Another thermostat question

[Tenor]

On my suburban furnaces, do I need to use suburban thermostats, or can I use any 12V thermostat?  Does that allow me to use household thermostats?  I don't know if I want to, but I am curious about my options.  Thanks!

Glenn

[TomC]

Most thermostats are just on/off switches-so it really doesn't matter.  But I would suggest using their thermostat since it is more vibration resistant.  You could use most any thermostat so long as it isn't a mercury bubble type.  The problem with electronic thermostats is that they run on 24v, and at least my bus is 12v.  Best to check with Suburban.  Good Luck, TomC

[edroelle]

The type you want, that TomC suggested, are called snap action thermostats.  Thus, the bus movement does not effect like the mercury type.

Ed Roelle
Flint, MI

[jjrbus]

I use 2 thremostats, for the front AC and furnace I use an RV type. The bus will never be in motion when I use the rear AC, so I use a mercury bulb household type. It may be me but they seem more responsive.

[baker4106]

I would sujest using a relay to isolate the tstat from the furnace then voltage differences don't matter and a problem with the furnace won't burn the tstat up.    Relay could be 12 or 24 volt.   Most a/c relays are 24 volt and the tstat doesn't care about the voltage.   Larry

[JohnEd]

I wired TWO stats directly in parallel to my furnace.  Like was said "they are simple switches".  The second one I installed at the head of my bed.  At night I turn off the front "main" thermo and, liking a cold sleeping room, the bedside one is off as well.  In the morn I can start the furnace without getting out of bed so Mama will get the coffee on arfter it warms up inside.  Worked for years!

John