The difference between a thermistor and a thermostat is critical information that can help you make informed decisions about your HVAC. If you need more information about these systems, it is advisable to consult with your HVAC technician. Certified technicians can provide pertinent information and comprehensive maintenance services to ensure your unit runs at optimum performance. Let’s look at the difference between thermistors and thermostats to answer any inquiries you have.
What Is a Thermistor?
The thermistor is a component in your HVAC that responds to temperature. It is usually made from metallic oxides pressed into a disk, bead, or cylindrical shape, which are encased in an impermeable material like glass or epoxy. Since the thermistor is a sensitive component, its primary role is to predict and show the accurate change in electrical resistance depending on the change in body temperature.
What Is a Thermostat?
A thermostat is a familiar component in most HVAC units that’s used to regulate temperature. While thermostats come in various shapes and configurations, they act as switches to regulate temperature-sensing elements. The main goal of a thermostat is to retain or set the temperature of the appliance or space to a desired level.
The Difference Between Thermostats and Thermistors
Now that you know what thermistors and thermostats are, it is crucial to understand the similarities before looking into the differences. Both systems read and report temperature fluctuations using metals like copper, aluminum, and tungsten. However, different metals have varying characteristics, especially in terms of electrical conductivity.
If you are wondering if a thermistor is the same as a thermostat, understanding the similarities is a vital step to understanding what sets them apart. The main difference between a thermistor and a thermostat is that thermistors are not ubiquitous temperature monitoring devices. This means you can only use a thermistor within a narrow temperature range.
On the other hand, thermostats are crude devices. While a thermistor can detect even minute temperature variations, a thermostat only allows metals to push against or rise above a contact as temperatures fluctuate.
What Is the Purpose of a Thermistors in an HVAC Unit?
In most modern air conditioning systems, thermistors act as temperature sensors. After detecting the room temperature, a thermistor sends an indoor temperature measurement to the AC’s control, adjusting the temperature automatically.
When it comes to thermistors vs thermostats, knowing the similarities and differences can help you know where they are used. Contact us at Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning to maintain an efficient and durable HVAC in Atlanta. We provide pertinent information on critical components to ensure you take appropriate action when required.