The name thermostat is derived from the Greek words thermos meaning "hot" and statos meaning "a standing." Therefore a thermostat is a device that simply switches the heating or air conditioner system on and off as necessary.

It works by sensing the air temperature, switching on the Heater or Air Conditioner when the air temperature changes from the thermostat set point, and switching it off once this set temperature has been reached.

A Thermostat will switch on and off at temperatures on either side of the set point and it will not make the room heat up any faster by raising the heating set point or cooler by lowering the cooling set point.

The Camden Housing Authority has two systems. The family developments have central heating system only. The Elderly developments have a central heating and air conditioner system.

To properly operate the heating systems, it requires three steps upon locating the thermostat:

• On the left side of the thermostat the control lever must be set to heat.
• On the right side of the thermostat the control lever must be set to auto.
• Select the desired temperature and leave it.

To properly operate the air conditioning system, it requires three steps upon locating the thermostat:

• On the left side of the thermostat, the control lever must be set to cool.
• On the right side of the thermostat, the control lever must be set to auto.
• Select the desired temperature and leave it.