A thermostat is a device that regulates the temperature of a system so that the system’s temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint temperature. The thermostat does this by controlling the flow of heat energy into or out of the system. Thermostats are used in a variety of applications in which temperature regulation is desired.
The word “thermostat” is derived from the Greek words thermos meaning “hot” and statos meaning “standing”. A thermostat is often referred to as a “heat regulator”.
The first modern thermostat was invented in 1883 by Warren S. Johnson a Wisconsin native. Johnson’s thermostat was designed to regulate the temperature in a room using a water-filled radiator.
The first electric thermostat was invented in 1885 by Franz Xaver Mesmer a German engineer. Mesmer’s thermostat was designed to control the temperature of an electric iron.
The first mechanical thermostat was invented in 1887 by Albert Butz a German inventor. Butz’s thermostat was designed to regulate the temperature in a room using a bimetallic strip.
The first electronic thermostat was invented in 1953 by Dr. Ralph G. Nevins an American physicist. Nevins’s thermostat was designed to control the temperature in a room using a semiconductor.
Today thermostats are used in a wide variety of applications including air conditioners furnaces water heaters refrigerators freezers and many other devices.
What does the thermostat in a car do?
The thermostat in a car regulates the flow of coolant to the engine keeping the engine at its optimum operating temperature.
Where is the thermostat located in a car?
The thermostat is located between the engine and the radiator.
How does the thermostat work?
The thermostat works by opening and closing in response to the engine’s coolant temperature.
When the engine is cold the thermostat is closed and the coolant is redirected to the engine block to warm it up.
As the engine warms up the thermostat opens and allows the coolant to flow to the radiator to be cooled.
What are the symptoms of a failing thermostat?
The symptoms of a failing thermostat are engine overheating coolant leaks and the engine taking a long time to warm up.
What happens if the thermostat fails?
If the thermostat fails it can cause engine overheating coolant leaks and the engine taking a long time to warm up.
Can a failing thermostat cause engine damage?
Yes a failing thermostat can cause engine damage.
How do you know if the thermostat needs to be replaced?
You know the thermostat needs to be replaced if the engine is overheating if there are coolant leaks or if the engine is taking a long time to warm up.
How often should the thermostat be replaced?
The thermostat should be replaced every 2 years or 24000 miles whichever comes first.
What is the cost of replacing the thermostat?
The cost of replacing the thermostat is between $100 and $200.
Can you replace the thermostat yourself?
Yes you can replace the thermostat yourself with a few tools.
What are the steps to replacing the thermostat?
The steps to replacing the thermostat are:
1.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2.
Drain the coolant.
3.
Disconnect the radiator hose.
4.
Remove the thermostat housing.
5.
Install the new thermostat.
6.
Reconnect the radiator hose.
7.
Fill the cooling system.
8.
Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
What are the consequences of not replacing the thermostat?
If the thermostat is not replaced it can cause engine overheating coolant leaks and the engine taking a long time to warm up.
How do you prevent the thermostat from failing?
You can prevent the thermostat from failing by regularly servicing the cooling system and replacing the thermostat every 2 years or 24000 miles whichever comes first.
What are the signs that the thermostat is failing?
The signs that the thermostat is failing are engine overheating coolant leaks and the engine taking a long time to warm up.
What do you do if the thermostat fails?
If the thermostat fails you need to replace it.
