What are thermostats?

Thermostats are temperature-regulating devices which utilise internal or remote thermal sensors to determine temperature changes. Digital thermostats offer better convenience and efficiency than analogue ones and offer the user optimum control over the temperature optimisation of a space, system or equipment. Thermostats are primarily used in central heating systems, HVAC systems, air conditioners, and heaters, among other devices. 

Types of thermostats

Thermostats can be broadly categorised into the following types:

Programmable thermostats

These types of thermostats enable the user to adjust the temperature and limit energy usage by presetting a preferred temperature. Programmable thermostats are available in different variants, allowing for separate daytime and nighttime temperature presets. 

Mechanical thermostats

These types of thermostats are the cheapest variants in the market, and use bi-metallic strips or vapour-filled bellows to determine and respond to temperature changes. However, mechanical thermostats are the least reliable. 

Electronic thermostats

These types of thermostats are electronic devices and offer better accuracy and responsiveness than mechanical thermostats. Electronic thermostats are available in programmable and automatic varieties. 

Applications

Thermostats are used in industrial, commercial and domestic applications to control and regulate room temperatures and temperatures of different equipment and systems. Most commonly, they are used in:

• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems 
• Electric heaters 
• Central heating and cooling systems 
• Air conditioners 
• Boilers and furnaces 
• Ambient temperature systems 
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Ovens