As one of the best Toledo-based HVAC companies, we know thermostats like the back of our hand. From older mechanical options to modern smart thermostats, our HVAC technicians have been working with clients just like you to discuss, repair, and replace thermostats throughout the Ohio Valley. In this blog, we are going to take a deep dive into thermostats, including what they are, the options and what we suggest for your home or office to give your HVAC system the best possible thermostat for your specific use case.
What is a Thermostat?
A thermostat is a control device that regulates the temperature in a home or office. The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system and uses a sensor, either a thermistor or a bimetallic strip, to determine temperature changes and activate your HVAC equipment. The technology is not new and has been in use since the 1800’s, but today’s thermostats go beyond the simple on-and-off function that it all started with.
What are the Kinds of Thermostats?
Mechanical Thermostats
Mechanical thermometers are the classic thermometers that we think of from film and TV. They normally are a box on your wall with a lever you can move to adjust the temperature. Every change that you make must be made manually, and they are temperamental at the best of times. Although they do the job, we never recommend these for homeowners as they lack the scheduling and pinpoint accuracy you want in a thermostat.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats have become the standard in many homes in Toledo, OH, and are a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly thermostat. Most models are programmable for a full seven-day schedule, allowing you to customize your heating and cooling when you are actually at home. The scheduling will adjust your home's temperature to the preset temperature, and you can simply sit back and let the thermostat do the work automatically. The only downside to this tech is that, to make adjustments, you need to be at home and do it manually on the thermostat itself.
Smart Thermostats
If you're looking for the best thermostat on the market, you'll want to consider a smart thermostat. These pieces of tech let you enjoy all the benefits of a programmable thermostat, and you can control it from any smart device or home automation system you already use. When connected to a smart home assistant, these devices can automatically learn your schedule and adjust the temperature as needed. We will note that some of these thermostats require additional subscriptions or smart home devices to get full functionality.
What are the best Thermostats?
Best Overall
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with Smart Sensor
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a great smart thermostat that is straightforward to wire and connects to a user-friendly app that is simple to control. It includes all the bells and whistles, such as geofencing and dual-band Wi-Fi, and is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. We love this thermostat because the Eco+ software lets you set your thermostat’s schedule and settings based on your local electricity rates to help you maximize your savings. The system comes with an additional sensor to ensure even heating, and you can even talk to it with the built-in Amazon Alexa speaker.
Best Budget Smart Thermostat
Google Nest
For those who have been in the smart thermostat industry for a while, we know and love the Google Nest product line. With a simple installation and one of the best apps to control your HVAC equipment, the Nest is an affordable option that is straightforward to use and program. Overall, we love the product and recommend it frequently to those who want to try a smart thermostat for the first time.
Best Programmable Smart Thermostat
Honeywell Home T9
The Honeywell Home T9 is another great option on the market and a solid middle ground between the Nest and Ecobee. This thermostat is the perfect upgrade over a traditional programmable thermostat, featuring a sleek touchscreen and a user-friendly app anyone can use to program and control. One of the best features is the monthly energy report, which shows a snapshot of the month and shows you where you can save even more money on your heating and cooling bills.
If you are looking to upgrade your thermostat, have questions around functionality or need a new thermostat installed, the team at Fry is here to help. With years of experience and firsthand knowledge of all the major brands, we are the local experts in Toledo, Ohio, for smart thermostats. Call us today to see how one of our HVAC technicians can help you find the perfect home thermostat!
