What Does Thermostat Temperature Differential Mean?
This term is used to describe the difference in temperature between the setting on the thermostat which triggers the unit to turn on, and the temperature the thermostat is set at.
For example, if a thermostat is set at 68 degrees with a +1 differential, the air conditioner would turn on when the room temperature reaches 69, and back off when the temperature reaches 68 degrees.
What Should the Thermostat Temperature Differential Be Set At?
Typically, the differential is set at 1 degree on most units, but can be modified up or down if the furnace or AC is turning on too often or not often enough.
A common range that aids with excessive cycling and cooling/comfort control is a differential set anywhere between 0.8-2 degrees for cooling and between 0.5-1 degrees for heating cycles.
Do All Thermostats Have a Temperature Differential?
All thermostats will have some degree of differential between the temperature at which the unit is activated and that at which it shuts off.