Lux Geo wifi thermostat review

The Lux GEO thermostat unit is a very simple to use and install the device that you probably can do it yourself and learn using the device very easily. The manufacturers have kept in mind the usability of the gadget so that it can be a user-friendly and uncomplex to use. This home thermostat by Lux works flawlessly and has no faults to point out.

Though it may take you some time to figure out the installation. And may take some more time to install the device as well. But it is simple and you would not need an expert or great tools to do that. Later after installing the home thermostat gadget, you need to connect it to the network and check the connectivity for the same.

Click here for more details, price, reviews, and ratings of Lux geo wifi thermostat

It is not a high-end gadget with more than extra features but it is a very useful and effective one to bring home as it does all the required task very smoothly. Moreover, the thermostat app for this unit is very useful as well. It can guide you through setting and offer you remote controlling capabilities no matter wherever you are in the house.

Performance of Lux GEO WiFi Connected Thermostat

However, you may not find this home thermostat as attractive as others are. But the performance that it offers is way too high compared to the aesthetics. Its performance is improved more with the help of the app.

The app allows you to engage with the unit and make the desirable changes. The adjustments that you do with through the app is simultaneously affecting the settings of the main unit. This is what makes the device so useful as it is accurate in the coordination of with its app.

Perhaps the heating and cooling cycles and changes can be easily managed with this high-performance application in your smartphone and the streamline changes can be made in the temperature of the thermostat also, very effectively.

Another quality feature of Lux GEO is the voice command feature that it carries. This enables the user to adjust the settings or make any changes in the thermostat working directly by commanding the gadget through their voice.

This home thermostat has no modern aesthetics or attractive looks but the performance of the device is appreciable. The features that it possesses and the work that it can do, it does it with perfection.

Even a minor change in temperature of the house will be sensed by the unit. And as a response to this, it will alert you to make the required changes. Such a responsive gadget can change your way of living to a great extent. The smartphone app coordination with the main device is amazing.

You can check all the status and settings on your smartphone itself. Even if you are gone for vacations you can keep a check on the home thermostat and other connected gadgets. And adding to all, the manufacturers are providing a great three years of warranty with this thermostat.

Carrier cor thermostat for home review

The Carrier Cor is a thermostat device with a wide size operational screen which enables us to utilize the shape and size of the device and make the comfortable settings with simplicity and ease. The screen of Carrier Cor Home Thermostat is squarish and has a very fine resolution. This elegant piece of tech has full color, large screen that has many parameters being displayed on the screen.

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Carrier cor wifi thermostat

Carrier is one of the leading company in the air conditioning sector worldwide and hence with a little bit of input in the working, they have developed a thermostat so that it can control and maintain the perfect temperature inside the house.

However, like other modern day thermostats, Carrier has also designed a smart programmable device that can be used for the flawless operation of all the heating or cooling devices at your place. And this device does the all with perfection and clarity. There are many high-end functions that this gadget can do and that too efficiently.

The facilities that Carrier thermostat for home offers with this device can make your house a pleasurable place to be and at the same time, it saves you a lot of energy as well.

Performance of Carrier Cor Thermostat for Home

Carrier Cor is a smart device that can save the power and reduce down your bills. So, it becomes very comfortable for you to utilize this energy saving feature of the unit. Thus can make a wide use of it.

The device possesses a Setback facility that helps this smart home thermostat to monitor the temperature and atmosphere inside the house as well as outside the house. This helps the unit and the user to know the weather and atmosphere in a more better way. Moreover, the product even senses the amount of humidity in the air and thus set the dehumidifier on the precise settings.

The adjustments are even made in the connected devices with the help of the algorithms which can make all the adjustments automatically so that you can get a precise temperature regulation in the unit and maintain the house at a perfect atmosphere. The living space with this gadget gets more desirable and soothing.

There is a report provision that the Carrier Cor provides, in which you can get to know how much energy you have consumed, when and where. Now, this is going to affect the performance of the home thermostat as well. When you know where your energy is being used it becomes very useful for you which will let you reduce that use and conserve energy.

Moreover, this wifi thermostat unit possesses a big touch screen interface that can be very useful and handy when it comes to the programming of the device.

The device has an elegant look and even the size of the object is optimum. The interface of the device is very well organized and consists of a lot of information. Even the performance parameters are also very well organized.

The home thermostat device manages the regulation of temperature excellently with the help of the smart sensors. But let me tell you that these sensors even have other activities to do as well. These sensors help to save power by making the optimum use of change in brightness of the thermostat display when you pass by and when you are not present.

Honeywell Lyric T5 Wi-Fi Thermostat Review

Honeywell is the most eminent and renowned brand in the entire world. It manufactures a lot more than just the thermostats. But Honeywell WiFi Thermostats are very distinct and ideal devices in its segment. They produce models which are high-end, efficient, great quality and updated with latest technologies. This is what makes Honeywell so renowned in this sector.

Honeywell Lyric T5 Wifi Thermostat is the latest addition to the Honeywell family. It is a Wifi smart device that manages and controls all the other gadgets with ease and efficiency. This squarish gadget is a smart and advanced model with the elegant design.

 LYRIC T5 WIFI THERMOSTAT

 

Click here for more details,price, reviews and ratings of Honeywell T5 wifi thermostat.

The Honeywell T5 Wi-Fi Thermostat with 7-Day Flexible Scheduling and Geofence Technology is a smart and cost-effective way to manage your home’s heating and cooling systems. With its user-friendly features and compatibility with popular voice assistants, it aims to provide convenience and energy efficiency to homeowners.

One of the standout features of the Honeywell T5 is its 7-day flexible scheduling capability. This allows you to create customized heating and cooling schedules for each day of the week, ensuring that your home stays comfortable when you need it to be and saves energy when you’re away or asleep. The ability to program different settings for weekdays and weekends is particularly useful for those with varying routines.

The geofence technology is another highlight of this thermostat. By using your smartphone’s location, it can determine when you leave your home and when you return, automatically adjusting the temperature accordingly. This feature helps you save energy and ensures that your home is at an ideal temperature when you’re there and conserves energy when you’re not.

Key points-

Reasonable price.

Compatible with most 2 stage conventional and heat pumps with auxillary.

Built in motion sensor-No.

Remote temperature and motion sensor-No. You can go for Honeywell T9 or T10 for that.

No IFTT. For that you can go for Honeywell T6 or T6R(Complete Wireless installation).T6 is also duel fuel compatible.

GeofencingAuto Home/Away using phone app

Intelligent push notifications to alert you of extreme indoor temperatures and timely reminders for air filter replacements

Installation is a breeze with the Honeywell T5 Wi-Fi Thermostat. Homeowners can easily set it up themselves without the need for professional help, saving both time and money.

Included in the package are the main thermostat, a specialized mounting plate with user-friendly push terminals, and three screws. To complete the installation process, you’ll only require a Phillips screwdriver, a leveler (a leveling functionality phone app will suffice), and a pencil for marking hole positions.

However, it’s essential to note that a C-wire power adapter is required for this thermostat to function correctly. Before purchasing, homeowners should check compatibility and determine if a C-wire is needed in their home.

For tech-savvy users, the Honeywell T5 offers integration with popular voice assistants like Alexa and Siri, allowing you to control the thermostat using simple voice commands. This adds an extra layer of convenience, especially when your hands are full or you’re away from the thermostat.

On the downside, the Honeywell T5 lacks some advanced features that are available in higher-end smart thermostats. For instance, it does not have motion or humidity detection capabilities, which can help optimize energy usage further. Additionally, while the thermostat provides monthly energy reports, it lacks detailed usage reports that can provide deeper insights into your energy consumption patterns.

Furthermore, users who rely heavily on IFTTT (If This, Then That) for home automation might find the lack of IFTTT support disappointing. However, it’s worth noting that Honeywell frequently updates its products, so this may change in the future.

In conclusion, the Honeywell T5 Wi-Fi Thermostat with 7-Day Flexible Scheduling and Geofence Technology is an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners seeking a reliable and easy-to-use smart thermostat. Its reasonable price, geofencing capabilities, and voice assistant integration make it a compelling option for those looking to save energy and enjoy a comfortable home environment. However, if you require advanced features like motion or humidity detection or extensive usage reports, you might want to explore other options. Overall, the Honeywell T5 offers a great balance between functionality and affordability.

Mercury Thermostat Disposal

So you’ve got your brand new WiFi thermostat, and you’re wondering what to do with your old mercury thermostat you’ve just replaced.

In many states it is actually illegal to throw them in the trash due to the mercury which they contain – a highly toxic metal which can make its way into the food chain if it’s not disposed of correctly.

Mercury Thermostat Disposal Laws

Here are the 12 states* in which it is illegal to dispose of a mercury thermostat other than by recycling them:

  • California
  • Iowa
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • New York
  • New Hampshire
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • Pennsylvania
  • Vermont

* As of the first of July 2014 it will also be illegal to dispose of them in Connecticut.

How To Recycle A Mercury Thermostat

Recycling is quite easy – you simply drop them off at a collection point. But before you do that please ensure that you do not remove the mercury ampoule – the thermostat must be left intact for recycling – you don’t want to expose yourself to the mercury inside.

To find your nearest collection point simply use the very handy free tool provided by the not-for-profit Thermostat Recycling Corporation.

Once you’ve found the place to take it, wrap it up in a plastic bag and drop it off – it’s really as simple as that!

Special Rules for HVAC Contractors

Special laws apply to contractors about mercury thermostat disposal in many states. If you are unsure about your state laws then either contact the EPA or visit their webpage for State-Specific Universal Waste Regulations.

The Top Rated Thermostat Manufacturers

Navigant Research, a company which performs market research about clean technology, has released their findings on the smart thermostat market.

So let’s get right to the part you’re probably most interested in…

The Top 10 Smart Thermostat Brands

  1. Honeywell
  2. Nest
  3. Trane
  4. Carrier
  5. ecobee
  6. Energate
  7. Emerson
  8. Computime
  9. Radio Thermostat Company of America
  10. Venstar

According to the report, Honywell is the clear leader based on 12 criteria in their analysis.

Navigant estimates there are currently around 1.4 million installed smart thermostats now, but that they expect that figure to grow to more than 31 million by 2020.

“Unlike products and solutions that are driven by government-sponsored utility smart grid programs, smart thermostats have remained largely in the commercial sphere, where individual energy efficiency awareness and cost savings determine purchasing decisions,” says Bob Lockhart, research director with Navigant Research. “However, the combined factors of increased energy awareness, interest in home automation and security tools, and more user-friendly solutions have led to an uptick in shipments for residential smart thermostats during the past year and have revived a sense of optimism and excitement among vendors and stakeholders.”

So while this is a relatively new home product, it appears the uptake will grow significantly over the coming years.

When it comes to energy and cost savings, it pays to act early – the sooner you start the more you will save in the long run.

Of course, you don’t want to end up with one from a manufacturer who won’t be around to provide support and software updates in the future, so my advice is to pick one from the top few in the list above.

If you’re interested in the detailed 39 page report, you can get it from Navigant Research

Complete C (common) wire guide

If you’re installing a new thermostat or upgrading an old one, you may have heard about the C wire. The C wire, also known as the common wire, provides power to your thermostat so it can operate properly. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what the C wire is, why it’s important, and how to install one if your system doesn’t have one already.

What is the C wire?

The C wire is a low-voltage wire that provides power to your thermostat. It’s typically a blue wire that connects to the C terminal on your HVAC system and the C terminal on your thermostat. Without the C wire, your thermostat may not function properly or may drain the battery quickly if it has one.

Why is the C wire important?

The C wire is important for several reasons. First, it ensures that your thermostat has a consistent source of power so it can operate properly. Without the C wire, your thermostat may not be able to communicate with your HVAC system, and you may experience issues such as inaccurate temperature readings or a non-functioning thermostat.

Additionally, the C wire can help extend the life of your HVAC system. When a thermostat doesn’t have a C wire, it may draw power from the other wires, which can cause the system to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to increased wear and tear on your HVAC equipment and a shorter lifespan for your system.

How to know if my thermostat has a c wire

To determine if your thermostat has a C wire, you will need to remove the thermostat from the wall and examine the wiring behind it. Typically, the C wire is a blue  or black wire that connects to the C terminal on the thermostat.

If you see a blue or black wire connected to the C terminal on your thermostat, then you have a C wire. However, if there is no wire connected to the C terminal or the C terminal is not labeled, then your thermostat may not have a C wire.

While it’s possible that a five-wire system includes a C wire, it’s not a guarantee. The five wires commonly found in HVAC systems are typically labeled R, G, Y, W, and sometimes C. (See complete thermostat wire codes here.)The C wire is not always present in five-wire systems, as it depends on the specific configuration of your HVAC system and thermostat.

To determine if your five-wire system includes a C wire, you will need to examine the wiring behind your thermostat and HVAC system. Look for a wire connected to the C terminal on your thermostat and your HVAC system. If there is no wire connected to the C terminal, then you may not have a C wire in your system.

Is a C wire really required?

While a C wire is not always required for a thermostat to function, it can be beneficial and is often recommended. The C wire provides a continuous source of power to your thermostat, which can help ensure consistent performance and prevent issues like short cycling or power loss.

Without a C wire, your thermostat may need to draw power from the other wires in your HVAC system, which can result in inconsistent power delivery and potential system issues. In some cases, a lack of a C wire can also limit the functionality of certain thermostat features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity or programmable settings.

If you’re installing a new thermostat or experiencing issues with your current system, adding a C wire can be a worthwhile investment to ensure reliable and consistent performance. While it may require additional wiring or installation work, the long-term benefits of a C wire can be worth the effort.

Systems without a c-wire

1.Venstar Add-a-Wire:

Venstar Add-a-Wire is another solution that can be used to add a C wire to an existing HVAC system that doesn’t have one. It is a small device that can be installed at your HVAC system to create an additional wire, which can be used as a C wire for your thermostat.

The Venstar Add-a-Wire system works by re-purposing an existing wire to create an additional wire. This is done by splitting the signal of one of the wires into two separate signals, allowing you to use one of the wires as a C wire. The system is compatible with most HVAC systems and thermostats, and can be installed easily by following the included instructions.

To use the Venstar Add-a-Wire system, you will need to have at least four wires connected to your HVAC system. If you have fewer than four wires, you may need to install additional wiring. The Add-a-Wire system is designed to work with HVAC systems that use a 24-volt control circuit.

Once the Venstar Add-a-Wire system is installed, you can connect the newly created C wire to your thermostat, providing it with a dedicated source of power. This can help improve the performance of your thermostat and prevent issues like short cycling or power loss.

2.Ecobee power extender kit:

The Ecobee power extender kit, or PEK, is a solution for homeowners who want to install a Wi-Fi thermostat but don’t have a C wire. The PEK provides the necessary power to your thermostat by using the other wires in your HVAC system. The kit comes with clear installation instructions and is compatible with most HVAC systems and Ecobee thermostat models.

To use the Ecobee PEK, you will need to have at least four wires connected to your HVAC system. The kit includes a control board that connects to your existing wiring and converts it into a C wire to power your thermostat. The process involves disconnecting the wires from your existing thermostat and connecting them to the control board included in the PEK. The control board is then connected to the new thermostat, providing the necessary power to run the device.

The Ecobee PEK also includes a wiring diagram to help guide the installation process. The wiring diagram shows you how to connect the wires from your HVAC system to the control board in the PEK, as well as how to connect the control board to your Ecobee thermostat.

3.Run a new wire:

How to install a C wire
If your HVAC system doesn’t have a C wire, you can still install one. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Turn off power to your HVAC system at the circuit breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat from the wall and locate the wiring behind it. You should see several wires, including the red (R), white (W), green (G), and yellow (Y) wires.
  3. Determine if your system has a spare wire that can be used as the C wire. Look for a wire that is not currently connected to the thermostat or the HVAC system. If you find one, you can use it as the C wire.
  4. If you don’t have a spare wire, you can run a new wire from the HVAC system to the thermostat. You’ll need to run the wire through the walls and ceiling, which can be a difficult and time-consuming process. If you’re not comfortable doing this, it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician to handle the installation.
  5. Once you have the C wire connected to the HVAC system and the thermostat, turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.
  6. Finally, test your thermostat to make sure it’s functioning properly. Check that the temperature readings are accurate and that the system turns on and off as expected.

4.Buy Nest or Emerson Sesi thermostat that do not require C wire

If you don’t have a C wire and want to avoid the hassle of installing one, you can consider purchasing a Wi-Fi thermostat that doesn’t require a C wire. Two popular options are the Nest Thermostat and the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat.

The Nest Thermostat uses a rechargeable battery that can be charged using your HVAC system’s wiring. It doesn’t require a C wire and can be easily installed by following the instructions provided by Nest. The Nest Thermostat is also compatible with a wide range of HVAC systems and can be controlled through the Nest app, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa.

The Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat also doesn’t require a C wire and can be installed easily using the existing wiring in your HVAC system. It uses a combination of battery power and power harvesting technology to keep the thermostat running, so you don’t have to worry about running new wiring or installing a power extender kit.

Both the Nest Thermostat and the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Thermostat are popular options for homeowners who want a Wi-Fi thermostat but don’t have a C wire. They offer a range of features and are easy to use and install. However, it’s important to note that these thermostats may not be compatible with all HVAC systems, so it’s best to check the compatibility of your system before making a purchase.

Nest thermostat vs Honeywell Lyric

For as long as I can remember Honeywell were the world’s unchallenged leader in thermostats, however all that changed when Nest launched the first generation of their smart thermostat and they have rapidly closed the gap to the point where Nest are now outselling Honeywell’s leading smart thermostat at online stores.

Honeywell sales under pressure from Nest

It was only 15 months ago that Honeywell were rated as the leading thermostat manufacturer by Navigant Research with Nest in 2nd place.

The pace of Nest’s growth has been amazing – this is made even more impressive when you consider Nest only sell a single line of thermostats while Honeywell currently have over 30 models available when you also take older style ‘dumb’ and lower priced programmable only models into account.

I’ve compared what Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot and Best Buy say are their top selling smart thermostats via their websites, and Nest is outselling the Honeywell’s popular RTH9580WF on every one.

Given all this pressure Honeywell was under it was clear they needed to respond in some way…

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Nest thermostat

Lyric – Honeywell’s answer to Nest

It’s pretty clear that Honeywell felt their biggest disadvantage was in aesthetics and the resulting design of the Lyric seems to be as about as close to the Nest as they could get without being sued, although to be fair Honeywell used to make manual thermostats with circular front panels (the Lyric is the one on the right in the picture above).

Nest was designed by Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers who were previously engineers at Apple, and Honeywell also teamed up with Apple to design the Lyric.

Honeywell plan to work with Apple on a range of home products and devices under the Lyric brand which will all be inter-connectable via Apple’s HomeKit home automation platform. There aren’t many HomeKit compatible products available yet, however Belkin, Philips,iHome, Haier, Withings, iDevices, and Kwikset have all announced that they will have products available to the public later this year.

On the other hand the Nest Thermostat can already connect with the Nest Protect combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarm – in the event of a fire Nest Protect can instruct the Nest Thermostat to shut down gas appliances. Nest’s thermostat can also use information from the sensors on the smoke alarm to determine when someone is at home more accurately than it can on its own to regulate temperatures – this is particularly useful in a large home.

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Honeywell lyric thermostat

Competing on features or price?

The Nest has always been $249 however Honeywell originally listed the Lyric’s price as $279, but the Lyric is now typically selling discounted for $229 with some online retailers selling it for under $209.

It seems that Honeywell have failed to differentiate the Lyric in the public’s mind when it comes to features so a lower price is the path they’ve decided to take to encourage sales.

There are some minor differences in the feature sets (see below), however there is a significant point of difference…

Lyric uses Geofencing to determine when you’re home, or about to arrive home, and then uses this information to adjust heating and cooling accordingly. This requires you to have an app running on your phone – if there are people using your house who don’t have the app set up they’ll have to manually change thermostat modes as they come and go.

Nest doesn’t require you to use an app, instead it learns your patterns of behavior as well as information from sensors to work out when to start changing temperatures – you can also manually override as well.

Direct Comparison Chart – Nest vs Lyric

Features Nest Lyric
Remote Control: PC, Tablet, Smartphone Tablet, Smartphone
Power Source: Self recharging battery & 20 to 30 V C, Y1, or W1 wire Battery and optional 24 V C wire
Automated Modes: Self Learning Geofencing
Size: 3″ Diameter 3.75″ Diameter
Extreme Temperature Alerts: No Yes
Easy Modes: Away, Sleeping Away, Sleeping
7 Day Programmable: Yes – but Learning mode can’t run when programmed Yes
Coordinates with other devices: Nest Protect Not yet – but has HomeKit compatibility
Filter Change Reminders: Yes Yes
Effective Price: $199 Under $169
Best Deals: Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot Amazon
Manufacturer Website: Nest Lyric

Has Honeywell’s strategy against Nest succeeded?

Well that depends on your point of view. As I write this Nest is still the number 1 smart thermostat and the older Honeywell RTH9580WF is number 2 on the Amazon best seller list while the Lyric is at 42 (one that has snuck up on that list is the Ecobee3 currently at number 7 – I’ll have more to say about that in a later article).

Despite the Lyric still being behind Nest for sales, it has changed a popular perception in the media that Nest was poised to dominate the smart thermostat market, and Honeywell have shown they have some presentation skills even if they’re perceived as being a little derivative.

My choice

If you already have Nest Protect then you may as well get the Nest Thermostat to go with it. On the other hand if you don’t have a C Wire then the Nest can end up having problems with power stealing and disconnect from the internet when the battery runs down.

The difference in price is hard to ignore, so for now I’m going with the Lyric.

What is the gauge of thermostat wire

Thermostat wire is an essential component of any HVAC system. It is used to connect the thermostat to the heating or cooling system, allowing the user to control the temperature in their home or building. There are two common gauges for thermostat wire: 18-gauge and 20-gauge. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two gauges and when to use each one.

First, let’s define what we mean by “gauge.” Gauge refers to the thickness of the wire. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire. So, for example, a 20-gauge wire is thinner than an 18-gauge wire. In general, a thicker wire can handle more electrical current and is less likely to overheat than a thinner wire.

Now, let’s take a closer look at 18-gauge wire. This is the most common gauge for thermostat wire and is suitable for most HVAC systems. It can handle up to 16.5 amps of electrical current, which is more than enough for most residential and commercial HVAC systems. 18-gauge wire is also easier to work with than thicker wire because it is more flexible and can be bent and routed more easily. This makes it a popular choice for DIY installations.

However, there are some cases where 20-gauge wire may be more appropriate. For example, high-voltage systems may require 20-gauge wire to ensure proper operation and to avoid safety hazards. High-voltage systems can generate a lot of heat and electrical current, and a thicker wire is necessary to handle the increased load. Additionally, 20-gauge wire may be a good choice for longer wire runs because it has less resistance than 18-gauge wire. This means that the voltage drop over a long distance will be less, ensuring that the thermostat is able to communicate with the HVAC system properly.

So, which gauge should you choose for your thermostat wire? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of HVAC system you have, the length of the wire run, and any special requirements or safety concerns. In general, 18-gauge wire is the most versatile and can be used in most situations. However, if you have a high-voltage system or a long wire run, 20-gauge wire may be a better choice.

It’s also important to choose high-quality thermostat wire that is designed for HVAC applications. This type of wire is typically made with stranded copper conductors that are insulated with PVC or other materials. The insulation should be rated for at least 150 volts and should be resistant to heat and moisture. Using low-quality wire or wire that is not designed for HVAC use can result in poor performance or even safety hazards.

In conclusion, thermostat wire is an important component of any HVAC system. Choosing the right gauge for your wire depends on several factors, including the type of system you have and the length of the wire run. 18-gauge wire is the most common and versatile, while 20-gauge wire may be necessary for high-voltage systems or long wire runs. Regardless of the gauge you choose, it’s important to use high-quality wire that is designed for HVAC use to ensure proper performance and safety.

What is Honeywell smart response technology

Honeywell Smart Response Technology is a feature available in certain Honeywell thermostats models. This technology enables the thermostat to learn how long it takes for the heating or cooling system to reach the desired temperature and adjust the temperature accordingly.

When you change the temperature on your Honeywell thermostat, Smart Response Technology can use its learning algorithm to determine the best way to reach the desired temperature as quickly as possible. For example, if you set the temperature to be higher or lower than the current temperature, the thermostat will turn on the heating or cooling system and run it for the optimal amount of time to reach the desired temperature at the time you have set.

Smart Response Technology also includes an Adaptive Intelligent Recovery feature that calculates the amount of time required to reach the next scheduled temperature setting and adjusts the heating or cooling system accordingly. This helps to ensure that the temperature is comfortable and energy-efficient.

This feature is designed to help you achieve a comfortable temperature at the time you’ve set, by automatically adjusting the thermostat’s schedule based on your home’s heating and cooling performance.

Adaptive Intelligent Recovery works by calculating the amount of time required to reach the next scheduled temperature setting, and then turning on the heating or cooling system early enough to achieve the desired temperature at the scheduled time. This means that the thermostat will gradually adjust the temperature so that it reaches the desired setting at the time you’ve set, rather than simply turning the heating or cooling on at the last minute.

For example, if you have set the thermostat to reach 72°F at 7:00 AM, and the current temperature in your home is 68°F, the thermostat will calculate how long it will take to raise the temperature by 4°F and turn on the heating system early enough to reach the desired temperature at 7:00 AM.

Adaptive Intelligent Recovery helps to ensure that your home is always comfortable at the time you want it to be, and can help to reduce energy waste by preventing the heating or cooling system from running unnecessarily. It is particularly useful for people who follow a regular schedule, as the thermostat will adjust the temperature accordingly based on your routine.

Overall, Honeywell Smart Response Technology can help to make your home more comfortable while saving energy and money. By learning your home’s heating and cooling patterns and making adjustments accordingly, this technology can help to reduce energy waste and lower your utility bills.

Outdoor thermostat-How and when to use them?

INTRO

If you have a heat pump in your house you probably have heard of the name outdoor thermostat.Why? Well as you probably know that not all indoor thermostats are made for heat pumps and even if it is you may have problems in winter when you either want your supplemental heat to turn on when outside temperature falls below tripping point.Or you want to not allow supplemental heating to turn on unless it is below certain point.This is where you can install an outdoor thermostat.

WHAT IS AN OUTDOOR THERMOSTAT ?

 

Outdoor thermostats are mechanical thermostat switches that senses outside temperature and can be installed in conjunction with your present indoor thermostat.Its purpose is to cutoff compressor and bring on the auxiliary heat when temperature falls below a point at which your heat pump is no longer effective in meeting the load requirement of house.

Conversely it can also be used to keep auxiliary heat from starting unless temperature is below a  set point band thus maximize efficiency.

Modern programmable thermostat do come with special algorithmic time delay to do this by sensing outdoor temperature with an outdoor sensor like Honeywell vision pro thermostat but in case you have basic heat pump thermostat and want to add an extra level of control an outdoor thermostat can do that job for you.

HEAT PUMPS COMPONENTS.

A heat pump is designed like an air conditioner with most part like condenser evaporator etc common to Ac system except that it can transfer heat both ways. When functioning like AC it takes inside heat to outside. But when functioning in heating mode it does the reverse by squeezing heat from outside and bringing it inside.It does it with a 4 way reverse valve.

HEAT PUMPS AND WINTER-HOW TO MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY ?

 

During winter the air outside is cold so there is limited capacity up to which the heat pump can work efficiently.

So there is a provision of auxiliary heat.This heat comes into play when there is more than 2 degree difference in ambient temperature and set point and also when the load capacity of heat pump is less than load

This heat can come from a electric heat strip or a furnace. System that uses furnace as auxiliary heat are called dual fuel system.

One mistake that people do with heat pumps is that they switch on auxiliary heat but turn off the compressor or heat pump when outside temperature falls below certain point. In this mode the heat pump is running in emergency heat mode and not supplemental heat mode.

Most heat pump have electric resistance wire as auxiliary heat source which is very costly in terms of producing heat. So running the heat pump on supplemental heat alone greatly increase your electricity bill.

Best practice is to keep the heat pump running but add supplemental heat to make for the load demand that the heat pump is not able to meet up.

 

 

From above graph you can see that around 30 there is a balance point between load and capacity of heat pump. Below that temp the capacity is lower than the load of the house but it is not zero. So turning off heat pump condenser completely is not effective way of running a heat pump.

TYPES OF WAY AN OUTDOOR THERMOSTAT CAN BE INSTALLED.

For Compressor cutoff-Although it is not recommended to completely cutoff the  the mechanical heating sometimes it is desired because low temperature can cause many defrost cycle or to shutoff the noise when its relatively less efficient. But overall it should be avoided.

For Heat holdoff-In this mode the thermostat prevent the supply of supplemental heat which is costly and will only allow if outside temperature is below certain point. This is better way of using outdoor thermostat.

OUTDOOR THERMOSTATS WIRING DIAGRAMS

 

OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE SENSORS FOR INBUILT OUTDOOR TEMPERATRE MONITORING THERMOSTATS

Many thermostat like Honeywell vision pro, Honewell T10, Goodman Comfortnet CTK04AE thermostat , Honeywell thermostats with truezone panel etc and countless others can sense the outdoor temperature and also comes with an internal algorithms to switch between the dual fuel or electric and mechanical heating as stated in the starting of the article. Keep in mind that some thermostat like Honeywell 9000 series can use weather forecast to sense the outdoor temperature by ntering your local zip code into the system so the use of a temperature sensor is not required.

For these type of thermostats there are certain sensors that can do the job. You just have do install it at the location where you want to sense the ambient outdoor temperature and the thermostat will decide based on the setpoint to run the Auxilaary heating lockout or Compressor lockout based on the mode of operation.

Two such popular temperature sensor are

1.Honeywell C7089R1013 Wireless Outdoor Sensor

This sensor is made for wireless Honeywell thermostats. It comes with upto 5 years lasting 2AA lithium batteries. It pairs easily with Honeywell thermostat like Vision pro 8000. You need to have a Honeywell thermostat with Red link capacity. Although the sensor uses wireless communication for transmission it doesn’t interfere with the other wireless instruments around it.

You can add this device in your thermostat using the installer code of the product. It can gather both temperature and humidity information of its surroundings. You can use it compressor lockout like at low temperature where auxiliary heat kicks in and auxiliary heat lock out at higher temperature when it shuts of the auxiliary heat. You can use the humidity and temperature reading to control the humidity inside by locking out the vent when dew point is above certain level.

Some user find the temperature to be wrongly calibrated like around 6 degree so you can check and make adjustment or it will not give efficient performance when used for thermostat functions. Also one sensor can be used to read temperature in more than one thermostat units if you require.Be sure to install it under a shade at the north side of the house as it is sensitive to the sun.

Here is a link to the manual of the product.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/69761/Honeywell-C7089.html

Click here for more reviews rating and price of Honeywell C7089R1013 sensor

2.Honeywell C7089U1006 Outdoor Temperature Sensor

This light weight wired temperature sensor comes with a 2.25 x 0.375 inch sensor head with 60 inch lead wires wihich can be stretched to maximum of 200 feet by adding more length to it using 18 gauge 24 V thermostat wire. There is a mounting clip that allows for easy fit on siding or soffit. The listed accuracy of the +- 1 degree F at 70 degrees F.

It works with Honeywell Honeywell Th8000 – TH 7000 series. However it can not be used with the RTh series as it uses wifi to retrieve outside temperature. Its works well with heat pumps and dual fuel systems. It is sensitive to the sun so try to install it under a shade.

Click here for more reviews rating and price of Honeywell C7089U1006 Sensor

BUY OUTDOOR THERMOSTAT ON AMAZON.

Well outdoor thermostat are not that much required with modern new thermostats having the ability to sense outdoor temp and optimizing the efficiency. But they are still good additional switch that will ensure your system heat cutoff and cut in capabilities.

Switch types

But first I think you should know various electronic switch code that are common with these thermostats.

1.SPST-

 

stands for Single pole single throw which is just a simple on-OFF  the switch has it has a single pole which when thrown(makes contact) conducts otherwise it breaks the circuit.

2.SPDT

 

In this type of switch is single pole connected to common toggles between two position which are both conducting, ie completes a circuit.

TPI LB110 Series LB Bi-Metal in-Built Thermostat, SPST Heat Only

 

TPI is American company which manufactures heating, ventilation, lighting, thermostats and and replacement heating element .

This thermostat has a bi metal temperature sensor instead of thermocouple. Comes with 6 feet/4 Gauge of lead for installation.

TPI LRD100A Series LR Bi-Metal SPDT Outdoor Thermostat

 

It also has a bimetallic temperature sensor with temperature marking in steps of 20 degree. Comes with 6 Feet/14 gauge lead for installation. It is dual switch which can toggle in two position of On. If not in use one terminal can be connected to common.

Goodman Outdoor Thermostat Kit OT18-60A

Goodman company which manufactures furnace, AC, Heat pumps and also HVAC replacement components.

This set is also a complete kit for installation. Temperature sensor is thermocouple and temperature marking in multiple of 5.

Following models of outdoor thermostat are available for purchase on amazon.

OT18-60A – Janitrol OEM Replacement Heat Pump Outdoor Thermostat

 

This is a replacement kit for heat pumps thermostats from Janitrol which was acquired by Goodman. It also make furnace, Ac, heatpump and HVAC replacement parts. This thermostat has a thermocouple lead as temperature sensor .You would need power tools and maybe a handyman too.