What Is A Millivolt Thermostat? (Find Out Now!)

Thermostats have as much of a variety and wide selection as any other household appliance. It can be difficult to navigate the world of thermostats with so many options between smart, analog, and programmable thermostats. So, what exactly is the less widely known millivolt thermostat?

A millivolt thermostat is a 0.75-volt thermostat that controls gas furnaces and wall heaters. They are low-voltage and are never installed in homes that are newly built. Millivolt thermostats come in digital and programmable models, but they only work with gas millivolt heating systems.

You cannot control a home’s HVAC system with a millivolt thermostat because it is underpowered. Millivolt thermostats run off a thermocouple, and that makes them unique compared to other thermostats. Follow along as we take a look into millivolt thermostats and see how they differ from other types.

Millivolt thermostats are a mostly outdated and uncommon type of thermostat. The average homeowner only has a millivolt thermostat if they have a wall furnace. Millivolt thermostats run the gamut of digital, programmable, and even smart thermostats.

There are wired and wireless millivolt thermostats, and it is ideal to use a battery and C-wire connection. Instead of the average 24-volt thermostat, millivolt thermostats only operate at 0.75-volts. That is the equivalent of 750 millivolts, and it is not enough to control most HVAC systems.

Many millivolt thermostats can operate separately from your home’s wiring. You need a millivolt thermostat if your home has a millivolt heating system.

Millivolt heatings systems refer to floor and wall heaters or gas fireplaces. These systems are low voltage and require a millivolt thermostat to control them. Millivolt heating systems don’t use electricity, and their thermostat is powered by a thermocouple.

A millivolt thermostat is an alternative to low-voltage and line-voltage systems meant for boilers and baseboard heaters. You are unlikely to find millivolt heating systems or thermostats in new homes, and they are mostly considered outdated.

As the name suggests, programmable thermostats allow you to set temperatures and operate the AC fan. Many programmable thermostats have functions that let you program temperatures for specific times of the day. This is useful for homeowners that are away for work or other obligations for a portion of the day.

Programmable thermostats are useful during the spring and fall when temperatures often fluctuate wildly. You can find programmable thermostats that are either “smart” or classic with an LED display. Modern homes generally have programmable thermostats.

Non-programmable thermostats are fully functional, but they limit your temperature setting options. You cannot program specific heating and cooling schedules with a non-programmable thermostat. Because of that, your air conditioner and furnace will work as you set it before work throughout the entire day.

This can lead to expensive energy bills during the summer and winter. Non-programmable thermostats only become costly and inconvenient when you are away from home for most of the day. Otherwise, they are a great, simple, and affordable option for most homeowners.

Analog thermostats are the most simple and least versatile type of thermostat. An analog thermostat cannot always accurately display the temperature in the way that one with an LED screen can. It is common for homeowners to replace old analog thermostats with a digital model, as long as the HVAC system is compatible.

You simply adjust the AC fan settings and temperature by hand on an analog thermostat. Analog thermostats are the cheapest type of thermostat, but they are also the trickiest to troubleshoot and read.

Smart thermostats are on the polar opposite end of the spectrum as analog thermostats. Some smart thermostats are hardwired, and others rely on batteries and a C-wire. Brands like Nest have made smart thermostats the new standard, and they do much more than controlling your temperature.

The average smart thermostat comes with extra functions such as the internet, room sensors, weather information, and mobile control. You can control most smart thermostats while you are away from home with your phone. This can help save you money when you are away or if there is a sudden temperature change and you need to adjust your thermostat.

Take a look at the difference between Iris and Nest thermostats; two of the leading smart thermostats. Smart thermostats can help educate you on your own energy consumption and will lower your bills.

Related Questions

Is Nest thermostat compatible with gas furnace?

Yes, Nest thermostats are compatible with gas furnaces, but it does not work with gas baseboard heaters. Nest thermostats are compatible with 85% of HVAC systems, and that includes electric, gas, and solar systems.

Do thermostats have fuses?

Yes, thermostats have fuses underneath the front panel. The filament inside of a thermostat’s fuse is sensitive, and it must stay intact for it to work. Your fuse can blow and prevent your thermostat from working if the filament breaks.

Millivolt thermostats are compatible with gas fireplaces and wall furnaces. They register at 0.75 volts or 750 millivolts are not strong enough to control an air conditioner or standard furnace. Millivolt thermostats are uncommon, and builder-owners don’t include them in modern construction because of their limited use.

You can find millivolt thermostats that are programmable and have digital displays. A millivolt thermostat is useful if you have gas heating appliances, but they are the least common variety. Upgrade your millivolt thermostat to a modern or smart thermostat to modernize your home.