Thermostat vs. Hygrostat — What's the Difference?

Can be programmable or non-programmable.

A device used to control the humidity level in an environment.

A device that regulates the temperature of a system or environment.

Often used in conjunction with humidifiers in dry climates.

Often found in residential and commercial HVAC systems.

Essential in protecting artifacts in museums from moisture damage.

Helps in energy management by controlling heating and cooling cycles.

Key in industrial applications where moisture control is critical.

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.

Can help in health-related scenarios, like preventing the growth of mold.

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

See humidistat.

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.

A device that maintains a constant level of humidity

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

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

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.

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

Control the temperature with a thermostat

May be integrated into smart home systems.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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