How Does a Manual Thermostat Work?
A thermostat is a device used for temperature control within a home or commercial building. While newer programmable models offer advanced features and increased levels of efficiency, a standard manual thermostat is operated by hand using a built-in dial or switch. Homeowners can set the thermostat at the desired temperature so the heat or air conditioning switches on and off automatically, or simply turn heating and cooling or or off at the flip of a switch. Different types of manual thermostat models operate using a variety of different systems. These include mercury indicators, metal contacts or digital systems. While any of these systems can be used to manually control heating and cooling units, each operates slightly differently, and offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages.