What Is a Single Stage Thermostat and Do I Need One?

July 20, 2023

If you’re wondering how to control your HVAC system more effectively, you might be asking, “What is a single stage thermostat?” Single stage HVAC systems are still the most common in the United States. A single stage heating system or cooling system means your furnace or air conditioner has only one level of heat or cold output. Single stage thermostats are used to control single stage HVAC systems—thus, if you have a single stage heating and cooling system, your home needs a single stage thermostat.

Keep reading to learn more about single stage thermostats and the many features various models can offer.

Single Stage Thermostat vs. Two Stage Thermostat

Understanding the difference between a single stage thermostat vs a two stage thermostat can help you optimize your home’s comfort and energy use. Here’s how these two types of thermostats compare:

Heating Levels

Single stage thermostats control HVAC systems that only operate at one level of heating or cooling.
Two stage thermostats manage HVAC systems with two heating or cooling levels, allowing the system to run at a lower capacity during milder weather and a higher capacity during extreme conditions, which can lead to increased energy efficiency and more balanced indoor temperatures.

Best Used For

Single stage systems are more common in homes with straightforward HVAC setups.
Two stage thermostats are better suited for homes requiring better control over temperature fluctuations.

Choosing between a single stage or two stage thermostat depends on the type of HVAC system that fits your home and your comfort needs.

Single Stage Thermostat vs. Multi Stage Thermostat

To determine the right thermostat option for your home’s HVAC system, it’s important to understand what multi stage heating and cooling is and how it differs from single stage systems:

Heating and Cooling Sources:

Single stage HVAC systems control one heating source (e.g., a furnace or boiler) and one cooling source (e.g., central air conditioning). These systems are the most common and are managed by single stage thermostats.
Multi stage HVAC systems involve multiple heating or cooling sources, such as a furnace combined with solar panels or multiple air conditioning units. These systems require multi stage thermostats to handle the different energy sources.

How Many Heating and Cooling Systems:

Single stage thermostats control two systems—one heating and one cooling—with inputs for six or fewer wires. They are best suited for homes with simpler HVAC systems.
Multi stage thermostats are designed for homes with more complex HVAC setups, where more than one heating or cooling source needs to be managed.

No matter which type of HVAC system you have, choosing the right thermostat is crucial for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. If you’re looking to upgrade or need help deciding what’s best for you and your home, Columbus Worthington Air can guide you through the process and handle the installation. Call us at 614-405-7819 to get started.

The Benefits of Each Thermostat Option

Now that we’ve covered what a single stage thermostat is and how it compares to two stage and multi stage thermostats, let’s explore the unique advantages each type of thermostat offers. Understanding the benefits of each option can help you make the right choice for your home.

Single Stage Thermostat Benefits

Simple to operate, ideal for homes with basic HVAC systems
Most common and compatible with many single stage heating and cooling systems
Typically lower in cost compared to multi stage options
Effective for homes requiring full heating or cooling without the need for variable settings

Two Stage Thermostat Benefits

Provides greater control over indoor temperatures by offering both low and high-level operation
Improves energy efficiency by running at lower capacity when full power isn’t needed
Reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system, extending its lifespan
Helps maintain more consistent and balanced indoor temperatures throughout the day

Multi Stage Thermostat Benefits

Manages multiple heating and cooling sources for maximum flexibility and comfort
Optimizes energy use by adjusting outputs based on demand, saving money in the long run
Ideal for homes with advanced HVAC systems that combine multiple energy sources like solar panels and traditional systems
Offers more precise control over indoor climate, making it perfect for larger homes or those with diverse climate control needs

The Best Type of Thermostat for Building Types and Sizes

The size and building of your HVAC system also play a significant role in determining which thermostat will offer the best performance. Whether you’re deciding between a single stage thermostat vs. two stage or a multi stage option, here’s how to choose based on your building type and size:

Single Stage Thermostats:

Best suited for small homes or single-story residents
Works well in buildings with simple, single stage HVAC systems that don’t need variable heating or cooling
Ideal for buildings in regions with consistent weather conditions

Two Stage Thermostats

A good choice for medium-sized homes or multi-story residences with varying temperature needs
Suitable for homes that experience moderate seasonal temperature fluctuations
Ideal for households looking to improve energy efficiency while maintaining comfort in different rooms or zones

Multi Stage Thermostats

Best suited for larger homes or commercial buildings with complex HVAC systems that have multiple heating and cooling sources
Ideal for buildings that need precise climate control across different zones or levels
Recommended for spaces where efficiency is a priority due to varying temperature demands throughout the day

What to Consider When Selecting a Thermostat for Your Home

It’s important to consider the following factors when choosing a thermostat to ensure the best performance and energy efficiency:

Cost: Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to invest
Energy Efficiency: look for models that can help reduce energy bills
System Compatibility: Ensure the thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system
Humidity Control: Some thermostats offer enhanced humidity management
Programmable Features: Choose a model that fits your lifestyle with customizable settings

How Do I Know If I Have a 1 or 2 Stage Heating and Cooling System?

You can check your HVAC system’s manual or the model number to determine if it’s a single or two stage. If the system frequently runs at full capacity, it’s likely a single stage. An HVAC professional can also perform a quick inspection to let you know which kind of HVAC system and thermostat your home uses.

Call Columbus Worthington Air at 614-405-7819 to schedule an inspection and ensure your system has the right thermostat and works properly.

Programmable Thermostat Options

Modern digital thermostats use a thermistor to measure temperature changes and control your HVAC system. These thermostats display your settings and the current temperature using a digital screen, and they may have buttons or a touchscreen to adjust the temperature.

Programmable thermostats offer the ability to create custom schedules for your heating and cooling systems, allowing you to:

Set different temperatures for various times of the day or days of the week
Automatically adjust the temperature when your home is unoccupied, saving energy
Enjoy consistent energy savings without needing to manually adjust your thermostat daily

Once programmed, these thermostats help you heat or cool your home efficiently, ensuring comfort while reducing energy usage year-round.

Maximize Comfort and Efficiency with the Right Thermostat

Upgrading your thermostat is one of the easiest ways to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Whether you’re considering a single stage thermostat vs two stage option, making the right choice can help you save money on energy bills and extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment.

At Columbus Worthington Air, we offer various HVAC accessories and products, including air conditioners, air handlers, ductless systems, thermostats, heat pumps, generators, and thermostats. Be sure to check out our latest blog articles for tips on HVAC maintenance and upgrades!

Ready to enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency? Contact us at 614-405-7819 today to schedule a service or consultation.