If you’re wondering, “What is a thermostat vs thermometer?”—you’re not alone. While both deal with temperature, they serve very different purposes.
Table of Contents

Thermometer: Measures Temperature
- A thermometer only reads temperature (e.g., body temp, room temp).
- Used in medical, weather, & cooking applications.
- Does not control anything—just gives data.

Thermostat: Controls Temperature
- A thermostat regulates heating/cooling systems (like HVAC).
- Can be manual, programmable, or smart (Wi-Fi enabled).
Example: If you set your thermostat to 72°F, it turns your AC/heat on/off to maintain that temp.
Key Difference Thermostat vs Thermometer:
- A thermometer tells you how hot or cold it is.
- A thermostat uses that data to adjust your HVAC system automatically.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
If you’re still using an old manual thermostat, a digital smart thermostat can:
- Save energy by optimizing heating/cooling. ( e.g., Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat)
- Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium adjusts temps automatically (e.g., when you’re away).
- Be controlled remotely via smartphone.
Need professional installation? We offer quick, reliable setup—get a free quote today.
Final Thoughts
- Thermometer = Measures temp.
- Thermostat = Controls temp.
Smart thermostats (like Ecobee) add convenience & savings.