What does control differential mean in the context of thermostats?

In the context of thermostats, control differential refers to the difference between the cut-in point and the cut-out point in a heating or cooling system. The cut-in point is the temperature at which the system starts to operate to achieve the desired setpoint, while the cut-out point is the temperature at which the system stops operating.

This differential is crucial for maintaining a stable environment by preventing the system from constantly turning on and off, which can lead to inefficiency and wear on the equipment. A well-defined control differential allows a thermostat to operate effectively, ensuring that the heating or cooling occurs only when necessary, thereby optimizing energy consumption and maintaining desired temperature levels more comfortably.