The flush-mounted thermostat is designed to meet the requirements of various heating systems. Its diverse functions enable optimal management of energy resources: The optimum start function allows the thermostat to save heating energy autonomously by learning how much lead time is necessary to reach the desired temperature at the set time. This way, unnecessary long and costly preheating is avoided. If the residents are away for several days, the temperature can be lowered during this time and, with the vacation function, raised back to a comfortable room climate just in time for their return. However, if one is only away for a few hours, the temperature can be adjusted to meet specific needs using the party short-term timer, without the need for any programming intervention. If the temperature is typically lowered during the day on weekdays, the user can increase it on a day off or sick day using the home function.