New Thermostat recommendation please

[mrmichaeljmoore]

I need a recommendation for a new thermostat.

I have an Amana AMH95 (Model # AMH950703BX). Installed in January 2007.
http://www.amana-hac.com/Home/Produc...7/Default.aspx


Looking to get a simple programmable thermostat.
Are the ones at Home Depot and Lowes sufficient? Or should I get one from a local HVAC supply shop?

Any recommendations on brands or specific models would be appreciated.

Thank you.
mike

[heaterman]

The ones you purchase at the "box stores" are different from the ones that your HVAC contractor sells. No tech support at the "box stores" and and one tiny wiring mistake can be costly. Call your regular HVAC company and ask them for suggestions and pricing.

[mrmichaeljmoore]

heaterman --

Does my unit require any sort of special thermostat? Or can I go with a basic heat/cool programmable unit?

thanks.

[gary_g]

I like the Honeywell VisionPro 8000 series. Nice touch screen and easy to use and program. You can set the backlight to be on low all the time so you can see the display without having to change the temp or press a function key. Home Depot has a similar looking thermostat, but without the functions of the 8000 Series. The 9000 Series is the VisionPro IAQ with many more functions and a lot more $$.

Good luck.

[mrmichaeljmoore]

Just wanted to follow up with more info:

I am currently using the old thermostat. I didnt get a new thermostat when I put in the new furnace.
The old thermostat is a Honeywell CT3600 series, which, if I read the manual correctly, does not support a 2-stage furnace.

According to Amana, the AMH95 furnace that I have needs a 2-stage thermostat.

So that's why I am looking for a simple, programmable 2-stage thermostat.....

I am gonna go to Lowes in the am and see what they got.

Not sure if this helps, but the wires the current thermostat uses is:
R, W, Y and G
So, I guess I have to find a thermostat that uses all of those wires, but no other ones....right??

[yellowirenut]

PLEASE..contact a HVAC tech..even if its a close friend or family member. u will do some damage to your unit by not fully understanding the wiring and the programing of the stat.

[mrmichaeljmoore]

PLEASE..contact a HVAC tech..even if its a close friend or family member. u will do some damage to your unit by not fully understanding the wiring and the programing of the stat.

ok....now you got me a bit nervous.

so, the do-it-yourself models at Lowes/HD are not really do-it-yourselfers?
isn't it just a matter of matching the wires? or am i making it too simple?

what type of damage are you talking about? and how does chagning the thermostat cause that?

thanks....

[heaterman]

The Vision Pro 8000 series is a nice stat and will work with a 2 stage furnace. Now for the bad news, with the wires you have right now, control with a 2 stage stat won't happen. Gonna need additional wiring, call for assistance.

[mrmichaeljmoore]

The Vision Pro 8000 series is a nice stat and will work with a 2 stage furnace. Now for the bad news, with the wires you have right now, control with a 2 stage stat won't happen. Gonna need additional wiring, call for assistance.

i am not sure what you mean by "control with a 2 stage stat won't happen."

so let me get this straight...............i had a 2-stage furnace installed 2 years ago, but because of the wiring to the thermostat i am not using 2 stages??

[heaterman]

The furnace control board is doing the job. Timed staging. Using a 2 stage stat is going to require some reconfiguring. Call a tech

[mrmichaeljmoore]

The furnace control board is doing the job. Timed staging. Using a 2 stage stat is going to require some reconfiguring. Call a tech

Thanks for the info.....
I am gonna call the guy who put in the furnace tomorrow.

But, if you don't mind, let me follow up with you.....

If I understand you correctly, the furnace is operating correctly (that is using the 2 stages), in spite of the current thermostat being a single stage thermostat, correct?
So, if my above statement is correct, what will adding new wires in order to install a multi-stage stat do?
Do I even need a multi-stage stat??

thanks...and pardon my ignorance. I just want to get this right (and make sure my tech isn't screwing with me.)

[BaldLoonie]

The AMH cannot use a 2 stage stat.

[mrmichaeljmoore]

The AMH cannot use a 2 stage stat.

I called Amana today and they said I need a 2 stage thermostat...

so who's right?!?!?!

man.....can i get anymore confused......

[sktn77a]

Is this your thermostat (Honeywell CT3600):

http://customer.honeywell.com/techli...it/69-1642.pdf

If so, it is already a 2 stage programmable thermostat.

?????????

Keith

[mrmichaeljmoore]

Is this your thermostat (Honeywell CT3600):

http://customer.honeywell.com/techli...it/69-1642.pdf

If so, it is already a 2 stage programmable thermostat.

?????????

Keith

Yes, that is the thermostat I currently have...
But, are you sure it is a 2 stage stat?

According to the chart on page 5 of the manual, it says it is NOT compatible with "Multistage Heat Pumps/Multistage Equipment"

[aircooled53]

Pro 5000 Honeywell =$$
Pro 8000 Honeywell =$$$

Both are good thermostats and both can be programed . *8000 has more features ..

[sktn77a]

Yes, that is the thermostat I currently have...
But, are you sure it is a 2 stage stat?

According to the chart on page 5 of the manual, it says it is NOT compatible with "Multistage Heat Pumps/Multistage Equipment"

Yes, it's only a single stage thermostat, but it is programmable, which is what you wanted, and it appears to work with your 2 stage furnace (albeit the furnace controller that's doing the staging).

So, are you all set?

Keith

[danometer]

LISTEN ALL OF THESE SUGGESTIONS ARE GOOD ONES HOWEVER IF THE WIRES THAT WERE IN TO THE THERMOSTAT (THE OLD ONE )YOU SHOULD HAVE NEW WIRE RUN.PLEASE JUST CALL A PROFESSIONAL.

[mrmichaeljmoore]

Yes, it's only a single stage thermostat, but it is programmable, which is what you wanted, and it appears to work with your 2 stage furnace (albeit the furnace controller that's doing the staging).

So, are you all set?

Keith

2 things:

1. I am replacing the thermostat because I am having a problem with the furnace, and I think it may be the stat. It will not run continuously from the current temp until it reaches the set point. I am gonna try the thermostat first, before I look towards the furnace for problems.

2. So if I can use a 1 stage thermostat with a 2 stage furnace, why would anyone buy a 2 stage thermostat? That diesnt make sense to me, especially since Amana (the manufacturer) says I need a 2 stage stat becuase it is a 2 stage furnace....

thanks....

[sktn77a]

I am replacing the thermostat because I am having a problem with the furnace, and I think it may be the stat. It will not run continuously from the current temp until it reaches the set point. I am gonna try the thermostat first, before I look towards the furnace for problems.

If that's the case, you really need to call a repairman to diagnose and fix the problem.