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Are all thermostats created equal?

Gary Dymski | Home Work

May 6, 2004

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Q. I have oil heat, one zone, with a Honeywell rotary dial thermostat. I want to change the thermostat to a digital type. Are all thermostats compatible? What should I look for in installing a new thermostat? -- J.D., Syosset

A. Not all thermostats are compatible. Before you buy a new thermostat, perhaps a programmable digital model, you need to know a few things -- the type of heating system, for one, as well as the type of fuel and voltage being used.

If possible, check the owner's manual on your heating system, which will have this information. Most major manufacturers of thermostats - companies like Honeywell, Hunter and LuxPro - will have detailed installation instructions for each of their models. Also, packaging information will identify the thermostat and tell you what type of system it's compatible with.

Some thermostats can be used with more than one type of system. For example, a Honeywell CT3200 programmable thermostat can be used on the following: two-wire gas or oil heating systems; four- and five-wire gas or oil heat systems with electric air conditioning; hot water two-wire zone valves; electric furnaces; central air conditioners.

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Because your existing thermostat has two wires, replacing it will be simple. Before you start, be sure to turn off the electricity to your heating system at the service panel. Remove the old thermostat. Read the manufacturer's directions on your new thermostat, install the backplate and then connect the wires to the appropriate terminal screws.

Visit the Web sites of Honeywell (www.honey well-thermostat.com), LuxPro (www.luxproducts.com) and Hunter (www.hunter fan.com) for information on purchasing and installing digital thermostats.