If you’re eyeing that Goodman 20 kW Electric Furnace, chances are you’re either replacing an old system or putting together a fresh install. Either way, the question always pops up: Do I need a special thermostat for this thing?
The short answer? Yes, and choosing the right one makes a big difference. I’ve made the mistake of slapping a cheap thermostat on a solid unit and watching it underperform. Trust me—if you’re spending the money on a 20 kW furnace, don’t cut corners on the control center.
Let me walk you through what kind of thermostat works best, what features are worth your money, and which ones to skip.
Why Your Thermostat Matters for Electric Furnaces
A thermostat isn’t just a wall decoration. It’s the brain of your heating system. For electric furnaces—especially higher-output models like this 68,240 BTU Goodman—you want a thermostat that can:
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Handle the right voltage (24V, not line voltage)
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Support single-stage heating (this model doesn’t have multi-stage operation)
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Control auxiliary/emergency heat if paired with a heat pump
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Optimize runtime for efficiency and comfort
Skip the junky manual sliders. Your furnace deserves a thermostat that can actually keep up.
Thermostat Types That Work With a 20 kW Electric Furnace
Let’s break down your options, starting with the most basic.
🧭 1. Non-Programmable Thermostats
These are your simplest and cheapest models. They work fine—just set a temp and forget it.
Best For:
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Mobile homes
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Budget setups
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People who hate buttons
📆 2. Programmable Thermostats
These let you set a daily or weekly schedule. Turn the heat down while you’re asleep or at work, and it kicks back on before you get home.
Best For:
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Families with consistent routines
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Older homeowners who want savings without tech headaches
📱 3. Smart Thermostats
These are the top-of-the-line models. Control your heat from your phone, get usage reports, and even use geofencing to preheat your house when you’re on the way home.
Best For:
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Energy-conscious folks
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Anyone upgrading to a “smart home”
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People tired of forgetting to adjust the heat
What Features Should I Look For?
No matter what price point you’re in, keep an eye out for:
✅ Single-Stage Heat Support
Your Goodman 20 kW furnace is a single-stage unit. That means the thermostat doesn’t need fancy multi-stage controls—just reliable on/off signals.
✅ 24V Compatibility
Don’t use a line voltage (120V/240V) thermostat. Your Goodman uses a low-voltage control system, so you need a 24-volt thermostat.
✅ Emergency Heat Control
If you’re combining this furnace with a heat pump, look for thermostats that support auxiliary or emergency heat modes.
✅ Fan Control
Some thermostats let you run the fan independently (great for improving air circulation year-round).
✅ Wi-Fi Connectivity (for smart thermostats)
Make sure your model supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (most do) and is compatible with your smart home hub if you use one.
Can a Smart Thermostat Save You Money?
In short: yes—if you use it right.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% a year on heating by setting your thermostat back 7–10°F for 8 hours a day. Smart thermostats automate that, so you’re not always fiddling with settings.
Plus, some models like ecobee and Nest qualify for rebates from your utility provider. Use a tool like the Energy Star Rebate Finder to check if you can get money back.
Installation Tips for DIYers
You don’t always need to hire an HVAC tech to install a thermostat—especially if your wiring is already in place.
Here are some quick DIY pointers:
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Turn off power to the furnace at the breaker.
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Label your wires before removing the old thermostat.
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Mount the new baseplate and connect wires to matching terminals (usually R, W, G).
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Power back on and follow the setup steps on the thermostat screen.
Mike’s Recommendation: Best Thermostat for a 20 kW Electric Furnace
If you want the no-hassle route, here’s my personal short list:
| Level | Model | Why I Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Emerson 1F83C-11NP | Simple, reliable, and programmable |
| Mid-Tier | ecobee3 Lite | Smart scheduling without the fluff |
| Premium | ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | Alexa built-in, remote sensors, energy reports |
You can usually pick up these models at Home Depot, Amazon, or your local hardware store, but you’ll often get better pricing through online HVAC retailers.
Final Thoughts from Mike
Look, your furnace is only as smart as the thermostat telling it what to do. Don’t spend good money on a solid unit like the Goodman 20 kW Electric Furnace just to bottleneck it with a subpar thermostat.
Whether you go basic or smart, just make sure it’s 24V, compatible with electric heating, and easy to use. And if you ever plan to pair the furnace with a heat pump, you’ll definitely want those emergency heat features.
Take your time, choose the right control, and you’ll get more comfort for less money—without having to babysit your system every day.
Got thermostat questions? Reach out. I’m Mike—just a homeowner like you, figuring out HVAC one wire at a time.
