How to Choose a Replacement HVAC Thermostat for Your Air Conditioner

You will have several different options for your thermostat based on the type of air conditioning system that you own.

Mechanical thermostats are not as popular as they once were. They contain mercury to control the temperature. It can be easier to use than a digital thermostat, but not as accurate. You control the temperature by using a slider.

Digital thermostats use electronic control to give precise control over the temperature. They can either be programmable or non-programmable.

1. Heat Only or Cool Only Thermostat
Used to control only a unit that supplies either heat or cool (ex...baseboard heater, furnace, window air conditioner).


2. 1 heat 1 cool thermostat
Used for a condensing unit and electric air handler.


3. 1 heat 1 cool thermostat (with Gas setting)
Used for a condensing unit and either an electric air handler or a gas furnace.


4. Heat pump thermostat
Used for home owners with a heat pump air conditioning unit with most commonly an electric air handler or sometimes a gas furnace.


5. Multi-stage thermostat
Used to control multiple heating or cooling systems. (ex...package units with a heat pump for the primary source and electric heat for a backup heat source).

• Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to have total control over when your heating and cooling comes on. You can set it up for every day of the week. (ex..You can have it set to 74 degrees F until 8:00 am, then at 8 you can have it set to 78 while nobody is home, cutting energy costs.)


• Non-programmable Thermostat
A non-programmable is good for people who want to be able to set their thermostat whenever you want.