Your Thermostat Must Be Compatible With Your HVAC Unit

When you select a thermostat for your Naperville, Illinois, home, it must be compatible with your HVAC unit. You might not notice problems right away, but an incompatible device will result in problems with energy efficiency and system performance. The following are a few more reasons your thermostat must pair well with your HVAC units.

Compatibility With Zoning

If you have a zoned HVAC system, you will need a thermostat that can operate in a multi-zone environment. You also have the option of using multiple thermostats. Each thermostat will control a specific zone. The thermostats operate by regulating the temperatures in their specific zone. They open and close dampers in response to those temperatures to deliver or cease delivery of conditioned air — according to need.

Compatibility With Stages

Some HVAC units, such as air conditioners and heat pumps, can be either single-stage or multi-stage. In a multi-stage system, the blower operates at different speeds. When the weather is mild, the system conserves energy by switching to a lower speed. Your device must be compatible with the multi-stage functionality; otherwise, you won’t benefit from the energy savings.

Compatibility With Unit Type

Some thermostats are only compatible with certain types of HVAC units. For instance, many programmable and Wi-Fi thermostats won’t work with radiant floor heating systems or with wall furnaces. Others are incompatible with baseboard heating systems or other direct-line or high-voltage units. When upgrading to a new thermostat, don’t assume that it will work well with your current system.

Additionally, it’s best to have a professional install each thermostat in your home so you know that it’s calibrated properly. Improper installation is a common problem even when the device is compatible with your HVAC units.

Expert Advice

Our trained HVAC professionals can help you select a thermostat that pairs well with your specific equipment. If you are interested in upgrading your thermostat, now is a great time. There are many sophisticated units on the market, offering a variety of user-friendly and energy-saving features. We will be happy to help you choose the right thermostat for your home. Give Tempco Heating & Air Conditioning a call today at (847) 670-7000 for more information.