Electric baseboard heating units are line voltage systems. That means they use direct electricity to heat up your living spaces. Unless you live in a region with low electricity costs, this will increase your energy bills.
That’s why you should install the best thermostats for electric baseboard heat. Line Voltage thermostats are ideal for regulating heaters that operate on 120v – 240v.
On average, installing a thermostat to your heater can reduce your energy consumption by up to 30%. Even better, they will maintain your living spaces at comfortable levels.
Short preview table with first 3 choices –
Image | Name | Our Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mysa Smart Thermostat |
5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon | ||
Honeywell Thermostat for Electric Baseboard Heat |
5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon | ||
Honeywell Home Thermostat Manual |
4.5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon |
To read about our product selection procedure, visit the “About” page.
Best Digital Thermostat for Electric Baseboard Heat Reviews
Interestingly, there are many options in the market. Yet the most popular models are not compatible with electric baseboard heaters. For this, finding the best programmable thermostat for electric baseboard heaters can be a nightmare.
Don’t let that bother you though. We are here to help!
In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the high-quality products available today! So let’s check them out and pick the perfect heat control device for your heating unit.
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1. Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric Baseboard Heaters
Controlling your devices with tablets and smartphones is increasingly becoming popular. But smart thermostats for electric baseboard heaters are still hard to come by. That’s why you should consider buying this Mysa Smart Thermostat.
It’s one of the few smart thermostats out there compatible with high voltage heaters. This includes systems like; convectors, radiant ceiling heaters, and electric baseboard heaters.
It allows you to adjust your room temperature from your phone/ tablet. Thanks to its companion app that works on both iOS and Android devices.
With this app, you can see the current temperature, set schedules, and create zones. Moreover, you can control other settings like Celsius/ Fahrenheit, heater type, and brightness.
If the Wi-Fi connectivity is down, use the up & down arrows on the faceplate to adjust the temperature. The only issue here is that you’ll need more force as compared to other touch displays.
Another unique thing is that it’s compatible with various smartphone systems. This includes; Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT. Therefore, you can use voice commands to control the temperature of your heater.
This device consists of 2 parts; the faceplate and a power board. A wire connects these parts, making it extremely easy to install. After all, this can take you less than 15 minutes, regardless of your experience level.
You’ll also love the sleek, modern white design offered by this device. This plus the capacitive touch screens will elevate your interior décor.
Lastly, Mysa will help you save your electricity bill. Thanks to its energy-saving smart settings like ‘vacation mode’ and geolocation features. These properties reduce the temperature while you’re away and bring it up when you’re back.
The lockout mode prevents anyone from interfering with your preferred heat setting.
2. Honeywell Thermostat for Electric Baseboard Heaters
One issue with smart thermostats is that they’re a bit pricey. So, if you want an affordable option for your baseboard heater, they may not be your best option. Instead, you should look for a manual thermostat, since they come at a lower price range.
However, you still need to ensure that it’s durable, accurate, and energy-efficient. This CT410B model from Honeywell Home meets all these needs!
First, this manual device features a bi-metallic sensor to provide enough accuracy. This ensures that your heating unit remains at the ideal temperature. Moreover, this allows you to adjust the unit’s heat output with ease.
Better still, the bi-met5allic sensor doesn’t transmit the produced heat to the device’s body.
Another notable property is that you can control outputs of up to 5280 Watts. It’s compatible with various line voltage systems including 270V, 240V & 120V units.
In terms of safety, this device has extra-thick wires. This enables it to handle more load than what’s possible with other ordinary models. Even better, it’s both CSA and UL-certified. Not to forget that this thermostat is 100% mercury-free!
You’ll also find that installing and using this unit is quite simple. Thanks to its dial-type mechanical control that ensures a hassle-free operation. Besides, it’s compatible with any 4-wire electric heater including line volt systems.
To install the device, use the necessary tools and follow the included guidelines. Provided you’re familiar with electrical devices, this will take you less than 30 minutes!
On the downside, you can’t use this device to control your room temperature from a distance. Also, its accuracy isn’t that great at low-temperature settings.
3. Honeywell Home Thermostat Manual RLV4305A Programmable
Like other products from Honeywell Home, this programmable thermostat has excellent quality. Also, it comes at a reasonable price and features a classy look that will match your interiors. More notably, it’s compatible with electric baseboard heaters.
Also, you can connect it to radiant ceiling heaters, convectors, and fan-forced heaters.
This device is considered the best smart thermostat for electric baseboard heaters. However, it isn’t as ‘smart’ as the first device on our list. For starters, this programmable device lacks wireless connectivity options.
Therefore, you can connect it or use your phone to control the heater’s output.
However, this property makes it a great option for heaters used by many different people. Some people, especially senior citizens, and kids aren’t comfortable with using smartphones.
Instead, it has a digital screen that displays large & readable numbers. This is accompanied by easy-to-use buttons for setting the ideal temperatures. Even better, the display has a backlight, making it easy to use the device in low-light conditions.
With the multiple programming, occupants can enjoy the most comfortable environment. This includes a flexible scheduling feature for weekends and weekdays. You can use the 5-2 day programming function to split up each day into 4 periods.
This includes the temperature settings for night, evening, mid-day, and morning. To ensure the set program stays during power outages, this unit has backup batteries.
Note, this smart device is a single-pole (2 wire) device. This means that you can use it at 2-line voltages, that is, 120V or 240V. At 240V, it can handle loads of up to 3500 Watts.
Moreover, this device uses TRIAC switching technology to ensure silent switching operation. More importantly, this allows you to control the temperature at an accuracy of +/- 0.5 deg F.
4. Cadet 8734 F Series Baseboard Thermostat
If you’ve got a Cadet F Series electric heater in your home, this one will be the perfect option. And there are several reasons for that! But the main one is that this unit is designed to work on Cadet F Series baseboard heaters.
The other benefit is that it’s extremely simple to install. Besides, no additional wiring is needed since you can mount it on your Cadet heating unit. Even better, you can install it on either side of your heating unit.
Not to forget that it’s intended to replace the removable end plate on Cadet F Series heaters.
To control the heater’s output, this device comes with a large, twist dial. This allows you to control the temperature between 45 and 87 deg Fahrenheit. Moreover, it has a 2-wire (single pole) low setting and can handle a restrictive load of up 22A.
To set it to the lowest setting, turn the control dial counterclockwise fully. That simple!
Moving on to the design, this device has a white color and it is compact in nature. Therefore, it will easily blend in and match your electric baseboard heater.
This unit provides a convenient and economical way to regulate your heater’s output. However, unless your heater is from Cadet, we’d recommend you opt for another thermostat. Also, it features manual control, so you’ve to be right at the unit to adjust the temperature.
5. Honeywell Home Digital Non-Programmable Thermostat for Electric Baseboard Heat
Having a non-programmable thermostat allows you to undertake the basic operations. For instance, you can operate your heating unit, turn it on and set the temperature. One such device is this RLV3120A thermostat from Honeywell Home.
This device is silent, energy-efficient, and compact, making it suitable for small spaces.
Considering this device is non-programmable, you’ve to make all the adjustments manually. This prevents you from turning on the system accidentally. Also, this will save you other issues associated with more complicated programmable thermostats.
Another benefit is that this unit is both easy to use and install. Thanks to the tons of user-friendly features it comes with. For instance, it’s fitted with a TRIAC switch. This allows you to control the temperature at an accuracy of +/- 0.5 deg. F.
Moreover, it has an on-screen heating command indicator and an LCD. Unlike similar products, it operates quietly without producing any type of irritating noise. These properties will ensure comfort as well as maximum savings.
This unit controls power consumption by not passing the full power over to your heating unit. On top of that, it has 5 vertical bars and it’s energy-efficient. The vertical bars allow you to determine the temperature setting.
No bar (0) indicates it’s off, while 5 bars indicate it’s at 100% (highest setting).
The only downside about this device is that it has a small gauge/ diameter wiring. This restricts the number of baseboards heaters/ watts it can handle. Other than that, it’s a versatile unit that works with various heaters.
It is compatible with 120V -240V baseboard heaters, radiant ceilings, and convectors.
6. Emerson Thermostat Manual 1E78-140 Non-Programmable
If your home uses a single-stage, 24v, or a millivolt heat system, consider buying this unit from Emerson. It’s a compact device that allows you to adjust the room temperature with ease.
However, if you’ve got an electric baseboard heater, don’t choose this product. Instead, look for a live volt thermostat that can run on 120V to 240V.
That aside, this low voltage device has some incredible features.
At first glance, this unit is very compact in size. Yet it has a readable digital display and control buttons. The display has a backlight, allowing you to read the temperate readings at any time.
Also, the read-out is accurate and this unit provides precise control of +/-1 deg. F. So, once you set the temperature, the heat will increase to the exact place you want it.
Unlike electric thermostats, this unit is powered by 3 AA batteries. Interestingly, these batteries can last for years once you set up the device. On the same note, installing this unit in your system is quite straightforward.
Besides, the package comes with instructions to guide you with the installation process.
Even with these benefits, this unit has some drawbacks a well. For instance, it doesn’t have a backplate, which can be a challenge when painting the wall. Apart from that, it’s very affordable, easy to use, and offers excellent performance.
Moreover, since this thermostat is low-voltage, you can mount it near fireplaces or in RVs.
7. Honeywell TH1100DV1000 Non-Programmable Thermostat
Another low-voltage thermostat worth considering is this particular model for Honeywell. As you may have noticed, our list contains various products from Honeywell. Apart from being a reputable brand, they produce a wide range of superior products.
This TH100DV100 model isn’t an exception!
Unlike the other devices from this brand we’ve looked at so far, this device runs on 24V. To be precise, it’s powered by 2 AA alkaline batteries. For that reason, you should not use it for 120v- 240v electric baseboard heaters.
Also, it’s not compatible with multi-stage heating systems or heat pumps with backup heat. Instead, it’s compatible with single-stage heating systems, millivolt, fireplaces, and pellet stoves. Also, you can use it on heat pump systems that don’t have backup heat.
Regarding the design, it has a slightly curved rectangular shape. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4.69 X 2.88 X 1.13”. This results in a compact and neutral design that will fit in any home.
The operation is quite simple. Thanks to its user-friendly interface. Simply use the 2 (up & down) arrows to switch between off, cooling and heating. This will allow you to increase the temperatures as high as 90 deg.
Fahrenheit or as low as 40 deg Fahrenheit. While doing so, you can observe the temperature in F or Celsius on the brightly lit display.
In case of a power outage, the unit retains the setpoint, meaning you don’t need to reset it. Moreover, to ensure users’ safety, the device has in-built compressor protection.
8. Honeywell T410A1013 Baseboard heater Thermostat
Weighing 4.16 ounces, this heat control unit is a reliable manual thermostat. Even with its simple design, it offers a smooth line voltage control for your heating unit. And with its white color, it will give your home that classy look!
Even better, this equipment has a compact design. To be precise, it measures 4.5” X 2.75” X 2.25”. Don’t let that fool you though! This unit can handle AC with different voltage ranges including 120v, 240V, and 277V.
The simple design also makes it quite simple to install. Besides, it includes flexible 6” long Leads with various color codes. This ensures proper electrical connections to the CO/ALR-certified aluminum wires.
On top of that, this model features robust construction and a plastic mounting base. Also, it has vents to prevent it from overheating. These features make it the best unit for new devices in the construction industry. The plastic base allows you to install it vertically.
This unit shuts down your heater when the room reaches the ideal temperature. And when the temperature drops, it uses the Snap-action switch to create a heating circuit.
In general, this unit is a great option for replacing any 2-wire/ 4-wire line voltage thermostat. Moreover, you can use it to regulate resistive-rated electrical systems.
9. Honeywell Home Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat
Imagine having a thermostat that allows you to set programs for the entire week! Amazing, right? Provided you’ve got this programmable unit from Honeywell, you can accomplish that! Best of all, you can select from four different periods every day.
This is why it’s referred to as a 7-day thermostat, instead of a 5-2 model like the one we looked at earlier.
Another thing you can note from the name is that this unit has a touchscreen display. This gives it a clean look and allows you to change the setting with your fingers. The screen is large enough, so you’ll not have any trouble operating the device.
Moreover, this enables you to view the room temperature with ease.
As if that’s not enough, the display has a green back-light to improve visibility. However, the light turns off after some time. To turn it on again, you need to press the screen.
With this touchscreen device, you’ll also enjoy the Smart Response technology. So, if you wish to set the temperature at 70 deg F at a certain time, the device will sense that. As a result, the temperature will be set to 70 deg F at that particular time.
Also, this allows it to switch between cooling and heating automatically.
In case of a power outage, this unit maintains the date and time settings. Lastly, it’s easy to install and it works with various cooling and heating systems.
One thing you should remember though is that this unit is only compatible with 24V systems. So, if you’ve got a 120 V TO 240V electric heating system, look for another thermostat.
10. Sinope Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat Review
Sinope Technologies is a Canadian-based manufacturer that specializes in various smart home devices. However, the TH1123WF model is their 1st Wi-Fi thermostat for electric heaters. You can use it to regulate the heat output of various heating systems.
This includes baseboard heaters, radiant ceiling heaters, convectors, and fan-forced convectors.
With Wi-Fi Connectivity, this product allows you to access several intuitive features. More notably, it connects you to the companion NevWeb app. That way, you can control the thermostat at any time, and from any place.
Even better, it works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Homekit, and Samsung SmartThings.
The main screen of the App displays consumption history, connected platforms, and geofencing. To enjoy the geofencing feature, you need to enter your coordinates and set a 5 km radius around your home.
Afterward, it’ll automatically turn off when you leave your home. And when you return it will turn on automatically.
On the exterior, this device has a backlit LCD. This improves visibility when you’re in the dark. To prevent tampering, you can lock the screen with buttons once you’re done. The screen shows the current indoor, outdoor, and programmed temperature, date, and say.
The only challenge is that its components need constant electricity to function. Apart from that, it’s more affordable than most smart thermostats out there. Yet it can handle loads of up to 4000 Watts.
How to Choose Thermostats for Electric Baseboard Heater
Baseboard heater thermostats vary significantly in the number of features that they have. For this, choosing the ideal one for your system will not be a simple task. So what is the best wireless thermostat for electric baseboard heater?
Well, if you know the important factors to look for, you can easily make a decision. Some of these factors include;
Installation
Installing an electric baseboard heater can be a very complicated procedure. You don’t want the same challenge with a thermostat, especially for DIY installation. In other words, it’s good to look for a device with a convenient installation process.
To determine if a device is easy to install, check the reviews of the product you intend to buy. This will help you understand the installation process and design. In general, you should settle for a thermostat you can set up in less than 30 minutes.
Programmability
Programmable devices learn your schedule and set your favorite temperatures. Moreover, they turn down themselves when the room is empty, cutting down your energy bills.
On the contrary, manual/ non-programmable thermostats don’t have any temperature programs. They’re always running according to the temperature settings. Therefore, you have to change the temperature manually to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. With that in mind, choose a thermostat that works for you.
Voltage System
Most electric baseboard heaters operate on line voltage (120V – 240V). However, they’re still some models that use low voltage systems (24V). It’s important to check the voltage system of your heating unit before you buy any thermostat. This will ensure that you get the ideal device for regulating the output of your heating system.
Conclusion
The best thermostat for electric heaters allows you to adjust the temperature with ease. From the list above, there are different types available, including programmable & smart thermostats.
Luckily, most products on this list can work with baseboard heaters. So, check them out and choose the one that will suit your home’s heating system. Before you buy any unit, check its voltage, power source, and other features.
FAQs
1. What kind of thermostat do I need for electric baseboard heat?
When looking for a baseboard thermostat, ensure it’s compatible with high-voltage systems. Electric heaters and thermostats for such units operate at the same voltage (120- 240V). Low voltage devices will not work on electric heaters since they’re designed for heat pumps, gas, and oil.
2. Do smart thermostats work with baseboard heaters?
Yes! You can connect a high-voltage thermostat to the baseboard heater’s central control. For here, you can control your home temperature from anywhere.
3. How do you perform a test on a baseboard thermostat?
To test your baseboard thermostat, turn off its circuit breaker and take it off the wall. Disconnect all the wires from the thermostat’s control system. Then touch 1 lead to each wire and hold the other terminal on the ground wire. Perform this test with all the terminals.
4. How to install a thermostat on a baseboard heater?
Connect the wire nut to the white and ground wires to bypass the thermostat. Then attach the loaded black and line wire, and push the wires into the box. Lastly, screw the thermostat, replace the faceplate and test your device.
5. What temperature should you set at an electric baseboard heater?
Baseboard heating units can heat up to 190 deg Fahrenheit. In general, these heating systems are considered safe since the risk of fire is fairly low.