Silent Programmable Thermostat Search

[beachwalker]

This is the least of my issues, but one I would like to address. Since we installed our new Lennox heat pumps, we have had their Signature series thermostat/humidistat. It controls a heat pump with 2 stage cooling and 2 stage heating along with dehumidification control. It is made by Invensys.

Lennox model is 81M28 and Invensys model is 9820I also now with Robertshaw label.

The issue is, with all the stages there's lots of clicking by the relays. stage 1 set to 1 deg, stage 2 set to 2 deg. changing that only reduces frequency of clicks. I don't understand why they have to use clicking relays.

One is outside bedroom and the other is in LR...we can hear it clicking even while watching TV.

Question: Does anyone know of a thermostat (programmable multi stage with humidity control) with same abilities that is silent?
Honeywell makes a Visionpro series that has the same capabilities 8320 series, I beieve....

anyone have one? is it silent?

any others you can suggest?


Thanks.

[travisfl]

Originally posted by beachwalker

Honeywell makes a Visionpro series that has the same capabilities 8320 series, I beieve....AFAIK, all higher quality thermostats use relays for switching, including the Honeywell Chronotherm and Vision Pro series. With the Vision Pro you can install a remote indoor sensor, so moving the thermostat(s) somewhere else (like the kitchen or a closet) while keeping it's sensor in your current thermostat's location(s) would be perfectly practical.

[BaldLoonie]

If you want the humidity control, you are stuck with the matching Signature stat.

If you don't care about humidity, the Totaline P374-1100 is a nice stat, been reliable, and not relay switched so is silent.

[apowers]

Boy, do I know what this person is talking about. I just got a new Lennox 2-stage A/C, furnace system with the Lennox SignatureStat #81M2701. I can hear the relays all the way in the bedrooms as well as when the TV is on. It is really annoying. I used to have a Lennox 2-speed A/C with 1 speed furnace. It was matched with the Honeywell Chronotherm III thermostat(from 1989). The older stat was programmable and handled the 2-speed system. The only time I remember hearing the relays on the Honeywell was if I was right next to it. The replacement SignatureStat was put in the same place as the Honeywell used to be. The Honeywell has a much more significant case around it. The SignatureStat is a pretty small footprint and a smaller depth. Maybe the larger case acted like a noise attenuator or maybe it just had a different type of relay or no relays at all. I'd be interested in another option as well. It is sad to think that I have the top of the line "quiet" system and the thermostat relay switching is so noticable.

[stl hvac]

I 'hear' what you're saying. Seems like nearly all the electronic stats have noisy relays. I put a RUUD Mod furnace and Contour stat in over the winter. The Contour stat is noisy as can be. It makes me want to go back to a mercury bulb stat. If a mercury bulb stat had a V output for the Mod's gas valve,
I'd dump the Contour. Yes, I could do a remote sensor and isolate the Contour stat where it couldn't be heard. However, I want a stat that's centrally located for monitoring and adjustment, not hidden away in a closet or drawer. We work to sell and install quiet furnaces and condensers, yet actually increase inside noise with annoying clicking thermostats. Most of the time my Contour stat is louder than my Mod furnace. What's wrong with this picture. This is a dilema that our industry really needs to address since it definately affects the 'comfort' of our customers.

[apowers]

Does anyone know why my old Honeywell Chronotherm III is pretty quiet?

[joeoilman]

try icm. they click but not too loud. http://www.icmcontrols.com

[Wirenut]

My wife says that I am hearing impaired, now I am beginning to agree with her. I have a Lennox system with the Invesys thermostat and don't think the relays on the thermostat could be considered annoying, although I can hear a small click if the house is quiet. It is nothing like the sound made when the old furnace's fan relay energized on the previous system.

[tpa-fl]

Well, you have a few options...

1) Replace the stat... I've never heard the RobertShaw stats in action, so I can't provide a comparison, but the Honeywell VP stats & White-Rodgers F95 stats both have big relays which make noticable clicks when they engage and disengage. Does anyone have a Totaline/Carrier thermidistat? I know some of the Totaline stats use the cheap (but silent) triacs instead of relays, but not sure if their Thermidistat does. A couple of other options come to mind... like the wireless thermostats or the old Honeywell Perfect Climate System... these two use relay boxes that mount at the equipment and just run a couple of data wires or wireless signal to the "stat", which is just a keypad & display.

2) Put remote sensors where the stats are and move the stats to areas where their clicks won't be annoying, such as at the equipment if accessible, closets, etc. I don't know if Lennox has modified (neutered) the Invensys stats at all, but the real ones support remote sensors. I believe they only support remote temperature sensors 'though, and humidity is sensed by the stat itself. If you wanted remote temperature & humidity sensors, the Honeywell T7350 does that & more. I haven't had a chance to play with one yet, but if they're anything like the T7300 it replaces, it too uses clicky relays.

To me, the stat clicks aren't all that bad, but everyone has their pet peeves when it comes to aural annoyances. I can't stand rattles/vibrations in anything. As far as why the newer stats are louder, I'm thinking the manufacturers are using larger relays to prevent failures and accomodate additional equipment contractors are adding to systems now. I also wouldn't be surprised if the relays have thinner cases on them than they used to.

I agree with STL -- the stats are now MUCH louder than properly installed & designed equipment. At my other place, you never hear the motors nor airflow, so the WR F95 stat clicking away is the only audible part of the system.

[invensys]

Unfortuneately, mechanical relays click. Mercury relays do not. Mercury relays have the environmental issues though.

[t527ed]

give it time to get used to it. it will become less noticeable over time. with the money a system like that can save you little things become more acceptable. people learned to love the rumbly pulse furnaces when they saw their gas bills.

[tpa-fl]

Originally posted by t527ed
give it time to get used to it. it will become less noticeable over time. with the money a system like that can save you little things become more acceptable. people learned to love the rumbly pulse furnaces when they saw their gas bills.

Call me strange, but I'll gladly pay more for silence and comfort, even at the expense of energy efficiency.