A
thermostat is a component of which senses the
temperature of a
system so that the system's temperature is maintained near a desired
setpoint. The thermostat does this by switching heating or cooling devices on or off, or regulating the flow of a heat transfer fluid as needed, to maintain the correct temperature. Thermostats are used in any device or system that heats or cools to a setpoint temperature, examples include building
heating,
central heating,
air conditioner,
HVAC system, as well as kitchen equipment including
ovens and
refrigerators and medical and scientific
incubators.