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Thermostat vs. Hygrostat — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
A thermostat regulates temperature by controlling heating or cooling systems, whereas a hygrostat regulates humidity levels, often activating humidifiers or dehumidifiers.
Thermostat vs. Hygrostat — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Thermostat and Hygrostat

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Key Differences

Thermostats are designed to maintain a desired temperature within an environment by automatically controlling heating or cooling devices. In contrast, hygrostats are used to control the humidity level, triggering devices like humidifiers or dehumidifiers based on the moisture content in the air.
The primary function of a thermostat is to provide comfort or protect equipment sensitive to temperature variations. Meanwhile, a hygrostat ensures optimal moisture levels, important for health, comfort, or specific processes like in greenhouses or museums.
Most modern thermostats offer programmable settings and can be integrated into home automation systems, allowing for scheduled temperature adjustments. On the other hand, hygrostats might also be programmable but focus on maintaining a set humidity range rather than temperature.
In terms of user interaction, thermostats often have user-friendly interfaces, with digital screens displaying current and target temperatures. Hygrostats, while similar, display humidity percentages and may have fewer interaction options.
Both devices are crucial in creating a controlled environment, but their applications differ significantly thermostats are common in residential and commercial buildings for comfort, whereas hygrostats are essential in environments where air moisture needs strict regulation.
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Comparison Chart

Primary Function

Regulates temperature
Regulates humidity

Common Use

Heating and cooling systems
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers

Programmability

Often programmable for specific temperatures
Often programmable for specific humidity levels

User Interface

Digital screens, temperature settings
Digital screens, humidity percentage settings

Application Areas

Residential, commercial buildings
Greenhouses, museums, industrial applications

Compare with Definitions

Thermostat

Can be programmable or non-programmable.
Their new programmable thermostat helped reduce their energy bills.

Hygrostat

A device used to control the humidity level in an environment.
The hygrostat triggered the dehumidifier as the room's humidity rose above 60%.

Thermostat

A device that regulates the temperature of a system or environment.
The thermostat was set to 72 degrees to maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

Hygrostat

Often used in conjunction with humidifiers in dry climates.
The hygrostat activated the humidifier during the dry winter months.

Thermostat

Often found in residential and commercial HVAC systems.
He adjusted the office thermostat to cool down the room.

Hygrostat

Essential in protecting artifacts in museums from moisture damage.
Museums use hygrostats to maintain a constant humidity level.

Thermostat

Helps in energy management by controlling heating and cooling cycles.
The thermostat turned off the heat as the room reached the desired temperature.

Hygrostat

Key in industrial applications where moisture control is critical.
In the paper manufacturing plant, hygrostats control the moisture to ensure product quality.

Thermostat

A thermostat is a regulating device component which senses the temperature of a physical system and performs actions so that the system's temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint. Thermostats are used in any device or system that heats or cools to a setpoint temperature, examples include building heating, central heating, air conditioners, HVAC systems, water heaters, as well as kitchen equipment including ovens and refrigerators and medical and scientific incubators.

Hygrostat

Can help in health-related scenarios, like preventing the growth of mold.
Their basement hygrostat helped prevent mold by keeping the humidity low.

Thermostat

A device that automatically regulates temperature, or that activates a device when the temperature reaches a certain point.

Hygrostat

See humidistat.

Thermostat

A device, as in a home heating system, a refrigerator, or an air conditioner, that automatically responds to temperature changes and activates switches controlling the equipment.

Hygrostat

A device that maintains a constant level of humidity

Thermostat

A device that automatically responds to changes in temperature by activating a heating or cooling system to maintain the temperature at a desired setting.

Thermostat

(physics) An algorithm used to maintain a simulated system at a set temperature by absorbing or releasing heat

Thermostat

A device which automatically regulates temperature, or provides a signal used by another device to regulate temperature. The temperature-sensitive signal may be electronic, as that produced by a thermocouple. The signal may also be caused mechanically, as by the unequal expansion of different metals, liquids, or gases by heat, which can then cause the opening or closing of the damper of a stove, or the like, as the heat becomes greater or less than is desired.

Thermostat

A regulator for automatically regulating temperature by starting or stopping the supply of heat

Thermostat

Control the temperature with a thermostat

Thermostat

May be integrated into smart home systems.
She used her smartphone to adjust the thermostat remotely.

Common Curiosities

How do thermostats work?

Thermostats regulate the temperature by turning heating or cooling devices on or off based on the ambient temperature and set target.

What is a thermostat?

A thermostat is a device that maintains a desired temperature setting by controlling heating or cooling systems.

Where are hygrostats commonly used?

Hygrostats are used in places where precise humidity control is necessary, such as greenhouses, museums, and industrial settings.

Are smart thermostats available?

Yes, smart thermostats integrate with home automation systems and can be controlled remotely, often providing energy usage statistics.

How do hygrostats work?

Hygrostats monitor air moisture and activate humidifying or dehumidifying equipment to maintain set humidity levels.

Can a thermostat control humidity?

Standard thermostats cannot control humidity; they are designed solely for temperature control.

What are the benefits of using a thermostat?

Using a thermostat helps in maintaining comfort, protecting temperature-sensitive equipment, and conserving energy.

What is a hygrostat?

A hygrostat is a device used to maintain a desired humidity level by controlling devices like humidifiers and dehumidifiers.

Where are thermostats commonly used?

Thermostats are commonly used in homes, offices, and any buildings where temperature control is needed.

Are smart hygrostats available?

Smart hygrostats are available and can be integrated into home or industrial automation systems for precise humidity control.

Can a hygrostat control temperature?

No, hygrostats are designed only to control humidity levels, not temperature.

What are the benefits of using a hygrostat?

Hygrostats help in preserving health, protecting moisture-sensitive materials, and ensuring optimal conditions in controlled environments.

How do I choose between a thermostat and a hygrostat?

Choose based on the primary need: temperature control requires a thermostat, while humidity control requires a hygrostat.

Can I use both a thermostat and a hygrostat together?

Yes, using both can help in achieving optimal environmental control for both temperature and humidity.

What should I look for when purchasing a thermostat or hygrostat?

Consider programmability, integration capabilities, and the specific requirements of the environment you are managing.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat

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