Though you might not pay the sort of attention to your thermostat that you pay to the large appliances in your kitchen, this device is a fascinating invention. Some people think their thermostat is even a bit magical with its ability to control the indoor temperature. Here are some fun things to learn about it.
The First Bimetallic, Electric Thermostat Was Patented in 1883
Warren S. Johnson got the patent for the first bimetallic thermostat run by electricity in 1883. Interestingly, he wasn’t an engineer but a college professor who wanted a way to keep the temperatures of his classrooms comfortable and steady. He called his invention the “electric tele-thermoscope.”
Bimetallic Thermostats Use Mercury
Bimetallic thermostats use a mercury switch, which is a drop of mercury in a glass tube. This switch is attached to a coil made of two different metals laminated together. Depending on what temperature you choose, the coil and the mercury switch move to the right or left of a set point inside the thermostat.
Thermostats Aren’t Really Magical
Thermostats don’t actually control the temperature of the indoor air. An air conditioner thermostat actually controls your AC’s compressor. The thermostat tells the compressor to start working when the air temperature around it is higher than the set temperature. When the air temperature hits the set temperature, the thermostat tells the compressor to turn off. There are also thermostats that control your furnace, hot water tank and heat pump.
Smart Thermostats Can Sense the Temperatures in Other Rooms
The technology of some smart thermostats allows them to sense the temperatures in other rooms, not just the temperature of the air immediately around them. This versatility might be just the thing for a house whose rooms are zoned. Still, some HVAC professionals recommend that you install thermostats in different areas of your home for more efficient heating and cooling.
Be Careful Where You Place Your Thermostat
There’s a good reason why HVAC professionals tell you not to place your thermostat over a heat register, in a place that gets direct sunlight or in your kitchen. These places tell the thermostat that the house is warmer than it really is and can affect how the device works. Because of this, you can end up paying more for energy. Also, moving a thermostat to a more suitable location after you’ve put it in the wrong place is complicated and should only be done by an HVAC specialist. And you’ll need to pay to have it moved.
Call Us to Learn More About Your Thermostat
Thermostats are one of the more interesting devices in your home. If you have questions about your thermostat, need it repaired, or want a smart thermostat installed, get in touch with our professionals at Cornerstone Pros in Tampa Bay, FL