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Thermostat Buying Tips

1. First of all, which system do you have?

There are 4 categories your home heating system has: either single-stage, multi-stage, heat pump, or line voltage. Here is a chart to break it down:

2. After you have taken note of your system, which choices remain?

Now you can begin to explore your options as you have narrowed down your individual home heating system category. Thermostats can be classified as mechanical or digital, and your choice really depends on your individual needs and personal preference. 

Mechanical thermostats are the older styled,  inexpensive and recognizable to most people, but they don't give you as much control over your temperature. Digital thermostats use sensors to recognize temperatures and then direct your heating and/or cooling systems to work to meet your desired, set temperature.  They also provide more accurate temperature control.  If you need a simple, no-frills way to control your temperature, choose a mechanical thermostat.  For more accurate temperature control, choose a digital model. 

3. Do these categories break down even further?

Yes, after you have recognized your system and decided on either mechanical or digital, you have another choice if you have decided to purchase a digital thermostat. This category breaks down into non programmable digital or programmable digital. These titles sound exactly as their functions. Non programmable digital thermostats need to be adjusted each and every time you would like your desired temperature setting to change. Programmable digital thermostats can be programmed for different times and settings to begin on their own for automatic temperature results!

4. Are there different programs to choose from if I have decided on a programmable digital?

Yes, there are four different versions of programs designed to fit your needs and routines when choosing a programmable digital thermostat: 5-2 day, 5-1-1 day, 7 day, or 24 hour. Each of these, also, are exactly as they sound. 5-2 day is able to program five same days with two different ones (for the weekend), 5-1-1 day is for 5 days with two separate proceeding days, 7 day indicates one straight week of a programmed setting, and 24 hour means hourly changes can be programmed for any amount of days.

Whatever works best for you is available to fit your schedule. Sometimes you can even find a thermostat that has the option for 5-2 or 5-1-1, programmable or non-programmable so if you change your mind for the type of program your lifestyle requires, you certainly do not need to rush to buy a new thermostat.

5. Can you break down the steps in choosing a thermostat one more time?

I. Determine Your Home Heating System

a. Single-Stage

b. Multi-Stage

c. Heat Pump

d. Line Voltage

II. Choose Between Mechanical or Digital

a. Non programmable Digital

b. Programmable Digital

1. 5-2 Day Programmable

2. 5-1-1 Day Programmable

3. 7 Day Programmable

4. 24 Hour Programmable

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