5 Best Two (2) Wire Thermostat Options in 2011
Best Trouble-Free 2-Wire Thermostat: All of us must have some heating and cooling systems at our place. We turn them on when we require them and then set the desired temperature. After a while, we feel that the temperature needs to be changed, and then we change it using a remote or through the buttons on the system. What science has brought us is a control system that does this task on our behalf very quickly and smoothly. It bridges the gap between the desired temperature and the measured temperature. This control system is a thermostat.
What does a thermostat do?
The thermostat task is to measure the temperature of the place where the system is installed and then balance it. When the temperature has reached the desired level, the thermostat turns off the system. This automatic and quick functioning of the system allows you to save your bills on energy and get the appropriate temperature level without any hassle. Thermostats come in various forms, depending on their features and the systems they work with. Among them, the most basic and straightforward thermostat is a 2-wire thermostat.
If you have a heat-only system, like a heater that cannot cool down the temperature, you can use a 2-wire thermostat. Remember that it can only heat space and not work for cooling systems like air conditioners, humidifiers, fans, etc. However, if you want to control your cooling systems, you will require more wires. Heat-only thermostats with 2-wires comprise of a red and a white wire.
White Wire, What for?
The white wire is for heating the space, and the red wire is for the power. Its working mechanism is simple. When the temperature is below the desired temperature, the thermostat will bring these two wires together to turn on the heating system. And when the temperature is at the set values, the thermostat will disconnect the wires and turn off the system.
Which wires?
Now the question arises which two-wire thermostats should be chosen for the heating systems. Here, we have discussed reviews of 5 best two-wire trouble-free thermostats that can help you make a purchase decision.
Five best two-wire Thermostat Models
Honeywell TH1100DV1000 Digital 2-Wire Heat Only
Honeywell is the most famous brand for thermostats. This model is especially for heat-only furnaces that come in White color. It has got a small backlit digital display of 1.32 sq.inches that displays the current room temperature and the heat status. Overall dimensions of the device are 4.69 x 2.88 x 1.13 inches. 2 AAA batteries are necessary to operate the thermostat.
Below the display screen, there are two buttons with arrows “up” and “down.” You can use these buttons to adjust the temperature between 40℉ to 90℉, and then the device will itself set it with accuracy. The arrow keys make it easier to adjust the temperature rather than old switches.
How to install?
Though the installation of this 2-Wire thermostat is a simple process, an experienced technician should do it to avoid any mishaps. First, pull the wires out of the given holes, then mark the plate on the wall with a pencil. Drill the holes and fix the plate by tightening the screws. W terminal designates the heat relay, the R wire designates the 24Vac power, and the C wire is the standard 24Vac wire. The thermostat is accompanied by the installation manual and guide to assist you in the installation process.
Where to buy from?
The Honeywell TH1100DV1000 Thermostat is available at Amazon.
Emerson 1E78-140 Non-Programmable Heat Only Thermostat:
It is a product of White Rodgers who has designed it in vertical shape and Beautiful White color. It has a bright and easy-to-read backlit digital display that shows the temperature. With the display, there are two buttons on the right of the screen with arrows “up” and “down” which is to adjust the temperature.
This 2-Wire thermostat is best with heat-only systems, including electric ignition and 24-volt heat/cooling systems and millivolt systems. But when it comes to the hot water (3-wire) system, this thermostat is not suitable. It is not even compatible with electric baseboard heat. The thermostat package includes 2 AA batteries that are necessary to work. This thermostat is a non-programmable thermostat that means you cannot give it a particular schedule for a couple of days. The precision control of the thermostat is plus/minus 1℉.
How to install?
Emerson’s thermostat is an easy-to-install thermostat, which becomes even easier with the installation guide and manual provided. You have to connect wires beneath the terminal screws following the correct wiring scheme. Then, you have to place the base of the thermostat on the wall and mark the holes with a pencil. Once you have marked, take the base out and drill them.
Where to buy from?
The Emerson 1E78-140 Non-Programmable Heat Only Thermostat is available at Amazon and eBay stores. Place your order there.
LuxPro Digital 2 Wire thermostat: Heat Only Thermostat-OSD0108:
LuxPro Digital Wire Thermostat is suitable for 24V 2-Wire Heating Only Systems, single Stage Heat, Gas or Oil Systems (with no fan), 2-Wire Heat Hydronic Systems, and Millivolt Systems. But it is not suitable to be used with Cooling Systems, Heat Pump Systems, 3-Wire Hydronic Systems, and Line Voltage Systems (120 / 240 VAC).
This 2-Wire thermostat needs a battery as a power source. It is designed in a slim and attractive style that has made the thermostat smart. With the screen display, it has two soft buttons with arrow keys “up” and “down” that can be used to adjust the temperature. A switch to change the unit of temperature from Fahrenheit to Celcius and vice versa is also provided. The screen display is large and digital, which makes it an easy-to-read display.
How to install?
It is a super easy-to-install thermostat that is not going to give you a tough time. You just have to connect wires, mark the plate on the wall and screw the base tightly to attach it to the wall. A wall backplate is also included in the package.
From where to buy?
LuxPro Digital 2 Wire thermostat: Heat Only Thermostat-OSD0108 is an in-stock item at Amazon.
Honeywell CT30A1005 CT3A Thermostat:
If you are looking for a simple, easy, and complex-free thermostat, this one is perfect. It is a heat-only non-programmable thermostat that is not compatible with multi-stage heating/cooling systems, electric baseboard heat, and electric pump systems. Honeywell has designed this model as an economy model that has some simple and worry-free operation. It is available in almond color.
A manual display is given on the thermostat with a bimetal temperature sensor that provides greater temperature accuracy. It is a mercury-free product, has low voltage controls, and a snap-action switch for heat-only systems. A lever is given with the manual display to adjust the temperature on the scale provided. It does not require any battery as a power source. Honeywell offers a 1-year warranty for the product.
How to install?
This 2-Wire thermostat is mainly famous for its easy and hassle-free installation. The package includes a thermostat, a cover plate, two wall anchors and two mounting screws, and a caution card with a guide to wires. With the basic installation steps like passing the wires from the holes, marking the plate and holes on the walls, drilling them, and tightening the wall plate with the screws provided, this thermostat will be ready to use.
Where to buy from?
Honeywell CT30A1005 CT3A Thermostat is available at the Amazon store and you can order it from there.
If you are looking for replacing your 2-wire line voltage heating thermostat, you can replace it with Honeywell T410A1013 Electric Baseboard Heat Thermostat. It is a Premier White thermostat that has a snap-action switch to adjust the temperature. The unit of temperature in Fahrenheit only. Temperature can be set in a range of 40℉ to 80℉. This thermostat does not require any batteries to operate. It has a bimetal sensing element and is ideally suitable for new construction applications.
Honeywell T410A1013 Electric Baseboard Heat Thermostat:
Overall measurements of the product are 2.25 inches deep x 2.75 inches wide x 4.5 inches high. The design of the device is simple, with a round Micro switch on the front. It is a non-programmable thermostat that means you will not be able to give instructions to your thermostat for a few following days. It will only work in the present.
How to install?
The thermostat’s installation is quite easy and becomes even easier with the installation manual and guide provided with the thermostat. All the basic steps that are discussed for the previous thermostat are applied here. Connecting the wires from the holes, then marking the holes on the wall by putting up the plate, then drilling the holes and tightening the screws to fix the plate are those basic steps.
Where to buy from?
This product is currently unavailable at amazon but they will restock it for you to place your order with Amazon.
Conclusion
Simple 2-wire thermostats are easy-to-use and easy-to-install devices that are easily available in the market. You can not only grab them on your own but can easily mount them too. All the above thermostats are outstanding examples of 2-wire thermostats that can be used if you have a heating-only system. You need to select from these if you are looking for the best options on the basis of the price range, look and the brand you like.
