WHAT IS A SET BACK THERMOSTAT ?
A set back thermostat is basic type of non programmable thermostat that does not have programming feature. Instead the temperature set point can be altered only through manual operation. Traditionally they were mechanically operating only but now most modern thermostat come with electronic control.
These thermostats are inexpensive alternative to contemporary programmable or smart thermostats.
It is also suitable for people who have irregular schedule so require quite a lot of manual intervention.
WHAT DOES SET BACK MEAN ?
Set back in temperature is the change in set point of temperature to allow the heating or cooling device to res or in other words run at lower load or not run at all.Basically the furnace or your ac etc will run only when the temperature falls below or rises above your setback temperature.
This will allow the system to use less energy and results in savings.
SET BACK TYPES
Basically there are two types of setbacks-
When the home is vacant-In this type you lower the load of your hvac equipment when no one is at home and so will not feel uncomfortable.
When sleeping at night-At night you can lower the heating or cooling as night temperatures are lower than day so you don’t need that much heating or cooling.This is called night-setback.
DOES SET BACK THERMOSTAT SAVE ENERGY BILLS?
There are debates around whether setback result in saving or not.
Well according to physics it should. Any degree of setback no matter how small it is will save you money.
The amount you can save will depend on your commitment to save and also how well insulated your home is as well as the type of system you are using. A slow acting system will result in less saving while a well insulated home will also save more money.
RELATION BETWEEN SETBACK TIME DURATION AND SAVING
Well US department of energy says that 1 degree of setback for 8 hours results can result in 1 % of energy saving.Well this may vary according to your system and insulation of home.The most important factor is your commitment to save energy and thus have regular setbacks for the long run whenever you are not at home or asleep at night.
Here is a simple chart of setback temperature and proposed energy savings.
SWITCH BACK TO NORMAL TIME
Well you should also look into the time it requires for your system to bring the house back to your comfortable temperature and thus adjust you normal time in advance. You don’t need to bother with this in Smart thermostat with smart recovery feature like in Honeywell but with non programmable set back thermostat you need to keep that into account.
SETBACK AND HUMIDITY
How much you should set back the temperature not only depends on the outside temperature but also on the humidity levels. You should find a best set point so that Relative humidity of house is in comfortable range.
In winter the RH may increases at night causing condensation at windows walls etc.
In summer too If your Ac doesn’t run less than required there may be rise in humidity causing moisture issues like molds etc in the house.
SET BACK WITH HEAT PUMPS
If you have heat pump you can save energy efficiently only in cooling mode when using setback. In heating mode a heat pump uses back up electric resistance heat system to heat back to normal temperature and set back will cause the heat pump it to operate inefficiently. A moderate setbacks will give you optimum saving. Few companies make thermostats with algorithms to minimize use of backup electric heat system. With such thermostat you can have much more setbacks and thus savings.
BEST SET BACK OR NON PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS
If you are looking for a non programmable thermostat chances are you have an old traditional furnace or cooling system or you have a irregular schedule so you don’t want to rely on programmable or smart thermostats.
There are basically three type of thermostats
Low voltage
Line voltage-120 to 240 V
Millivolt system.
When looking for non programmable thermostats check if its compatible with your system. In following we have listed more thermostats that are compatible with most of the systems and listed the one that are just for single system like Line voltage thermostats separately.
HONEYWELL TH3110D1008 PRO NON-PROGRAMMABLE DIGITAL THERMOSTAT
Being under a warmer shelter when it is cool like the Artic would be the best and the most soothing feeling of all. And to have such comfort, a Honeywell non-programmable thermostat is the best choice. This is a non-programmable device so even if your grandpa has to use it, he can do the task easily. This is a simple yet effective device and the best for those you do not require the ultra-modern features of scheduling and programming for days. It is compatible with 1heat1 cool conventional system and heat pumps with no auxillary.
Click here for more info,ratings,price and reviews of HONEYWELL TH3110D1008 on amazon.
The display of this device having a backlit digitization. This means that the display of this Honeywell thermostat makes the information on the screen highly readable and thus makes it easy for you to use. Even under different lighting conditions, the display of the unit makes itself accessible in terms of reading. It even displays the current as well as adjusted or regulated temperature on the screen at the same time. Moreover, the temperature control and adjustment through this unit are very simple and precise.
EMERSON NP100 NON-PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
Emerson is a leading brand in the industry of air conditioning, ventilation and heating and cooling solutions. It has a wide span of service that covers the industrial, residential as well as commercial sectors as well. Hence this very company has an immense experience and skills of manufacturing a thermostat.
The NP100 thermostat by Emerson is a non-programmable unit that supports only the single stage heating or cooling systems and heat pump without auxillary. If you are having single stage systems then this device proves out to be the best unit is the segment of non-programmable gadgets. The brand has taken care of the quality and sustainability so that the users have no issues with the component and can enjoy the service. This thermostat has an easy to see and read display with a backlit property so that you can easily get the information that is being displayed on the screen.
And regarding the temperature adjustments of the device, it can make precise alterations in the temperature up to the range of plus/minus 1. Now, this is very effective when you and your family member have a different comfort temperature. Hence you can adjust the thermostat at an optimum temperature so that all of you can get the desired atmosphere.
Emerson 1F83C-11NP Conventional (1H/1C) Non-Programmable Thermostat
Emerson company provides automation and engineering services for wide range of industrial and home applications. It also manufactures some of the best smart thermostats. While above thermostat is a non programmable design of Emerson it has some advance feature like screen lockout to prevent unauthorized access and also temperature limits within which your HVAC equipment will perform. A large display and easy set up and precise control are also its recognizable features. It is also compatible with multiple type of system including of up to 1 heating and cooling stages, heat pumps without auxillary heat and millivolt system with 3 wire zone valves.
Click here for more info,ratings,price and reviews of Emerson 1F83C-11NP on amazon.
EMERSON 1E78-140 NON-PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
Another Emerson thermostat that has secured a position among the best non-programmable thermostat top list. However, this unit has a specific usage only. This device supports only heating system devices. Thus any single stage heating device can be controlled and managed using this thermostat. Moreover, on the better side, it is very affordable and best for a single purpose use. So you have a device that can manage individually all your single stage heating systems. Not to forget that, though the unit has a very limited usage it has a very efficient work performance which cannot be neglected for the good.
The design of this unit is quite simple and so is its working. So, when it regards to the working of the device, it has simple operations and functions which make it accessible for all, the aged ones as well as children. And the construction of the unit is also very basic. It has a display screen that has a backlit display, so the readability is the best and it has only two click buttons which can operate the temperature swing. Thus it is the best non-programmable thermostat without complex operational tasks and with the effective working for the best atmosphere inside the house. It is an efficient thermostat from an efficient company.
Lux Products DMH110 Non-Programmable Digital Thermostat
This is a basic model of lux which manufacturers adjustable differential thermostats. This thermostat is also a adjusting differential type thermostat with +- 3 differentials.It is compatible with sigle stage Gas, Oil, Electric or single stage heat pumps without auxillary and also millivolt systems.Easy installation and temperature is switchable to Celcius and Fahrenheit. If you have a short cycling problem and want a handy inexpensive thermostat this one is definitely for you.The setback is achieved by save button which allows to alter setpoints.
By doing so the thermostat automatically changes the temperature of the device to a better and energy efficient temperature. Now, this can be really helpful in cutting down your bills and saving some money for you. Moreover, the unit can be changed to Fahrenheit when required and to Celcius as per the requirement. This is called the comfort of power.
The accuracy of this product is sensational being a non-programmable thermostat device. The battery power of the same is also very long lasting and powerful. Hence doing the value addition for the unit there are various features that are at the best. And it is great that you can get at such a reasonable price. Furthermore, it has a large display that offers clear information. Thus the temperature of the unit can be read properly. This allows you to make the required changes as well.
Click here for more info, ratings, price and reviews of Lux DMH110 on amazon.
Pro1 Iaq T701 1 Heat 1 Cool Thermostat
Pro1 also makes adjustable differential thermostats. The temperature differential on this thermostat is from 0.2 to 2 degree F.
It is compatible with 1heat 1cool conventional and heat pumps without auxillary heat. The power supply can be battery or line voltage. Most people find it to be excellent replacement for their garage or RV owner and want to run in low temp but prevent temperature going below freezing. When working you can turn it up again to comfortable temperature. They find it to be better than Honeywell which has a lower set point of 35 degree F while this has lower set point of 25 degree F.
Click here for more info, ratings, price and reviews of PRO1 IAQ T701 on Amazon.
Cheap Chinese models
There are many resellers on Amazon that sells set back thermostat with single or multistage capabilities. They are quote cheap and all their models even the programmable ones usually sells for same price.
One main reason you can opt for them is when you need a adjustable swing for heating and cooling as they all seems to import same models that offer this function.
Some cases of these brands are on Amazon are
Garystat etc
There is not much to distinguish between them. They seem to be doing well among customers specially there set back models by looking at thier ratings and reviews which are mostly satisfactory.
Line voltage set back thermostat
Honeywell RLV3120A1005/E1 Digital Non-Programmable Thermostat
This thermostat is designed for electric baseboard heating only. It is a line voltage thermostat with both 120 and 240 V line compatibility. No batteries are required and set point is retained in memory. Compact design allows easy installation. You can display temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit. The temperature control is accurate (0.15 degree) and a on screen heating power indicator. It is also cheap when compared to other baseboard heater thermostats of Honeywell or other companies.
Click here for more info, ratings, price and reviews of Honeywell RLV3120A1005/E1 on amazon.
Honeywell Manual 4 Wire Premium Baseboard/Line Volt Thermostat
This is another baseboard type thermostat with mechanical control. Both 120 and 240 V compatible and very easy to install. It can control up to to 5,2800W with 2 or 4 wire non polarized connections. This works on most basic type bimetallic temperature sensor that actively senses temperature and can be bought for just 17 bucks on amazon and has impressive ratings and feedback.
Click here for more info, ratings, price and reviews Honeywell Manual 4 Wire on amazon.