Yep that's how it should beBut I'm not 100% sure it matters.....
Another helpful tip is to keep the "cheap" thermostat well ventilated. If it runs in a hot/warm enviornment it will not last as long as when it is kept cool.
If I was going to buy something a step up from a "cheap" thermostat I would say a Ranco/Johnson Controls and a Rheostat (dimmer) is safer than just a stand alone Helix/Herpstat with all other things being equal.
Hope that helps