To choose the best locking thermostat cover, you should consider how strong you need the cover to be, what kind of base you want it to have, and how you want it to look. Thermostat covers are made out of different materials and have different levels of security, so you will need to determine how much security you need. The base that makes up the back part of the cover has an affect on how the cover is installed as well as on how it looks, so it is an important factor to consider. There are a few color and style factors that you should consider as well, as they will affect the overall look of the cover once it is installed.
Where you plan to use your locking thermostat cover is a good way to determine how much security you need for it to provide. Covers are usually made out of either polycarbonate plastic or metal. Metal covers provide more security, because they are harder to break or tamper with and keep the thermostat out of sight as well. If you are using your cover in a place where there is greater risk of it being tampered with, then a metal cover might be the best choice. If you need a locking thermostat cover just to prevent too many temperature changes in a workplace where it is not likely to be tampered with, then a clear plastic cover is probably your best choice.
The base of a locking thermostat cover goes behind or around the thermostat and gives the front part of the cover something to lock on to. The first choice to make when looking at bases is whether you want a solid piece or a ring base. A solid base is stronger and more secure, but its installation is more complicated because the thermostat has to be removed and then installed over the base. A ring base has a simpler installation, because it does not have to be lined up and screwed together with the thermostat like a solid base does. Also, if you choose a clear cover, be aware that some of the base will likely be visible, so you might want to pay attention to what color the base is.
If you will be using your locking thermostat cover in a place that is visible, you will want to make sure you give some consideration to how it looks. One factor to consider is the size of your cover, as some universal models might actually take up quite a bit more space than the thermostat alone and will change how it looks on the wall. Most covers are either clear plastic or the color of the metal, but there are a few variations to consider. Additional colors are available in plastic or metal models, so if the color is something that will be important in your space, make sure you look for those options.