Definition
A thermostat is the wall control that senses indoor temperature and tells heating and cooling equipment when to start and stop. Types include manual, programmable, Wi-Fi smart and communicating models. Thermostats for heat pumps also manage the reversing valve, auxiliary heat and emergency heat, and many control fan settings, humidity or system alerts.
Also called: Programmable thermostat, Wall thermostat
Why it matters to you.
In a Central Kentucky home the thermostat runs a humid cooling season and a heating season, so settings affect comfort year-round. Leaving the fan on ON instead of AUTO can make vents blow room-temperature air between cycles, and on a heat pump a large setback recovery can bring on electric auxiliary heat.
Practical guidance.
Homeowners can replace batteries, use AUTO fan as the default and keep the thermostat away from sun, lamps and supply registers. A dim display or reset schedule is a battery check before a service call; wiring changes at the equipment are technician work.
About this definition
Written by the Feistritzer Heating & Air Conditioning team — family owned and operated in Danville since 1976, Kentucky HVAC license M02584. Definitions inform; a whole-system diagnosis in your home decides.