You go to the hardware store and there is a myriad of
available thermostats that they offer. Do you want a digital thermostat, a
mechanical thermostat, or a digital programmable thermostat? For more
information on this you can read the thermostat
article at Wiringhelp.com that offers information about thermostat types. This
is a basic article on thermostats but it will help you understand thermostats
better so you can make an informed decision. In future planned articles Wiringhelp.com
will offer several detailed articles on thermostat types and how to match these
thermostats with the type of air conditioning and heating equipment you have. It
is very important to know what type of air conditioning and heating system you
have before you go out and buy a thermostat. There are multifunction
thermostats that are offered at many retail stores but it is best to know what
type of air conditioning and heating system you have to make the proper
thermostat selection.
Thermostat Installation Location
Your thermostat is most likely installed in the proper
location because when the house was originally built the thermostat should have
been installed in a detailed location as defined by the architect's detailed
drawing of the home. The thermostat location is very important and can make a
huge different in comfort and the amount you pay for utilities to heat and cool
your home. The thermostat should be located on an inner wall (as opposed to an
outer wall which separates the inside of the home from the outside of the home).
Assuming you have a forced air conditioning and heating system the thermostat
should be in close proximity to where you change the filter. Having the
thermostat located in this area of the home means that it will read the
temperature of the return air. This is the air which is being pulled back into
the air conditioning and heating system for reconditioning. This is the air that you want the thermostat
to sense and control your air conditioning and heating system by. Thing to be
avoided about thermostat location are:
Thermostats
near the kitchen. The kitchen usually generates a lot of heat and in the
summer and winter this will cause the thermostat to sense a warmer
temperature. Other rooms will be uncomfortable while the system is trying
to maintain the proper temperature in the kitchen. If the unit is specifically
zoned for the kitchen then it makes sense that the thermostat be located
in the kitchen.
Thermostats
located near computers, over lights, or in direct sunlight. This will also
cause problems with the proper sensing of temperature as the things
generate heat and will not allow the thermostat to sense or read the
proper temperature.
Finally,
thermostats located on outer walls. These walls may be insulated but they
are usually warmer in the summer and colder in the winter. This also gives
the thermostat sensing and temperature reading problems.
Type of Thermostat to Buy
This will depend entirely on the type of heating and cooling
system you have. Again, in a future article Wiringhelp.com will provide
detailed articles on air conditioning and heating systems and the types of
thermostats you need to buy to replace a thermostat with the correct thermostat
that matches your heating and cooling equipment. The best way to make the
proper selection is to ask an HVAC professional. You can also visit the Honeywell
website and they offer a good thermostat selection guide for homeowners. It
is very important to make the proper selection of a thermostat to avoid
frustration when wiring a thermostat.
Thermostats 
