A Buyer’s Complete Guide For Your Central Heating Thermostat

What Is A Thermostat?

A thermostat is in charge of relaying your instructions to your boiler and radiator. There, you can find the central heating controls for the entire house. You can use it to select your desired temperature and then sit back and relax. 

What Are The Different Types of Thermostats?

There is a wide range of thermostats available in the market. However, before you look at the different types, first determine whether you want a line voltage or low voltage system. It might seem pretty technical, so let’s simplify things. It all comes down to the electrical wiring:

Line Voltage

A line voltage system uses a 120 volt to 240-volt circuit and wiring, which is pretty standard for most of your household appliances like your lights, ceiling fans, vacuums, etc. 

You can tell whether you have a line voltage thermostat by your installation. A line voltage thermostat comes with 2-4 thick wires, and it can be very simple to install. These are great for managing baseboard and wall heaters.  

Low Voltage

A low voltage system runs on circuits and wiring that are below 50 volts. Since it reduces energy consumption over time, it is very common in smart and eco-friendly tech.

Similar to the line voltage system, you can tell a low voltage device by the installation. Since a low voltage thermostat will need a transformer, it is trickier to install and also more expensive. The wires are a lot thinner than the ones in the line voltage system. They are commonly used for central heating systems.

Besides making the distinction between a line and low voltage system, you also have to pick between an analogue and digital thermostat. 

Analogue Thermostat

Analogue thermostats are fairly straightforward. They have a metal strip that is connected to a mercury thermometer. You set your ideal temperature, and it will adjust your heating or cooling accordingly. 

Most analogue thermostats come with a dial so you can adjust the heating. While it isn’t the most economical or high-tech type on the market, they are still popular in the homes of the elderly or in old flats. Usually, UK residents tend to keep these models if they come with the home and are functioning properly. However, when you are purchasing it new – it is best for those who prefer a simple and fool-proof device. 

Digital Thermostat

Digital thermostats may be very technical, but you have more control over your heating. These models use a thermistor to read and evaluate the temperature, and then it makes adjustments based on that information. Besides getting a more accurate reading, it can also factor in other variables like humidity and moisture levels. 

Most digital thermostats are programmable. You can set the temperature for different times of the day, as well as put your central heating mode to sleep when you are at work. You can also schedule when to heat your water, so you always have a steady supply. With all of these features, digital programmable thermostats are a popular choice in homes across the UK.

Despite general acceptance, digital thermostats can be tricky to use. If you are not tech-savvy, there is definitely a steep learning curve. You can have your heating engineer help you program it with your specifications in mind. 

Smart Thermostats

If we are going by textbook definitions, a smart thermostat is pretty close to a digital one. However, they offer a completely different experience. A smart thermostat not only has accurate temperature readings and a programmable schedule but also can be well-integrated into your lifestyle. They connect to the internet so you can control your central heating system while you are away. All you have to do is click the settings on your app, and you are good to go.

Smart thermostats don’t stop here. There are learning models out there that gather data and help you optimise your heating. You can get a comprehensive view of this on your app. Over the next few years, it will display your results and finetune the settings. Soon you don’t have to even think about adjusting your boiler and radiator like you would with a dial thermostat.

Another perk is how much money you end up saving. With reduced costs, you get to enjoy low energy bills and fuel bills. Your smart thermostat can be very intuitive and simple to install. No one should have a problem using it. If you are interested in a side by side comparison of the top brands, check out our blog post “Best Thermostat to Use: Hive vs Nest.” 

When it comes to selecting the right type, consider its role in your daily life. Ask yourself:

• Are you after low-maintenance and no-fuss heating?
• Are you after more control?
• Is having low energy bills a priority? How low do you want them to be?
• Are you trying to be more eco-friendly at home? 

These questions can help you figure out what type of thermostat you need. Here is a brief summary to help you find the most suitable central heating thermostat for you:

* Prices listed here were taken from online retailers and are subject to change. Always double-check these prices before making any purchases. 

Remember, when in doubt, always consult your local heating engineer. Plumbingforce can help you navigate the many brands and models available and install them in your home. 

How Does A Thermostat Work?

No matter what type of thermostat you get, it generally works the same way. They read the temperature of the room and control when the central heating system needs to be on or off. The main difference is their inner-workings. 

An analogue model uses a mercury thermometer, a bimetallic coil, and two wires to control the heating, while a digital model has a thermistor and a computer chip. Room thermostat, wall thermostat, or wired thermostat or wireless thermostat – there will always be a couple of changes when you shift between models. However, at the end of the day, they get the job done.