Minisplit Heat Pump Install. Selecting a Thermostat.

Minisplit Heat Pump Install. Choose the Type of Thermostat.

The two basic types of thermostats are manual and programmable. Both work with a variety of gas, oil and electric furnaces and control air conditioning as well. Manual thermostats are typically found in older homes. These units are economical and have simple controls. They offer limited energy savings and comfort, but can work efficiently if you’re diligent about changing settings as the temperature changes. Many older units contain mercury and offer limited energy savings and comfort control.

 

Programmable thermostats adjust the temperature automatically throughout the day, saving you as much as 33% on heating costs and up to 15 to 25% on cooling. Advanced models can switch back and forth between heating and air conditioning during seasonal transitions. They have an easy-to-operate digital interface, and newer models are mercury free.

How to Install a Mini Split?. Identify Your Heating and Cooling System.

Product packaging makes selecting a thermostat compatible with your HVAC system simple. Below are a few terms with which you should be familiar to determine capability with your HVAC system. 

 

Works with 1 stage heat or cool – For use where you have separate heating and air conditioning units. Works with 2 stage or multi-stage heat or cool – For heating or cooling units that have a high and low speed. Works with Direct Line Voltage – 110 or 240 direct current power source used in some older homes to power the thermostat. Works with 24mV – For use with a fireplace, floor, or wall furnace. Zoned HVAC - Heating and/or cooling is individually controlled in different areas from the same HVAC system.

Mini Split Heat Pump Reviews. Choose the Options That Fit Your Lifestyle.

Select a thermostat that allows you to change the settings as often as you need. Programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperatures at different times of the day, providing the appropriate level of comfort while you are home and adjusting to a set-back, or energy-saving temperature, when you're away or asleep.

Many thermostats come preset with a schedule based on a typical household’s energy needs.  For most homes, a pre-programmed thermostat requires no adjustment – simply install and you’re ready. When determining the appropriate thermostat, you should consider the flexibility you need from day to day. There are three primary options:

 

7-day programming – Allows you to program each day of the week separately. This option is perfect for today’s busy family with different schedules every day.

5-2 programming - Allows you to set a standard program during the week while you’re at work and another program for the weekends when you’re spending more time at home.

5-1-1 programming – Allows you to set a standard program during the week in addition to separate programs for both Saturday and Sunday. A great option for families with a structured weekend schedule. 1-week - Allows you to set one basic program that runs all week long.

How to Install a Mini Split Air Conditioner?. Setting Temperatures.

A common misperception is that a furnace has to work harder to warm a house after the temperature has been set low during the day, eliminating any energy and cost savings. Studies have shown that the energy used to reheat the house is less than that used to maintain temperatures throughout the day at a higher setting, so you do actually save on energy costs by setting the temperature low at night and during the day while you’re away.

 

In general, setting your thermostat is simply a matter of adjusting your thermostat to the times you are home or away. The chart below is an example of one way to set your thermostat schedule.