Heat Pump, Condenser or Furnace, OH MY! Choosing the proper replacement thermostat

In this week’s episode, we are going to explore the process of choosing the proper thermostat for your system. There are quite a few different choices, so it is important to know the type of system you have. With all the different systems, this can be a bit confusing, but don’t fret… we are here to help. Alright then, let’s start by listing the various types of thermostats and what they are used with.

There are:

•1 Heat/1 Cool – Used with standard gas or electric heat and electric a/c units & are typically 24 volt

• 2 Heat/1 Cool – Used with heat pump, gas or electric heat units and electrical a/c units & are typically 24 volt

• 2 Heat/2 Cool - Used with heat pump, gas or electric heat units and electrical a/c units & are typically 24 volt

• 3 Heat/2 Cool – Used with Multi Zone, heat pump, gas or electric heat units and electrical a/c units & are typically 24 volt

• Millivolt – Used with millivolt (Usually wall heating units or cooling units)

• Line Voltage – Used with 120/240 volt systems (Usually like an attic fan application)

• Evaporator Cooler – Used with evaporator coolers

These can also have variances of but not limited to…

• Programmable

• Non-Programmable

• Commercial

• Residential

• Wireless

• Heating only

• Cooling Only

• Phone controlled

• Internet controlled

• Remote Controlled etc…

Then there are the different manufacturers. Here are some of the most common types:

•Honeywell

• Robertshaw

• Johnson Controls

• Totaline

• White-Rodgers

• Lux

The best advice that can be given to replace a thermostat is to compare to what you already have. This gives you a good place to start in terms of what you will need. You can also take a part number from your existing thermostat and use that to either locate the direct replacement or a functional equivalent. If you are just not sure, you can always visit www.americanhvacparts.com or call toll free to (866) 432-8551 for assistance in finding the perfect fit replacement for you and your system’s needs. It is NOT recommended that you just pick one because you like how it looks, or the back light is a pretty blue or any other non-educated reason because it probably won’t work once you get it. And most places will not take back electrical parts, so if you just aren’t sure get the help you need. That is what we are here for, you the homeowner and helping you make the right choice the first time.