Bryant Evolution Thermostat

Recall the widely used, round dial type thermostats, popularized by Honeywell.   While they still serve their purpose,  simple dial thermostats have taken a back seat to temperature controls with modern, advanced features and for good reason.

Available options not only improve functionality but also help us save energy and increase the comfort of our homes. Here are some of the available features and functions you may want to look for:

1. Digital thermostat displays range from small and simple with only two digits that display temperature, to full color high definition LCDs that not only show you temperature and comfort settings , but also weather forecasts and more.

   Look for models with large, displays and a backlight for easy viewing.

2. Programmable thermostats automatically change the temperature in your home and can be customized to fit your lifestyle.  For example: set it to automatically turn the heat down a few degrees while you are away at work, and then turn it back up to the perfect temperature when your return. A programmable thermostat helps you save energy by allowing you to setup custom programs for — every day of the week, weekdays, weekends, sleep times, wake times, and more.

   Look for models with a vacation function that keeps your home at a predetermined temperature while you are away for extended periods. Energy Star rated programmable thermostats are pre-programmed for energy savings.

3. Humidity is a great subject for another post which I won’t get into here. However, thermostats with the ability to control and monitor the amount of humidity in your home are a great choice when paired with a whole house humidifier. With this type of thermostat there is no need for separate humidity controls or a humidistat.

   Look for models that use an outdoor temperature sensor or frost control setting to eliminate the formation of frost and condensation on your walls and windows.

4. More useful features include: ventilation control, fan on without space conditioning (great for use with your air cleaner of high efficiency air filter), clean filter reminder, humidifier and equipment maintenance reminder, network connection, internet connection, system fault diagnostics and warnings, and outdoor temperature display.

Before you purchase a thermostat, carefully review it’s features and assess the benefits of each. There is no sense in buying a thermostat with all the bells and whistles if your comfort system doesn’t facilitate their use. That said, though, you may want to choose a thermostat that will work with system upgrades and enhancements that you plan to add in the future and avoid the added cost of replacing your thermostat when you do.