While most people are looking for the latest and most advanced programmable and smart thermostats, many still prefer a no-fuss and basic unit for their homes. But with the many models and varieties today, it can be difficult to find the right one for you.
So to help you out, we have listed down our top picks for the best non-programmable thermostats. As your guide, we also included the most important features you need to look out for when choosing which one to buy.
Our Top Picks At A Glance
But before that, let’s first answer one very common question, “why should I buy a non-programmable thermostat instead of programmable or smart thermostats?“
Why Use a Non-Programmable Instead of a Programmable Thermostat for Your Home?
There are many reasons why a lot of people still use non-programmable or manual thermostats for their homes. And these reasons are:
- They are easier to operate
Programmable thermostats can be complicated, especially for a non-tech-savvy person. Everything can be very confusing, from choosing which type and model to buy to setting them up, programming, and running them. While there are already smart thermostats, they can still be difficult to understand. You’d probably need to do some research to make them work efficiently.
With non-programmable thermostats, however, you can just apply the necessary changes when needed. You can control your indoor temperature without going through a complicated process or doing extensive research. You can also easily and quickly make changes in case a cold front, heatwave, or other unexpected weather conditions hit your home. No need to alter the program, which can be a little harder and time-consuming.
- They are cheaper
Non-programmable thermostats are also cheaper upfront. You can even buy a unit for as low as $10. On the other hand, programmable units have an average cost range of $20 to $125 while smart thermostats can cost anywhere from $150 to $300.
- They are simple
What most people like about non-programmable thermostats is their simplicity. They don’t have fancy and advanced features or extra parts. Just basic designs and all the essential components to help you control the temperature in your home.
Overall, if you are looking for a simple, cheaper, and easy to operate thermostat that won’t require you to go through a very complicated set of instructions, then buy a non-programmable thermostat. It’s a more practical option for those whose schedules vary from week to week or day to day.
Take note, however, that this type of thermostat is better for those who are always around to change the settings. If you are retired or working or taking care of the kids at home, then this is a great option for you. However, if you frequently leave your house unattended, then programmable or smart thermostats may be better choices.
Best Non-Programmable Thermostats
If you are looking for the best non-programmable thermostats you can buy in 2021, here are our top picks to help narrow down your options.
Best Overall – Honeywell Home TH3110D1008 Pro Non-Programmable Thermostat
- Pro 3000 1 heat/1 cool non-programmable digital thermostat white
- Model - TH3110D1008
- This is manufactured in United States
- Non-programmable digital thermostat
- Type: Digital
- Display: Backlit digital display
- Power Supply: Battery powered and hardwired
- Other Additional Features: Shows both set temperature and the current temperature at the same time
There’s a reason why Honeywell Home is so popular and highly rated in the thermostat market. It’s because their products work. Just check out the Honeywell TH3110D1008 Pro Non-Programmable Digital Thermostat. It is the simplest, no-frill, and best digital thermostat today.
Sure, this basic thermostat doesn’t have fancy features as some of the high-end smart models do. But even with its basic control and features, it can surely get the job done. Plus, it comes with a reasonable price that’s just hard to beat.
This Honeywell Home thermostat is designed for single-stage systems – one heating and one cooling. It has a backlit digital display, making it easy to read in any lighting condition. It also shows the set temperature and actual temperature and uses slide switches to easily select from heat or cool mode. There’s a switch to operate the fan as well. But most of all, the Honeywell Home TH3110D1008 provides an accurate performance with a temperature setting of ± 1 °F (± 0.5 °C).
Best for Budget Shoppers – Heagstat Non-Programmable Thermostat
- H701 1 Heat/1 Cool Non-programmable Thermostat, Compatible with Heating, Cooling Electric or Gas Configurable and Heat Pumps Without Auxiliary Heat.
- For use with Central Gas, Oil, Electric Furnaces, Millivolt or Single Stage Systems. 《Please check whether the wiring port of the old thermostat matches》
- Notice；Does not work with electric baseboard heat (120-240V) or Does not work with aux heat pump and multistage HVAC systems. Does not work RV
- Separate Heating and Cooling Swing (Cycle Rate), Which will Either Prolong or Shorten the Temperature Open Time. Make Comfortable Temperatures to Teduce Energy Usage, Savings on Annual Heating and...
- Type: Digital
- Display: Available in white or green LCD (4.5 sq. in.)
- Power Supply: Battery powered and hardwired
- Other Additional Features: Shows both set and current temperatures at the same time
Working on a budget? Try Heagstat’s non-programmable digital thermostat. While it may not be as popular as the Honeywell Home brand and is the cheapest on our list, this unit doesn’t fall behind in terms of performance. With a large screen, backlight, and clear display, this is a thermostat that you won’t have any trouble reading and seeing. It also has easy-to-use slide switches for selecting either heat or cooling mode and for operating the fan.
The Heagstat (1H/1C) Non-Programmable Thermostat is designed for single-stage heating and cooling systems as well as heat pumps without auxiliary heat. It’s dual-powered and has a precise temperature control of ± 1 °F for consistent comfort.
Best Non-Programmable Thermostat for Heat Pumps – ELECTECK Heat Pump Thermostat
- Heat pump thermostat, multi- stage, up to 2 heating and 1 cooling, electric or gas/oil configurable.
- Not suitable for RV's. Work with multi and single stage heating, cooling and heat pump systems. Does not work with 120/240-Volt electric baseboard.
- Easy-to-read digital 4.5 sq. in. LCD display with large characters and blue backlight. Big separate buttons for easy setting.
- Precise temperature control with +/- 1 degree in Fahrenheit and Celsius for ultimate consistent control.
- Type: Digital
- Display: Backlit LCD Display (4.5 sq. in.)
- Power Supply: Battery powered and hardwired
- Other Additional Features: The fan switch has “on” and “auto” functions. Air filter change indicator
If you are looking for a thermostat specifically for your heat pump, we suggest the ELECTECK Thermostat. It’s a multi-stage unit that can handle up to two heating, one cooling, and heat pump systems. It is also electric and gas or oil configurable.
But what’s truly great about the ELECTECK Heat Pump Thermostat is its large display and characters, which makes it very easy to read. Furthermore, it has big separate buttons and a simple menu for quick and easy operation. It has a precise temperature control too with ± 1 °F (± 0.5 °C) for the ultimate consistency. On top of that, it’s fairly cheap.
Best for Multi-Stage HVAC Systems – Emerson 1F85U-42NP Non-Programmable Thermostat
- Big, clear display - easily read in low lighting
- Easy installation - built in level indicator, pluggable terminals and streamlined configuration menu
- Advanced features - keypad lock, temperature limits, backlight button
- Dual fuel standard - no sensors needed
- Type: Digital
- Display: Backlit LCD Display (5 sq. in.)
- Power Supply: Battery powered and hardwired
- Other Additional Features: Keypad lockout, automatic heat/cool changeover option, filter change reminder, temperature limit, and customizable “Away” button.
Do you have a multi-stage HVAC system and looking for ways on how to enjoy some energy savings? If so, then the Emerson 1F85U-42NP Non-Programmable Thermostat is your best option. It features extensive compatibility with your air conditioning, heating, and heat pump, allowing you to regulate their capacities through one device. It can work with single-stage (one heating / one cooling), conventional (two heating / two cooling), and heat pump systems (4 heating / 2 cooling).
The Emerson 1F85U-42NP has a 5 square inch screen size backlit display that’s very easy to read even in low lighting. It’s easy to install as well with a built-in level indicator, streamlined configuration menu, and pluggable terminals. Plus, it comes with Easy DIY Install Wizard, which is a convenient feature that will walk you through the installation process.
What to Consider When Choosing a Non-Programmable Thermostat
When it comes to choosing a non-programmable thermostat, there are several factors for you to consider. This is to ensure you’ll only end up with a reliable unit that can prevent you from ever having home temperature troubles. To help you with that, here’s a quick rundown of the most important features you should look for in a non-programmable thermostat.
Manual vs. Digital Non-Programmable Thermostats
There are two kinds of non-programmable thermostats available today: manual and digital. Manual models are operated by mechanical switches or knobs. Similar to an analog watch, they display the temperature through a dial.
On the other hand, digital thermostats are those you see with backlit screens and digital displays. They can be controlled through buttons or a touchscreen. More importantly, they can lower your energy usage by as much as 10 percent due to their sensors and efficiency settings. Meaning, you can expect to see some energy savings.
While manual thermostats may look aesthetically better with your home’s interior, they tend to be less accurate than digital. They are also less refined, which can result in higher energy bills. So while they are cheaper, we suggest choosing a digital non-programmable thermostat instead.
Display
Look for a thermostat that can properly display the information you need at any given time. It should have a big screen size, backlight, and very readable characters. These are important features to look for since there’s a high chance that you’ll change the temperature late in the evening or while you’re half asleep.
Power
There are different ways on how to power a thermostat. You can choose from battery-powered, hardwired systems, or dual-power. Find out their differences below.
- Battery-powered: This is very common on digital thermostat systems. What’s great about running a unit with a battery is that it won’t be affected during power outages. But unless you have a backup generator, your HVAC system is unlikely to function. Also, with a battery-powered thermostat, you’d have to remember to change the batteries now and then
- Hardwired: When a thermostat is hardwired, it means it’s connected directly to your home’s electrical system. While most will require a common wire or C-wire, which will also connect the thermostat to your HVAC system, some will not. Either way, with a hardwired set up, your thermostat will run without a problem as long as your home has power.
- Dual-power: This is a combination of battery-powered and hardwired. So your thermostat will be tied directly to your system with or without C-wire and still equipped with a backup battery for continuous power even in emergencies.
Installation
One of the things you should look for in a thermostat is its ease of installation. If you are planning a DIY installation, you’ll want something that you can set up in just minutes. To see how easy or difficult it is to set up a thermostat, check the comment and review section of a particular product you are interested in. This will give you an idea of its design and installation process.
Other Additional Features
While non-programmable thermostats are designed to be as simple as they could be, some units offer advanced features that are certainly very helpful. The more features a unit has, the more convenient it is. Such features can include the following
- Temperature Limits: With this feature, you can set a max upper and lower temperature limit. This will prevent your kids or other individuals from setting the temperature to insane levels when you’re not around.
- Keypad Lock: This is another neat feature some digital thermostats offer. It keeps children and guests from making any changes to your home’s temperature.
- Extra Details: Aside from the temperature some units also display other information such as outdoor weather conditions and humidity levels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Programmable Thermostats
How long do non-programmable thermostats last?
The life expectancy of a thermostat can vary depending on the make, model, and type. Thermostats will start to malfunction over time due to wear and tear, dust accumulation, or wiring issues. Typically, a thermostat can last for at least 10 years before your need to replace it with a new one.
What kind of thermostat do I need?
If you’re looking for the simplest option for your home, a non-programmable thermostat is what you should set your sights on. These models are inexpensive and easy to install. There is no programming involved when using one of these machines and you can use them with gas or electric heating systems in homes and apartments just like their programmable counterparts.
Are non-programmable thermostats worth it?
Yes, they are. Aside from the obvious convenience of being able to control your HVAC system without fiddling around with a device, these thermostats are usually fairly affordable and more energy-efficient.