> "higher number = cool faster" (which is actually how it works), Nope. Simple thermostats have no effect on the rate of temperature change, as the compressor

> "higher number = cool faster" (which is actually how it works), Nope. Simple thermostats have no effect on the rate of temperature change, as the compressor (or furnace) does not have intermediate settings. They're either on or off. What thermostats do is keep the compressor/furnace running until the set temperature is reached (modulo hysteresis), which is a very different thing. In other words, setting the thermostat to 90 degrees F won't make the room get warm any faster. It'll just keep the furnace running until the room is 90 degrees. Probably not what you want.