Best Programmable Thermostat? [Archive] - HVAC-Talk: Heating, Air & Refrigeration Discussion

Vector

01-13-2010, 05:04 AM

As some of you will recall I had a 16 SEER Nutone variable-speed system installed back in September.

http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=379832

While it has worked efficiently enough from a cost perspective, I have had issues with it in regard to temperature settings and not being able to set the Fan On function. It also needs to be set to several degrees cooler to get it to cycle on and off at the desired temperature (i.e. set to 75 to get it to stay at 77). Based on opinions offered here I suspect it was either wired incorrectly from the start, or the thermostat is malfunctioning.

So I will be having a new contractor coming out to inspect it to see if the wiring was done correctly and/or determine if the thermostat is malfunctioning. Since I am not married to the thermostat, I was hoping some of you could recommend the best programmable thermostat for my system.

Keep in mind this is not a DIY project as I will be having a contractor doing the install. I'd just like to have a quality one on hand for them to install if it is either malfunctioning, or the wrong type for my variable-speed system.

BaldLoonie

01-13-2010, 06:13 AM

Vision Pro IAQ

beenthere

01-13-2010, 07:14 AM

Yep. IAQ thermostat.

Trog

01-13-2010, 09:32 AM

Make sure whoever comes out has experience with the VisionPro IAQ. Not all do. And get the outdoor sensor for it. They are inexpensive, but make sure the installer reads the installation instructions and follows them.

coolwhip

01-13-2010, 09:35 AM

Make sure the HO reads the damn instructions and follows them!

Vector

01-13-2010, 10:36 AM

Well first let me thank you both for your suggestions.

However I meant I wanted a good one that would work with my system, not the best, most expensive unit on the market. Another words I did not want to go on the cheap, but I also did not want to get the Lamborghini of thermostats.

Note if this section is not allowed please feel free to edit this sentence.
[Looking at their website Honeywell lists this unit for $+, so while they are probably out there for less, I suspect I will be in the $+ range]

Are there any other suggestions for units that are still quality, but not that pricey?

Gunnery Sergeant Hartman

01-13-2010, 10:47 AM

Vector

01-13-2010, 11:04 AM

Buy a thermostat from your contractor since he will be the one installing it and maintaining your system.
I wouldn't recommend providing a stat for him to install. he may not be familiar with it and when you have issues, you will be the party responsible for the warranty.

He has not come out yet to see the job but he recommended the Honeywell 5000. While I assume that will work with my variable stage system, I would like a programmable model.

gary_g

01-13-2010, 11:18 AM

Are there any other suggestions for units that are still quality, but not that pricey?

Honeywell VisionPro 8321. I have the 8320 (because I do not have a variable speed motor in the air handler). Nice touch screen t-stat. I keep the backlight on low all the time so I can see the numbers easily.

My only gripe is that it does not log compressor run time. How can I yell at my wife for using too much heat or a/c when I don't know the run time?

Good luck.

gary_g

01-13-2010, 11:19 AM

Make sure the HO reads the damn instructions and follows them!

For the women in our lives?

sktn77a

01-13-2010, 01:19 PM

Most folks will say the Honeywell IAQ - it's a fine thermostat. Some equipment has features that work best with the same manufacturer's thermostats (eg Rheem) but I don't know about your Nutone.

Your thermostat is likely wired incorrectly, defective, or incompatible if the fan is on all the time and most modern digital thermostats have a "temperature offset" setting that would fix your second issue.

beenthere

01-13-2010, 02:07 PM

He has not come out yet to see the job but he recommended the Honeywell 5000. While I assume that will work with my variable stage system, I would like a programmable model.

The 5220 won't give the improved comfort ability of that system that you paid for. Will work pretty much like the stat you already have.
The TH8321 won't give you the comfort you paid for with that system either.

The IAQ will though.

stevies3

01-13-2010, 02:55 PM

Honeywell VisionPro 8321. I have the 8320 (because I do not have a variable speed motor in the air handler). Nice touch screen t-stat. I keep the backlight on low all the time so I can see the numbers easily.

I think the only difference between the 8320 & 8321 is dehumidication, As for the VS handler this should not matter as you setup the thermostat accordingly......

beenthere

01-13-2010, 02:58 PM

Well first let me thank you both for your suggestions.

However I meant I wanted a good one that would work with my system, not the best,

Probably shouldn't have titled your thread. Best programmable thermostat.

bostonmark

01-13-2010, 03:12 PM

hahaha good point BT!

gary_g

01-13-2010, 03:37 PM

I think the only difference between the 8320 & 8321 is dehumidication, As for the VS handler this should not matter as you setup the thermostat accordingly......

Yes, only difference is de-hum. I think the 8321 can over-cool by up to 3 degrees for de-humid, while the IAQ can actually slow the blower down. Big difference.

Take care.

DavidPJ

01-13-2010, 03:40 PM

I really like our IAQ. Easy to use and program and has lots of configurability. Many great options too, like outside temperature monitoring and humidification control.

Vector

01-13-2010, 06:38 PM

Probably shouldn't have titled your thread. Best programmable thermostat.

I think that is fair considering the way I worded it. It would seem most think the IAQ is the way to go, but I cannot see shelling out that type of money for a thermostat.

Even presuming contractors can buy them wholesale, how many of you actually own them?

heaterman

01-13-2010, 06:44 PM

Vector

01-13-2010, 07:04 PM

Honeywell IAQ hands down. Costs alittle more up front, but it will make you happy with your system in the long run. If the guy coming out recommends the 5000 series, maybe you should call someone else.

I suspect he only recommended that one because I did not mention that I would prefer a programmable one. Once I looked it up I realized it was not programmable and mentioned it to him. He says he can get anything I want through him, so now it will just be a matter of how much they will cost.

nuggie

01-13-2010, 07:46 PM

Hi folks,

What are the major differences (if any) between the VisionPRO IAQ, the VisionPRO 8000, and the retail sold RTH8500D? I compared them on the Honeywell web site and the summary seemed to indicate they were identical, other than the VisionPRO models being able to read outside temps.

Are there any "must have" features in the IAQ that aren't in the other 2 models?

Thanks.

tedkidd

01-14-2010, 12:52 AM

If you are going to mess with it why not get the next better tstat this year, live with marginal improvement for a year, get fed up, upgrade another level, repeat...

Cheapest solution: do nothing. Best solution: do it right. Anything less - potentially frustrating - repetitive - unsatisfying.

How long before you move? 10 years? Iaq pretty cheap. 2 years? Iaq maybe expensive.

beenthere

01-14-2010, 05:29 AM

The IAQ can slow down a VS blower. The TH8000 series can't.
That just one difference. the IAQ can do a lot more.
The 8500, doesn't do everything the TH8000 does.

You get what you pay for.

gary_g

01-14-2010, 08:20 AM

Are there any "must have" features in the IAQ that aren't in the other 2 models?

The IAQ can turn on both the microwave and stove so your dinner can be ready when you get home from work :)

heaterman

01-14-2010, 10:07 AM

The IAQ can turn on both the microwave and stove so your dinner can be ready when you get home from work :)

It could with the proper knowledge......................................... ......and creative wiring and control usage

beenthere

01-14-2010, 02:48 PM

It could with the proper knowledge......................................... ......and creative wiring and control usage

I can make mine start my dishwasher. :)

Trog

01-14-2010, 03:11 PM

I can make mine start my dishwasher. :)

Yeah, but that only works if you have a Honeywell dishwasher.

As in, "Honey, well it's nice and comfy in here since I got you that VisionPro IAQ thermostat you wanted. Why don't you start washing the dishes, while I try to figure out how to program the darn thing."

:couchhide:

beenthere

01-14-2010, 03:16 PM

Yeah, but that only works if you have a Honeywell dishwasher.

As in, "Honey, well it's nice and comfy in here since I got you that VisionPro IAQ thermostat you wanted. Why don't you start washing the dishes, while I try to figure out how to program the darn thing."

:couchhide:

Actually. Its very easy to have the IAQ control it.

Trog

01-14-2010, 03:28 PM

Actually. Its very easy to have the IAQ control it.

Well, that was a joke.

I'm not sure what IAQ function you would use to fire off the dishwasher, though. I have quite a bit of experience controlling stuff that is a long distance away, but I can't think of a single reason for wanting my thermostat to control my dishwasher.

Now, if you are talking a full blown home automation system that happens to have the thermostat linked to it, that's an entirely different thing.

beenthere

01-14-2010, 03:35 PM

but I can't think of a single reason for wanting my thermostat to control my dishwasher.

Now, if you are talking a full blown home automation system that happens to have the thermostat linked to it, that's an entirely different thing.

Recovering from set back.

Helps heat up the house.

Trog

01-14-2010, 03:40 PM

Recovering from set back.

Helps heat up the house.

Good one. You got me. :patriot:

nuggie

01-14-2010, 09:01 PM

Recovering from set back.

Helps heat up the house.

LOL... nice. :)

Sounds like the IAQ is more than I need. Thanks for the info!

Tsubaki

01-14-2010, 09:43 PM

The Honeywell Vision Pro IAQ Total Home Comfort System YTH9421C1002 is all you need. I have studied the instructions and still do not understand a dang thing but it seems to work really well. It is very comfy in here.

davefr

01-14-2010, 09:54 PM

I have studied the instructions and still do not understand a dang thing but it seems to work really well. It is very comfy in here.

Why not the Prestige if you want the best??

The setup is so simple/obvious even a cave man could do it and it's full featured.

Tsubaki

01-14-2010, 10:06 PM

Hmm a Prestige then huh I will check on that redlink wireless I think sounds neat. I may have to GIT me one of those.

Airmechanical

01-15-2010, 06:29 AM

i been trying to hook up with this homeowner for the last couple of days he lives about 5 miles from me

he has been busy everytime that i have been available so far

i will install the IAQ if that is what he wants

i am pretty sure "without looking at the job" that the t-stat he has now is not wired properly

without seeing the system or checking customer's needs i originally suggested the Honeywell 5000 (TH522od) which are not programmable but a great tstat

we will get the OP's system working correctly and check back with you guys

.

Airmechanical

01-15-2010, 06:44 AM

If the guy coming out recommends the 5000 series, maybe you should call someone else.

what is your problem with the 5000

just like the OP's stat, if it's not wired/set-up properly it will never work correctly

the IAQ surely is the most versitle stat out there

and the good news is, i have installed a bunch of IAQ's, most of them with more options than this OP will ever need

.

beenthere

01-15-2010, 07:00 AM

The 5000 series is a good thermostat.

A bit lacking in versatility. If other devices/appliances are added to the system later. But, not everybody needs, or can use the features of an IAQ stat now, or down the road.

Stamas

01-15-2010, 08:42 AM

Asked before but has anyone seen/used this new fangled EcoBee thermostat?
Some wild assed thing they came up with in Canada, vendor came in with one the other day to show us.

Airmechanical

01-15-2010, 08:52 AM

The 5000 series is a good thermostat.

comparing apples to apples the 5000 is the best stat in it's class handsdown IMO

and if you notice Totaline has switched over to those style of stat's now sold for Carrier's

sort of like the Honeywells that have been made for Trane for many years

Stamas, got a link to your newly discovered stat?

.

heaterman

01-15-2010, 09:24 AM

what is your problem with the 5000

just like the OP's stat, if it's not wired/set-up properly it will never work correctly

the IAQ surely is the most versitle stat out there

and the good news is, i have installed a bunch of IAQ's, most of them with more options than this OP will ever need

.

I DON'T have a problem with the 5000 series stat. It's the base "cheapo" I use on my standard no frills installs. The OP asked for the best and if ANY contractor thought that the 5000 series was it..................DUH

Stamas

01-15-2010, 10:19 AM

comparing apples to apples the 5000 is the best stat in it's class handsdown IMO

and if you notice Totaline has switched over to those style of stat's now sold for Carrier's

sort of like the Honeywells that have been made for Trane for many years

Stamas, got a link to your newly discovered stat?

.

Sent it to you.

fuelish42

01-15-2010, 10:51 AM

Stamas

01-15-2010, 01:26 PM

IAQ's have made other components/options easier for customers to deal with, if they have them.

Airmechanical

01-15-2010, 01:50 PM

I DON'T have a problem with the 5000 series stat. It's the base "cheapo" I use on my standard no frills installs. The OP asked for the best and if ANY contractor thought that the 5000 series was it..................DUH

relax heaterboy

your not thinking properly

go to home depot and look what they got for a cheap base honeywell digital stat, they are no where near as good as a stat as the 5000

go to your local HVAC supply house and they have digitals half the price of the 5000, your in a dream world

.

Vector

01-24-2010, 04:37 PM

Unless you need all the IAQ features for humify dehumidify etc, go with the most simple thing you can find as the people will never understand it and probably never use the programming anyway. I bet 75% of the programmable stats we install on new installs never run in program mode anyway!

When the family schedules were in sync we use to program it. However when schedules changed we went into a set it and hold pattern just as you think many people do. The only time I set it program wise now is when we are out of town and I have it cool down the house late at night 3 times a week to keep any excess humidity down.

Regardless, I have been looking at more reasonably price thermostats that presumably can handle a variable stage air handler. I ran across this one and wondered what the collective thought was among you all?

http://programmablethermostats.org/programmable-thermostats/pro-1-iaq-t715nib-digital-programmable-thermostat/

I may still go with the Lambo of thermostats in the IAQ, but if I continue to use my system like I do currently, it would be overkill.
`

2old2rock

01-24-2010, 05:06 PM

The Honeywell 8000's, IAQ's and Prestige(Hi Def and The Most Expensive), are overkill for many situations. But you asked for ther best!
Honeywell 6000 2 stage may be what you're looking for. I'm not sure what you need, it's a long thread!
More importantly, your installer needs to know exactly what you want, and be completely familiar with the operation of the controls.