Thermostat are an important addition to any home or office as they control the temperatures in a room. Having the latest and sleek thermostat can make your life easy and stress free when it comes controlling the temperature of a room. Traditionally, thermostat have always proved a hard nut to crack with most gadgets being tricky to install and control. However, much to the delight of customers, we now have programmable thermostats that are much easier to install and control.
What you should know before buying a thermostat.
Information is power. This has always proven true and before buying or upgrading your thermostat, here are some of the most important things to know:
- The type of system you have
Since a programmable system is mostly an upgrade from the traditional thermostat, it is important to know if your current system with match. Compare the wiring of your current thermostat with the programmable one and see if they match. Pay close attention to the terminals as they play a crucial role. If you are not well versed with mechanical aspects of thermostats, you can consult a professional or the user guide.
- The model should match your lifestyle
There are several models of a thermostat. Each designed to fit a specific lifestyle and each has a specific price. The models are as follow;
- 5-1-1 model
This model is set to have same temperatures on weekdays and two separate settings for the weekend.
- 5-2 model
This model has two settings only: one for weekdays and one for weekends.
- 7-day model
This is probably the most expensive of the three with each day having its own specific setting. This allows one to choose the specific temperature depending on the day’s temperature.
- Smart Recovery Capabilities
The ability of a thermostat to cool down or heat up in anticipation of the next setting makes a lot of difference. This is an important feature for a thermostat as it ensures the temperatures change on time.
Here are some of the best thermostat you can find in the market:
Emerson has been in existence for over 75 years and their products have always been top-notch. That’s the case with this programmable thermostat. The thermostat has a nice display that’s large enough even for those with poor eye sight. The touchscreen is a welcome addition as it allows users to easily control the device.
With a seven-day programmable thermostat, setting daily temperatures is easy and convenient. Since installation is always a thorn in the flesh for most thermostat users, the manufacturer has ensured an easy set up process. Users only need to follow the step by step guide laid out and the thermostat will be up and running.
One of the unique specs with this thermostat is the auto changeover spec that allows the Emerson 1F95-1277 to change to next set temperature without the intervention of the user. This means, once you set the temperatures for a whole week, they will automatically change when the date and time comes.
The temperature control of this thermostat is very precise with the margin of error being 1 degree. This way you can set your desired temperature with a high degree of accuracy. The 12-inch display and good backlight means you will be able to read the thermostat even at wee hours.
The thermostat is compatible with multiple systems such as the single stage, multiple stage and heat pumps.
Pros
- Compatible with multiple systems
- Easy to install and use
- Large display for easier visibility
- Accurate temperature reading
This thermostat from Honeywell is highly flexible with users being allowed to choose a 7-day program. It is highly compatible with a host of other programs such as Alexa and Google Home which makes it ideal for voice control. The thermostat has a touchscreen display for easier control and the full color which is easy to read.
The manufacturer uses an intelligent program that makes this thermostat smart enough to show weather updates, notifications to change filters and humidifiers. On top of this, the Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 thermostat can give high or low temperature warnings and show internet connectivity status.
The thermostat has is compatible with multiple devices such as android or iOS as well as PCs. This way, customers can use their phones to change the temperatures, choose between °C or °F, choose languages among other preferences. This makes it easy to use and customize the Wi-Fi smart thermostat to suit your specific needs.
The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 has a short installation process that lasts less than 30 minutes but you need a C wire for that. Caution is advised when installing this thermostat as it has face plate which has some delicate pins that are easy to damage.
The Honeywell Home RTH9585WF1004 has good backlighting and users can easily adjust the LED light to fit their preference. The display is also easily readable and easy to use meaning everyone at home can change the temperatures.
Pros
- Touchscreen display with good backlighting
- Easy to control
- Highly compatible with mobile phones and PCs
- Easy to install
This is by far the best thermostat if you are on a budget but still desire a good programmable thermostat. The gadget is easy to use and has a week-long programming feature. What’s more, the thermostat has a copy and past feature which makes it easy to set daily programs. To further reduce programming time, the device has a temporary and permanent holding mode. There are 4 programs to choose from and users can easily select between the four on a single day.
The display is easy to read and the LED lighting provides an excellent backlit that makes it ideal for night use. The gadget provides accurate readings with the level of margin begin plus or minus 1°. To ensure that it reaches the desired temperature at the set time, it is fitted with an early start feature.
When it comes to protection, the Orbit 83521 has a five-minute protection period that is important in preventing short cycles. This applies to all A/C compressors irrespective of the settings. However, this programmable thermostat has a few notable shortcomings. For instance, it is not compatible with line voltage heating, or base board heaters or even other cooling systems. Furthermore, the thermostat does not come with its own batteries and they are bought separately.
Pros
- Multiple programs to choose
- Bright LED backlit
- Easy to use
- It is affordable
Cons
- Batteries bought separately
- Its not compatible with several heaters
LuxPRO Deluxe Programmable Thermostat
We live in a world where our information is collected at an alarming rate. Through the use of internet, data miners can comfortably trace your habits and trends. If you feel this is too much, and you would want a thermostat that does not transmit your information to the outside world, this one is for you. The LuxPRO Deluxe Programmable Thermostat does not require the internet and thus there is no way of transmitting your information.
The thermostat has a 5-2 program that allows users to choose the weekday temperatures when they are out working and the weekend when they are at home. The device is easy to use and the display is very visible. There are 4 programs to choose from in a day and users dictate if they want heat or cool temperatures.
This programmable thermostat is very easy to install and it is compatible with A/C and conventional heat. However, the gadget is not compatible with line voltage systems without transformers. It comes with two alkaline batteries that are 2AA powered. The thermostat is fitted with a temporary manual and override hold and a temporary compressor protection.
The LuxPRO Deluxe Programmable Thermostat is fitted with a keypad lock that ensures children don’t mess around with it. Users are given a wide range of preferences to choose from including the am/pm clock system and the °C or °F readings. The thermostat has a good backlit and its display is well readable.
Pros
- Has a keypad lock
- Easy to install and use
- Well light for better visibility
- Universal compatibility
Cons
- Not compatible with line voltage systems.
Parting shot
Programable thermostats are an excellent addition to any home as they allow you to choose beforehand the temperatures you want. Installing a programmable thermostat can greatly improve your comfortability. However, buying a programmable thermostat is one thing and installing it is another. Since installation is more complex you can consult the manufacturer about it or you can carefully follow the manual guide provided. Some thermostats may require a C wire for them to work so you need to know this when buying.
When installing the thermostat, be sure to place it away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat like the kitchen. This improves the thermostat chances of giving accurate readings. It is also advisable to place it in a central place, on the interior walls and it should be away from vents. For a thermostat to give you maximum utility, you need to service it regularly and change filters as and when they are due.