All Things HVAC

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All about Lyric Thermostat & the Other Top 4 Best Programmable Thermostats

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Home automation is the latest trend and it makes perfect sense that it should be. After all, this is the year 2015, when online connections and Wi-Fi networks are readily available to most middle income earners. And since most such people are busy professionals, it is absolutely reasonable for them to want to come back home to a perfectly heated home. However, as is the case with most other electronic gadgets out there, sometimes the range of choices can get a bit overwhelming. This is why today’s post is a guide meant to help you sail through the options and decide which smart thermostat is the right one for you. We’ve ranked the best of the best below, based on temperature control, energy management, design, setup, and support.

1. Honeywell Lyric Thermostat [$229]

The Honeywell Lyric thermostat is probably your best bet, when it comes to finding the right programmable device. It’s averagely priced and comes with great customer support feature. In fact, Honeywell lives up to its name in this sense, since they’ve been acknowledged for this quality for quite a while now. It’s impeccably designed (another Honeywell staple), and does a great job at managing your home’s energy resources and controlling temperature. It supports up to three stages of heating and works well with most HVAC units available on the market at the moment. It also has a feature that determines the optimal temperature based on humidity and the weather outside. The only negative aspect to the Lyric Thermostat is that its app may prove a bit difficult to use, especially for those who are not exactly technology literate.

2. Nest Learning Thermostat [$249]

Lyric and other programmable thermostatsThe Nest Learning Thermostat was actually one of the first products in its category to emerge on the market, as early as the end of 2011. Here was a product that combined home security with automation, all with environmental protection in mind. By far the most unique aspect about this thermostat, which actually comes with a higher price than the Lyric Thermostat, is that it will come to learn your preferences in time – hence its straightforward name. It’s well designed and comes with a great help and support team; there’s really just one snag to it, which detracts from its potential and has it pegged at number 2 on our list. It has a two year warranty, which is shorter than the industry average.

3. Ecobee3 [$249]

The Wi-Fi-ready Ecobee3 thermostat will give you a hint as to what its manufacturer’s priorities are. This is a company that is genuinely cares about protecting the environment and this is also easily noticeable from the design and features of its flagship programmable thermostat. The Ecobee3 comes with not 3, but 4 temperature control stages. It also has a remote sensor, which will allow you to better manage the energy expenditure of your home heating system. The central user interface has a slightly different design from that of most other products in the same category, but this is not to say that it is at all worse. It’s simply in a league of its own in this respect. The only problem with this otherwise great thermostat is that it does not provide geofencing support (i.e. changing the temperature in your home based on the location of your home).

4. Radio Thermostat CT-80 [$169.99]

Unlike the previous three entries on our list, this one comes from a less known brand. However, it performs so well in most respects that we just had to include it. With it, you have complete control over your home environment and the device is also Wi-Fi ready. It can also be programmed via the user-friendly interface and, although it comes with a lower number of thermostat sensors than the other contenders in this chart, it still provides great temperature control in three distinct stages. It also supports geofencing, which can be adjusted to best suit your needs. However, just like with the Nest Learning thermostat, there’s a problem in terms of warranties with this device. Its manufacturer only offers buyers a one year guarantee.

5. Ecobee Smart Si [$159.54]

Unlike the Lyric Thermostat from Honeywell and most of the other brands on our list, the Ecobee Smart Si comes with no light and motion sensors. In plain English, this means that the thermostat can only be used to adjust your heating and cooling system and does not, in fact, allow you to program other things in your house. Indeed, it does a very good job at this, by collecting data from your specific HVAC systems and adjusting its settings based on it. Also on the plus side, the Ecobee Smart Si thermostat has an awesome mobile app, which has been clearly designed with the consumer in mind. The app and the design of the thermostat’s user interface make this one of the friendliest and easiest to program thermostats out there.

WiFi Thermostats

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WI-FI THERMOSTATS

By Betty Stephens owner of Quest Media

 

Now you can buy a Wi-Fi thermostat” (or “ip thermostat”, “internet thermostat”, etc.) which allows you to control your thermostat settings remotely, it can be controlled from a computer or even your iPhone or Smartphone!

 

With the use of smartphones and laptops now there are ways to put them to work for us in controlling our thermostats. Many companies are putting resources toward creating home wireless thermostats that can be controlled with a Smartphone or computer. Now you can adjust the temperature even when you’re away from home, allowing you to control your heating and air conditioning temperatures and save money no matter where you are.  Scheduling when to heat or cool your home is environmentally friendly, saves you money and is easy to do.

 

The easiest way to reduce your energy bills is to lower your thermostat when the house is empty. For people who work most of the day, set your thermostat much lower (or higher for cooling) during the hours you are gone. Then have a more comfortable temperature kick in about half an hour before you arrive home.

 

The Wi-Fi thermostat allows you to schedule heating and cooling using a connection to the Internet from a home broadband connection, Utilities can also operate demand response programs through the thermostat, where consumers get a rebate for allowing the utility to change thermostat settings to lower energy use during peak times.

The hope is that easy-to-use Smartphone and tablet apps, which let people remotely, control their heating and cooling, will increase the participation in efficiency and demand response programs. The arrival of popular Wi-Fi thermostat and apps to program thermostats helps make them more consumer-friendly.

Once properly installed, the radio transmitter chip inside the thermostat allows you to connect to your laptop or iPhone using your Wi-Fi network. You are then able to control the thermostat remotely. Even with the thermostats technical advances, it works with all modern central air conditioning units, making it compatible with your home no matter how old.

Wi-Fi Thermostats Features

 

Here are some features you should look for when installing a Wi-Fi thermostat:

 

  1. Scheduling & Programming:

A top-ranking Wi-Fi thermostat should be able to schedule a variety of preferred temperatures based on several weekly or daily programs, such as a seven-day schedule or a weekday and weekend program.

  1. Design:

The best Wi-Fi thermostats have a sleek, modern look and are easily integrated into most home designs. Top-ranking thermostats have a touch screen display.

  1. Features:

The best Wi-Fi thermostats have advanced features, such as multiple heating and cooling stages, vacation features, a clock, a humidity sensor, an outside temperature display, and compatibility with a mobile app.  It offers internet connectivity via Wi-Fi, mobile apps for remote management, and “learning” features that let it auto-program itself based on your habits.

  1. Warranty & Support:

The best Wi-Fi thermostats are backed by a strong warranty. Manufacturers should offer FAQs, online support forums, and installation documents and other helps on their websites.

Costs

 

The Wi-Fi thermostat tends to be expensive. They retails from $200 to $500 depending on the model and features you want.  Some models require a professional contractor to come and install so they can get expensive.  Almost any smart thermostat will require more money at the outset than a simple programmable model. Some are designed so you can install them yourself.

Are programmable thermostats worth the cost?

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Programmable Thermostats

Q: Tammy I’m a single guy and don’t spend much time at home, would it be worth it for me to have a programmable thermostat installed?

A: I should just pinch your hinny hard for asking such a question.  A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home a lot or have a set schedule.  According to the Department of Energy you would save about 10% on your heating and cooling bill which is around $180 on an average home per year.

There are several different types and styles.  You can program for five to seven days depending on your schedule.  You can program for energy savings temperatures while you are away and asleep.   The new digital screens are easy to program and read.  I have the latest and greatest in my house with a remote control that even tells me the outdoor temperature, humidity and when to change my air filter.  My recommendation is Honeywell products for their longevity and reliability.

Know before you buy:

You can buy programmable thermostats on line, or at your local home improvement store.  They do come with installation instructions and many have live tech support if you need help.  You may need to purchase according to the type of heating and cooling system you have (gas, electric, heat pump or single or two stage), because that effects your wiring.  Some thermostats will work with any type of system; you just need to program and wire accordingly.  Be sure to read the box carefully before you purchase.

Price Matters:

This is where you get what you pay for.  The cheaper the thermostat, the fewer features you will get possibly making it less user friendly and not as accurate.  Some manufacturers do not sell their top models to the public, only to contractors.  However, contractors and technicians install these thermostats and program them every day so they may give you access to a better selection and save you some aggravation depending on how handy you are.

Kisses!

Tammy Technician

(Picture courtsey of Google Images.)

Honeywell Prestige HD Thermostat

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This was my anniversary present from my husband last year.

Imagine my surprise when I opened the box. I am not sure I was thrilled with the romantic gesture, but this has turned out to be one of the best gifts I have ever received. After seeing it, three of my neighbors had us install one for them. I have given it as gifts to several relatives. Every one who sees this thermostat wants one.

Basically the thermostat  works by having a wireless remote you can  move,  and make that room whatever temperature you want.  You control and read the room temperature  from the hand held device not the thermostat if you choose.

It is so nice not have to get out of bed to turn the heat up or down.  I also enjoy having the remote with me in the kitchen when I am cooking.

I Love You Honeywell!

 

 

Watch Informative Video.

Pictures courstey of Google Images.

Proper Disposal of Mercury-Containing Thermostat

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 So you just went to the big box home improvement store, bought a new programmable thermostat, installed it yourself.  Only had to call the help line once, used less swear words than the kids swing set project and you can’t wait to see your next electric bill.  Good Job!  Helping to save the environment.

 

But wait!  Don’t break the law.  You can’t just throw your old mercury-containing thermostat in the trash or recycle bin.  Even if it is not illegal in your state, please be environmentally responsible.  When these thermostats are dumped into landfills the mercury glass bulbs become broken. Mercury then seeps into the ground water contaminating the underground aquifers which flow to creeks, rivers, and lakes and even sometimes become drinking water causing health problems for humans, fish and other wildlife.

 

To find a drop off site in the U.S.

WWW.thermostat-recycle.com/

To find a drop off site in Canada

WWW.switchthestat.ca/eng/dropoff.php/

Pictures courtsey of Google Images.