10 Things You Didn’t Know About Thermostats
1. The First Thermostat Was Invented in the 1600s
Cornelis Drebbel, a Dutch inventor, created the earliest known thermostat in the 1620s to keep a chicken incubator at a constant temperature. Talk about an egg‑cellent idea!
2. Turning Down Your Thermostat Saves Real Money
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day. Smart thermostats make this effortless.
3. Smart Thermostats Learn Your Schedule
Devices like the Nest and Ecobee use sensors and AI to learn when you’re home and adjust temperatures automatically. They even know when you’re away to save energy.
4. The Name Comes From Greek Roots
“Thermostat” combines the Greek words thermos (heat) and statos (standing). So it literally means “heat stander” — which is exactly what it does.
5. Old Thermostats Used Bimetallic Strips
Before digital sensors, thermostats relied on two metals that expanded at different rates. When the temperature changed, the strip would bend and trigger a switch.
6. Your Thermostat Can Control More Than Temperature
Modern smart thermostats can also manage humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and even air purifiers, giving you full control of your indoor environment.
7. Nest Thermostat Has a “Farsight” Feature
When you walk past a Nest thermostat, its display lights up to show the temperature you’ve set — a small but satisfying futuristic touch.
8. The Perfect Winter Temperature Is 68°F (20°C)
Energy experts recommend setting your thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and lowering it when you’re asleep or away. Your body adjusts quickly.
9. Programmable Thermostats Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
By heating and cooling only when needed, you use less energy and produce fewer emissions. Every degree you dial back helps the planet.
10. Thermostats Are Getting Voice Control
With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, you can now adjust your thermostat hands‑free. Just say “turn it down” and your home responds.