Thermostat is a very crucial part of air conditioning. Without the thermostat, your air conditioner would not know when to turn on and off. That is why it is important to have knowledge about air conditioner thermostats. In very simple terms, a thermostat is a heat-activated switch. A thermostat is fitted with a heat sensor, which is responsible for opening and closing the switch, thereby completing or interrupting an electrical circuit of the house heating and cooling system.

To maintain total home comfort a home central air conditioner thermostat should be able to eliminate broad swings in room temperature. The right swing in room temperatures should be within 2-degrees F. within this range people do not really feel the variations in temperature.

Types of Thermostats
Now let us discuss the various types of air conditioner thermostats. Basically there is the electromechanical model- for those who are really not into technical matters. And the second type is the electronic type, which give you more control of your environment and also more energy savings. The electronic types are obviously more expensive than the electromechanical type. And the reason is obvious- the former come with more features.

Greater Control
Whether it is automotive ac thermostat or your air conditioner thermostat, today a thermostat is more than just a temperature control tool. They help control humidity in your home. The latest programmable electronic Carrier air conditioner thermostat allows you greater control. For example, during the night, you can maintain the temperature to 60 degree F and in the morning, it can be raised to 70-degree F. for the weekdays you can have a different schedule and for the weekends, you can set it to a different program. Programming your home electronic thermostat or your RV thermostat is easy. With a simple push of buttons, you control your environment.

There are many brands that you can choose from. You can buy it from your air conditioner company, like Carrier, GE, or Fedders. There are some good thermostat brands, like Honeywell, Miller, etc. the price range also varies greatly. The electromechanical type can cost you around 40-50$. The electronic type can cost you around $200 with installation.

Maintenance is also very important part of thermostat knowledge base. As a part of your air conditioner maintenance procedure, you should check your air conditioner thermostat calibration regularly. If you ac is not cooling properly, there might be a problem with thermostat settings, wiring, etc. also do not remove plastic thermostat covers as they help protect the instrument from wear and tear. If you have any ac thermostat-troubleshooting question that is beyond your understanding, you can contact your HVAC dealer.