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HVAC System Controls

What are HVAC system controls?

By Anne Fonda

Residential HVAC controls are the brains of your HVAC system. They can control heating and cooling, humidity, airflow, and indoor air quality, depending on your system. An HVAC controller receives input from internal or external sensors and directs your AC, furnace, or heat pump to start heating or cooling.

An HVAC control system can also activate a humidity control component such as a whole house humidifier, dehumidifier, or ventilation system

Types of HVAC system controls

HVAC system controls communicate with the HVAC control boards, or circuit boards, located within your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioning unit, telling them what to do and when to do it. There are several kinds of control systems, including two that are unique to Trane.

Thermostats

Your thermostat is the most basic HVAC control system. Whether standard or programmable, you can raise or lower the temperature for your comfort. With a programmable thermostat, you can set a weekday, weekend, and nightly schedule. You can also set optimal humidity levels if your system includes a humidity control feature. 

Smart thermostats

Smart thermostats can do more than programmable thermostats and give you more control. They are part of the Internet of Things (IoT), meaning you can control your HVAC system remotely, via a smartphone app like Trane Home App, or a website from your computer.  

HVAC zone controllers

If you have a zoned HVAC system, your HVAC zone control system is a little more complicated. With Trane, our Link™ technology gives you full control of your home comfort, using HVAC zones to offer you precise temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality control.

HVAC zone control components include:

  • Trane LINK UX360: This is the heart of your zoned HVAC system. It’s more than a smart thermostat — it’s an easy-to-use advanced command center that provides a seamless interface between your system and your life. It works with the SC360 system controller.
  • Wired Zone Thermostat/Sensors: These work as both a sensor and a zone thermostat. Temperature data is relayed to the Trane ComfortLink™ II Controller so it can adjust the temperature in each zone.
  • Motorized Modulating Dampers: Our exclusive motorized modulating dampers work inside your ductwork by opening and closing in partial increments so you can fine-tune zoned areas for maximum comfort.

Trane Home App

With a Trane smart thermostat, you get access to the Trane Home App, which allows you to take your home comfort to the next level. You can schedule or change the temperature from the palm of your hand. Left on vacation without putting the thermostat in vacation mode? No worries. There’s an app for that.

Trane Diagnostics

Once you have the Trane Home App, you can allow your dealer to monitor your HVAC system remotely through Trane Diagnostics. They will see what’s going on with your system at any given time. They’ll receive alerts for routine maintenance as well as system malfunctions. If you grant them one-time remote dealer access through Trane Diagnostics, they can troubleshoot your system and sometimes fix it remotely if there’s a problem. 

Benefits of effective HVAC system control

Effective and easy-to-use HVAC system control  has many benefits, including:

  • Enhanced comfort and temperature regulation
  • Increased energy efficiency
  • Enhanced energy management and cost savings
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Remote access
  • Peace of mind

Ready to take control of your comfort? Browse Trane smart thermostats.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer

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A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Michael Morey, Smart Thermostat Product Manager

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