The average thermostat most people encounter is designed for an HVAC system that controls the fan, power, cool, and heat. There are four wires with this type of thermostat. But a heat pump needs a special thermostat with five wires.   The fifth wire in a heat pump thermostat is the reversing or changeover wire, which controls the reversing valve, allowing a switch between heating and cooling. This wire is not an AC wire and care should be taken with connections.   Additionally, there may be an emergency wire to cut off the heat pump when needed. Also, many thermostats for heat pumps are designed to be energy efficient, leading to a lower energy bill than when using a standard central furnace.   Do your homework before settling on a new thermostat for your heat pump. Know what your lifestyle needs are, consider average temperatures, energy costs, and how your choice of thermostat model will impact your aesthetics.   Ecobay has focused on thermostat research for 20 ye...

Instead of relying on a standard furnace for heating and a separate air conditioner for cooling, install a heat pump. However, if you plan on using a heat pump to control your home's climate year round, you'll need the right thermostat.   So, what's the difference between a heat pump and a furnace and why does it matter? For a furnace to function, it relies on gas or oil for fuel. In comparison, a heat pump uses electricity and refrigerant, which is usually less expensive.   If you choose a heat pump system, it is ideal for homes in areas that don't get too cold, as heat pumps don't generate as much heat as a traditional furnace. Also, a heat pump transfers heat and requires less energy than a heat-generating furnace.   Be advised, if you will ever experience prolonged periods where the temperatures fall below freezing, you will want a secondary heat source to take over. Heat pumps warm a home by drawing outside heat inside and using electricity.   Ecobay has focuse...

Heat pumps can switch between heating and cooling to create a comfortable indoor climate. However, you may wonder whether a heat pump requires a special thermostat. So, we researched more about thermostats for heat pumps to provide you with an answer.   You need a special thermostat for a heat pump because it needs to be able to communicate with the reversing valve when changing from heating to cooling. Heat pumps rely on outside air and electricity. Heat pump thermostats will typically have a fifth wire explicitly for the reversing valve. Regular thermostats only have four wires.   Thanks to advancements in technology, you can successfully install programmable Wi-Fi or Smart thermostats with various heat pump models. Discover more interesting information about using heat pumps, thermostats, and controlling your home's climate in this post.    Ecobay has focused on thermostat research for 20 years, high-quality wireless programmable room thermostat, smart thermostat...

#1 Compatibility – The very first thing to keep in mind is not all thermostat models are compatible with a heat pump system. There are thermostat models that do not support HVAC systems with a heat pump. You’ve to read the specifications very clearly before you order your thermostat. Note: Read our guide on thermostat compatibility for popular thermostat models.   #2 Wiring – The wiring required for a heat pump is different from other HVAC systems like a central furnace system. So the thermostat you’re considering should support the wiring required for a heat pump. You’ve to check with the manufacturer’s specifications or check the model number online to see if it supports a heat pump system. #3 Heat Pumps with Aux/Emergency Heating – If your heat pump has an aux/emergency heat option, then you’ve to choose a thermostat model that supports the same. Keep in mind there are thermostat models that support a heat pump but are not compati...

JANUARY 13, 2022 Heating and cooling systems installed in a home may vary from central furnaces, boilers, electric baseboards to heat pumps. The most common type of heating/cooling (HVAC) system used in the USA is the central furnace  – which may be singles stage or multi-stage. A heat pump is used in regions with a moderate climate, where summer/winter is not that extreme at any time. In this article, we guide you through heat pump thermostat models, ideal to control the heat pump in your home. As I wrote above, a majority (90%) of homes in the USA rely on central furnace based systems, or boiler-based systems or heat pump systems. Only about 10% of homes in America use electric baseboards for heating (these homes would be either old constructions or located in places where electricity is cheap). In regions with a moderate climate, a heat pump (with emergency heat) alone is usually enough for home heating/cooling. Homes located in extreme weather regions often use a heat pu...