Energy bills would be high for baseboard heater systems unless you live in a state where electricity costs are very low. About 90% of USA homes are run ning on low voltage systems and only about 10% of homes are using line voltage systems, like a baseboard heater. Most of the popular thermostat models (like Nest, Ecobee, and Emerson Sensi) are incompatible to be used as an electric baseboard heater thermostat (they’re designed for low voltage heating/cooling systems).
In this article, we review the best electric baseboard heater thermostat models out there. We’ve listed the criteria and important points to check before choosing the right model. When it comes to a baseboard thermostat, you can choose from 3 or 4 different types. You can opt for a smart thermostat for baseboard heaters – if you prefer all those high-end features, or you can choose a WiFi-enabled thermostat – if internet-based control is what you prefer. On the other hand, if you don’t have that kind of a high budget for smart/WiFi models – you may opt for a programmable thermostat for electric baseboard heaters. We’ve covered all of them, read on.
The primary reason to buy and install a thermostat in your home is to regulate room temperatures and maintain your comfort levels. However, thermostats also help to cut down energy bills and save money. In fact, investing in the right thermostat is the best way to save energy bills. The money invested in a thermostat will be regained within a few months of ins tallation. Before getting to the reviews section, let’s first see how to choose the right baseboard heater thermostat for your home.
The working of a baseboard thermostat is very simple. A baseboard heater thermostat is a variable switch installed in the electric circuit running to t he baseboard heater. The thermostat detects the temperature of the room and regulates it by controlling the current passing to the heater.
Line Voltage or Low Voltage – The first and most important point – a “baseboard heater” is a line voltage device. You can’t use a low voltage thermost at (like Nest, Ecobee or other popular models used for furnaces or heat pumps) with a baseboard heater. A line voltage system uses direct line voltage (120 volts or 240 volts) unlike the newer low voltage models (which run on 24 volts). Line voltage type thermostats are used in older homes and constructions (or in places where electricity costs are very low), especially with baseboard heaters and electric heaters. The power wires are thicker and they run on 120 volts or 240 volts.
Single Pole or Double Pole – A single-pole thermostat connects to the electric mains via 2 wires. You can not shut the power to a single pole thermostat. As an alternative method (to shut power), you can set a very low temperature in the thermostat setting to prevent heat from coming up to the room. The double pole thermostat connects to the ele ctric mains via 4 wires. It is possible to shut power to the double pole thermostat system at any desired time. So double-pole has an advantage over th e single pole. You can read our guide on Single Pole vs Double Pole to get more ideas.
Smart/ WiFi Thermostat or Digital Programmable – A smart thermostat or a WiFi thermostat for electric baseboard heaters has its own benefits over an ordinary programmable thermostat. A smart thermostat has high-end features like voice control, energy savings (save nearly 10% on annual energy bills), internet-based control, geofencing, auto-scheduling, and more. On a similar note, a WiFi thermostat can also be controlled via the internet using your smartphones (they lack some features of a smart thermostat like geofencing, voice control etc).
An ordinary digital programmable thermostat doesn’t have any of these high-end features but they still do the job of a thermostat perfectly. The key difference is the price! If you don’t have the budget for a smart/WiFi model, always go for the programmable thermostat.
Here is a list of the best thermostats for baseboard heaters;
Smart Thermostats:
MySa – Smart Baseboard Heater Thermostat
Programmable baseboard heater thermostats
Honeywell 7 Day Programmable Baseboard Heater Thermostat
Lux ELV4 Universal Electric Baseboard Thermostat
Honeywell RLV4305A – 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat
Aube TH106 – Digital Baseboard Thermostat
King ESP – 120/240 Volts Baseboard Thermostat
Stelpro Z Wave Thermostat (WiFi Enabled)
Non-programmable thermostats
Honeywell Manual Thermostat
Honeywell RLV3120A1005/H
Honeywell RLV3100A
Honeywell TL7235A1003
Honeywell T410A1013
If you go by data, only about 10% of homes in America rely on high voltage heating. This smaller market size may be one reason that there was no proper “smart thermostat” in the market for line voltage systems like a baseboard heater. New innovative companies like MySa have put an end to this. Now there are smart thermos tats for electric baseboard heaters – with all useful features like Energy savings, Mobile App based scheduling, WiFi control, Zoning and a lot more. Let’s see in detail.
We’ve reviewed Mysa thermostat in detail, explaining all the features, mobile app interfaces, controls, installation, pros and cons.
Let’s begin the detailed review of baseboard heater thermostat models out there in the market. We have shortlisted the 6 top and best baseboard heater thermostat models based on user reviews and product features.
Honeywell 7 Day Programmable Baseboard Heater Thermostat
Lux ELV4 Universal Electric Baseboard Thermostat
Honeywell RLV4305A – 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat
Aube TH106 – Digital Baseboard Thermostat
King ESP – 120/240 Volts Baseboard Thermostat
Stelpro Z Wave Thermostat (WiFi Enabled)
This is a 4 wire/double pole thermostat, which operates at 240/208 volts, 50/60 Hz frequency, and can take up to 15 Amps (resistive) load. This means you should not choose this thermostat if your baseboard heater is 120 volts, or the load is not resistive (for ex: convection heater).
This Honeywell baseboard heater thermostat has a large display with a backlight, which makes it very clear and easy to use. Icons are provided to differentiate between modes like Night mode, Manual program, Away/ Vacation mode etc. This model is very easy to program and you can create your own schedules if you prefer a custom program. Manual mode allows you to c ompletely override the pre-programmed schedules and create your own. Schedules can be created for different times/hours for each day of the week (7 days).
Note: Read the full review of Honeywell TL8230A1003 programmable baseboard heater thermostat.
The ‘early start’ feature ensures the scheduled temperature is reached within programmed time. This model is battery-free and power is tapped from the same supply line for your baseboard heater. You don’t need to worry about periodical battery replacement or batteries draining out on a cold winter nig ht. However, a con to this blessing is that you’ve to reprogram the full schedules (only if you are using manual mode and custom schedules) on an unfortunate power outage anytime.
The manufacturer claims ELV4 can help save 33% on annual energy bills, when used with a pre-programmed heating schedule. This model is 100% mercury-free and is designed following environmental standards.
ELV4 can manage up to 1900 watts at 120 volts (16 amps, resistive load) and up to 3800 watts at 240 volts. As mentioned above, this model can manage motors up to 1/4 hp for line volt hot water systems. You may read the full review of Lux ELV4, if you’re considering this model.
Honeywell RLV305A1000 is a 2 wire/single pole thermostat, which can operate at two line voltages – 120 volts or 240 volts. Precise temperature control of +/ -0.5°F is ensured with Triac-based switching technology, which also facilitates silent switching operation.
At 240 volts, a max load of 3500 watts can be handled. For resistive loads, the max current is 14.6 amperes, and the load should draw a minimum current of 0.83 amperes.
You may read the full review of Honeywell RLV4305A1000 – to know more about all the features and technical specifications.
At 120 volts, this thermostat can manage 2000 watts output load, at 16.7 amperes (resistive load). At 240 volts, this model can manage 4000 watts output load, at 16.7 amperes (resistive load). The frequency is 60 Hertz in both cases. The load should be a minimum of 2 amperes for the thermostat to function properly.
Note: Read the full review of Aube TH106 – digital baseboard heater thermostat.
What sets apart King ESP thermostats from other models is its power & current rating. King ESP thermostats can handle upto 22 amps current (most popular baseboard thermostats are designed for 16 amps) . The max load is 5280 watts @ 240 volts and 2640 watts @ 120 volts, which is also higher than other thermostat models.
So if you’re looking for a thermostat with higher output capabilities, consider King ESP. Read our full review of King ESP thermostats – which covers all technical details and features.
This thermostat works with 120V (up to 2000W) and 240V (up to 4000W) baseboard and convector heaters. It cannot be used for heating systems with fans, like a fan-forced heater. The temperature can be set in the range of 41 deg F to 86 deg F and can be toggled between its two modes namely eco and comfort mode.
We’ve reviewed Stelpro Z wave thermostat covering all aspects. You may read the review if you’re interested in this model.
We’ve seen the best of programmable baseboard heater thermostats so far. Now let’s go quickly through ‘Non-Programmable’ models.
Honeywell Manual Thermostat
Honeywell RLV3120A1005/H
Honeywell RLV3100A
Honeywell TL7235A1003
Honeywell T410A1013
The key difference between a programmable thermostat and a non-programmable variant is its way of operation. You can not set schedules and programs in a non-programmable thermostat. Instead, you’d need to set temperatures manually based on the climate conditions every time. I know many families who still prefer “non-programmable” models, as they all like to set their comfort levels manually. The other reason might be budget, as non-programmable thermostats cost less in comparison.
This baseboard heater thermostat is a standard model and can be used for baseboards and convectors of 120 to 240 V. It is a non-programmable thermosta t that is easy to use. There is a bi-metal temperature sensor provided. The gadget is compatible with baseboards and convectors. It can control up to a bout 5280 Watts. It features a positive off option. Moreover, the device is completely Mercury-free.
Pros
This Honeywell model is easy to use and easy to install.
It comes in a very affordable price of $15.99.
Cons
It is said that the device is not very accurate at low temperature setting.
You would like the way this thermostat adjusts power usage by not passing over the full power to the heater. Besides, it has five vertical bars that indicate the following: 5 – 100%; 4 – 80%; 3 – 60%; 2 – 40%; 1 – 20% and 0 – Off. Also, the gadget is very energy efficient. The price of the device is very reasonable at $29.39.
The only drawback is that the wiring is small gauge/diameter and so has restrictions on how many watts/baseboard heaters it can control.
The great simplicity of this Honeywell model, when combined with its Electrical features, makes a perfect choice to save your Electricity bills and the money that would otherwise be spent on paying high Electricity bills. The size of this RL V3100A is W X D X H 4.8 x 1.2 x 5 inches. This Compact design can easily fit anywhere in any of your rooms. This Honeywell model comes with a limited w arranty of 1 year. You can easily verify the settings of this unit with your home heating and cooling system and then install the unit without any hassle.
Pros
Easy Installation procedure doesn’t require any Installation Manual study
Attractive design easily catches the customer’s eye at the first glance.
Reduces Electricity bill to a considerable amount.
Simple to use device has no complicated operating procedures.
Has been certified as an Energy saving Thermostat.
No batteries required for its operations so the model is maintenance-free.
Cons
Backlight feature execution once in a while and not all the time.
Limited temperature swings of 3 degrees.
Not compatible with heaters working with fan
Only two wires are provided for the connection which makes it difficult for the user to understand which wire should be connected with the other equipment.
Soundproof and quiet operation reduces unwanted noise which irritated most of the consumers while using conventional thermostats. This model comes with an On/Off switch that allows the user to turn on/ off the thermostat settings when according to the season like the settings can be turned off at the end of the summer season. This feature is unique to this model. The heating Indicator clearly indicates whether the heat is on or not. The unit doesn’t not require any battery and so no Maintenance is required.
The size of this unit is not so big H X W X D 4-7/8in x 2-3/4in x 7/8 in. The premier white color gives your home a rich and elegant look.
Pros
Easy to install. You don’t need to buy any extra item for installation.
Precise and modern-designed keeping latest trends in view.
ON/OFF switch provided to turn on/off the unit in the case of off season.
Reduces your electricity bill
The unit comes with a limited warranty of 5 years so buy this unit once and relax for at least 5 years.
Cons
Heat level indicator and the duty cycle are sometimes weird to understand.
When the temperature is set and no heating icon is available then many times, baseboard till pumps out the heat.
This model can be used in resistive-rated electrical equipment like convectors etc and you can easily mount it in the vertical direction. Its white col or is awesome and gives you home a classy home. The Size of the unit is compact 4 1/2inch x 2 3/4inch x 2 ? inch or 115mm x 70mm x57 mm. Compatible with Voltage ranges 120 / 208 / 240 / 277 VAC
Pros
This model is a true value for money product.
Installation is quite easy.
You don’t need to go through Instruction manual to understand how this easy model operates.
This model has been approved under Canadian Standards Association File No. LR1322
Cons
This model is only SPST and does not support DPST.
If you are looking for the best baseboard heater thermostat with comprehensive features, HONEYWELL TL8230A1003 Thermostat Electric Heat Digital 7 day programmable Thermostat should be the best pick. On the other hand, if you need limited features with efficient energy-saving capabilities as well as a budget-friendly option, Honeywell Manual Electric Baseboard Thermostat is the ideal choice. If you are keen on programmable baseboard heater thermostats, you can choose between Honeywell RLV4305A1000/E 5-2 Day Programmable Thermostat and HONEYWELL TL8230A1003 Thermostat Electric Heat Digital 7 day programmable Thermostat; however, the former one is a comparatively cheaper option. And not to forget, you get what you pay for. So, ultimately, the HONEYWELL TL8230A1003 model is a clear winner.
Note: – If you are interested in other digital thermostat models, read our article on the Best Digital Thermostat Reviews.
Mechanical or Electronic – A mechanical thermostat operates with two bonded metals that bend as temperature changes. The switch will turn ON/ OFF as the bonded metal bends towards it. Mechanical thermostats lack efficiency and they waste a lot of energy compared to electronic models. The only advantage of a mechanical thermostat is its low price. Electronic thermostats come with high-precision temperature sensors and fast switching. They se nse room temperature and turn ON/OFF the system accordingly. Electronic models are highly efficient and they save energy. The higher price you pay for an electronic model can be regained within a few months of installation.
Programmable or Non-Programmable – The primary difference between the two is that a programmable model can be programmed for 7 days in different combin ations like 5-2, 2-2-1, 7, etc. Programmable thermostats adjust themselves according to the program. For example, some models have “vacation mode” and if this mode is set, the thermostat will adjust itself and save a lot of energy bills (in vacation mode they work only minimal time preventing freeze). Nonprogrammable models come at a lesser price but they don’t have programming capabilities.