater control over temperature and energy efficiency, as you can remotely change the programming if your needs or schedule changes. A Wi-Fi thermostat can be controlled with your smartphone or tablet.

  • Pros – Highly customizable, offers convenient access to scheduling and programming, can be installed quickly and adjusted easily.
  • Cons – Requires you to take more control over the thermostat operation; cannot be operated if your Wi-Fi goes out.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are like a combination of a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat and a programmable thermostat. It connects to your home or business wireless network via an app on your smartphone or tablet. It can also be integrated with existing smart homes or smart technology such as Amazon Echo or Google Nest. A smart thermostat evaluates daily habits and usage and tweaks the settings in response. It stores information about patterns of use and can operate independently according to those patterns.

  • Pros – Offers enhanced thermostat control, adjusts automatically to your habits and usage, is compatible with other smart devices, offers climate control, does not require constant input from the user.
  • Cons – Is expensive, requires some level of tech knowledge, requires training and education on its usage.

Selecting the Right Thermostat for Improved Energy Efficiency

The thermostat you choose for your property directly influences the energy efficiency and performance of your HVAC system. Your HVAC technician can help you evaluate each thermostat’s compatibility with your HVAC system and find the right one for your needs. You should consider the following factors when choosing a thermostat:

  • Compatibility with your HVAC system, existing smart home appliances, and Wi-Fi
  • The size of your property
  • The occupancy and usage of different property zones, rooms, and areas
  • The hours you are most commonly at home or using your commercial property
  • How often you are away from your property for more than 24 hours at a time
  • Whether there are pets or animals on the property, even when you are away

Hire a Professional for Thermostat Installation

At Oregon Heating & Air Conditioning, our friendly, knowledgeable HVAC technicians can help you choose the right type of thermostat for your home or business. We offer installation of manual, smart, Wi-Fi, and programmable thermostats and can determine thermostat compatibility with HVAC systems. Call us now or contact us online to schedule thermostat installation in Beaverton, Portland, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Tigard, Sherwood, Wilsonville, Newberg, Dundee, Yamhill, Carlton, and Forest Grove, OR.

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