7 Day Programmable Thermostat Archives - Best Digital Thermostat Reviews and Buying Guide

Reviews April 30, 2019

Lux TX100E Review

“LUX TX100E – Customisable, Simple, Efficient 7 Day Programmable Thermostat”

LUX, the Philadelphia based product company, is one of those leading thermostat providers which produce quality products under a decent budget. They have wide range of thermostat models in market from a basic thermostat to a high end smart thermostat.

Here, we discuss the TX 100 model, which is a programmable low voltage thermostat from the house of LUX.

This 7 day programmable thermostat is highly customizable and very easy to use. It can be programmed for a straight 7days of the week or can be programmed differently for 5 weekdays and 2 weekends. Not only you can program the temperature schedule, you can also program the configuration of this thermostat. This makes it highly customizable for the operation.

TX 100 is designed to be used for low voltage(24V)heating and cooling systems. It has a sleek body with easy to use push buttons to select the temperature and other features from the menu on its LCD screen.

You will be free from the clicking noises while the thermostat turns on/off, it performs silently. The attractive, mercury free design is no rocket science to use. It is designed in a way which can be operated by anyone.

It also provides temporary override and manual hold option which gives you the flexibility to change the preset temperature, in case there is a change in your schedule.

Another great feature of this thermostat is that it provides the freedom to adjust the heating and cooling requirements. There is slide up/down button on its front panel that serves the purpose of selecting the heating cooling options.

This was just an overview of what to expect from this thermostat in brief. To know more about its features, read on.

Design

The TX 100E thermostat has a dimension of 1.1×5.4×3.4 inches and weighs around 8 pounds. It has an attractive, mercury free design which is not only environment friendly but also looks good on any wall. It has control buttons on its front panel which include push button and slide button.

The set, next, hold and up/down push buttons have been placed for control of software settings. The slide buttons have been given to control the blower fan and the heating cooling system.

The heating/cooling system can be turned off by sliding the button to the “off” position. While using the thermostat for heating, you can choose the heating option. Same is for the cooling system.

This control panel is easy to use and understand, hence can be operated by anyone without much effort. The LCD screen displays all the vital information and acts as an interface while programming.

Display

Since, the LCD screen plays an important role while programming, it needs to be easily read and understood. The TX100E thermostat’s LCD screen is big enough to ensemble all the important information. It shows the mode, the ambient temperature, time and date. If you want to view the set temperature, simply press the up/down button.

You can change the menu settings, through the menu options displayed on the screen when either of the set/next buttons are pressed. You can also choose which temperature format needs to be displayed: either Fahrenheit or Celsius.

The interface is clear and can be read in all lighting conditions. This is because the screen gets illuminated for 10 seconds when any of the buttons are pressed. If any one of the buttons are pressed again while the backlight is on, then the screen will be illuminated for additional 10 seconds.

Programming options

LUX TX100E thermostats provides 2 programming styles to choose from. One is weekday-weekend (5-2)programming style and the other one is an individual routine for each day of the week (7 day programming). You can also choose not to program a schedule by using the manual mode of the thermostat. Here, the thermostat will not follow any routine ad maintain the temperature at the set temperature until it is changed manually using the up/down buttons.

By default, this thermostat uses 4 periods for each day. However, you can change to 2 periods per day as well, according to your convenience. Also, if you feel like changing the temperature setting while the thermostat is working, you need not reprogram the whole schedule again. For this, the temperature override option has been given. It sets the temperature to a new value, while the thermostat is still on.

There is also the option to copy a day’s setting to set the schedule for another day. This saves a lot of time in setting a schedule for days which need similar programs.

In any case, you need the feel to hold a temperature at a set value but want to follow a routine also, and then you can use the temperature hold button. Here, the temperature will be held at a particular value for indefinite time, as long as it is released.

Since, this thermostat can be used for heating and cooling system, it provides the option to program for both these systems separately.

Another remarkable feature of this thermostat is that, not only can you program the temperature settings but also can do it for calibration settings. Any case, if you feel the results are not accurate and calibration needs to be changed, then you can adjust the room temperature measurement to as low as subtracting 5 degrees to as high as adding 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Compatibility

TX100E thermostat from LUX is a low voltage thermostat and is designed to work with single stage heating system only. It can be used with a fan blower system only if the “G” wire is used.

It is compatible with: gas, oil, electric or single stage heat pump systems, 2-wire heat-only hydronic systems (hot water baseboard and radiator), Millivolt systems (wall heaters/furnaces and gas fireplaces)

It is not compatible with: Multi-stage heat pumps, 3-wire hydronic zone valve systems and Line voltage systems (120/240 VAC)

Installation

This thermostat can be installed with 2 or 3 wires. In case you need to control the fan blower, you must install the “G” wire.

Installation process has been given in detail in the operation manual of the thermostat. It is advisable to hire a professional help for the same, if you are not quite familiar with the home wiring techniques.

Power Source

TX 100E is a dual powered thermostat. This means it can either be powered using 2 AA batteries or can be directly powered through the 24V system.

Miscellaneous features

No clicking sound while turning on/off. Fully silent operation makes it suitable to be placed in any room.
The configurable temperature swing value gives you the flexible to adjust how much the temperature can be allowed to “swing” before the thermostat starts it operation.
Keep it safe from the unauthorized hands by locking the keypad.

These were the main features of the TX100E programmable thermostat in detail. Let us now conclude by listing out the pros and cons of the product.

PROS

Backlit display
Option to turn off the heating/cooling system
Silent operation
Adjustable temperature swing and calliberation
Accurate room temperature sensor
Easy to program
Dual powered
7 day or 5-2 Day programming

CONS

Cannot be used for multi stage heating/cooling systems
Not compatible with electric line heaters

Reviews April 29, 2019

Lux TX9600TS Thermostat Review

One of the main concerns while installing a HVAC system at our homes is the amount of energy it consumes. To make the optimal utilization of the heating/cooling systems, thermostats need to be installed. However, even if we love the smart thermostats from the leading NEST, ECOBEE brands, their price tag may seem heavy for you when you are on a tight budget.

Nevertheless, companies like the LUX products, thrive to produce an affordable thermostat without compromising much on its quality. One such product from this manufacturer is the LUX TX9600TS.

It is a 7 day programmable thermostat and is compatible with almost every heating and cooling unit. The large, touch-screen digital display adds to the elegant look of this unit. It has two small sliding switches for fan control and to turn on/off the heating/cooling system.

Another remarkable feature of this unit from LUX is the flexibility to choose the number of periods per day. You can choose either 2 periods or 4 periods programming for a day. Each day of the week can have different schedule, according to your routine.

You can always switch to the non programmable mode in this thermostat, where you can set the temperature manually. The thermostat will continue to work at this temperature, unless it is programmed at a different set value.

The programmable touch screen has a lock option, which prevents it from unwanted changes through wandering hands. Also, the temperature override and temperature manual hold option amplify the versatile nature of this unit.

The temperature format can be switched between Fahrenheit and Celsius by selecting appropriate option from the user friendly menu. There is an optional recovery feature too, which aims to reach the set value of the temperature at the scheduled time by changing the temperature setting early.

Let us dig deep and learn more about its features.

Design

One of the things which we have in the back of our mind, while shopping for a thermostat is its look. We tend to go for models with an elegant look which would exemplify the beauty of the inner walls of our home.

The LUX TX9600TS may fall into a medium budget category, but it does not compromise on its look and style. It blends with any wall and adds charm to your home while providing the comfort you need. It comes in a 5.4×1.1×3.4 inches rectangle shaped unit. It has a large, touch-screen digital display, right on its front and two slide-push buttons on its side. One of the switches is provided to control the blower fan and the other is to select the system mode.

Overall the thermostat is designed to give the user easy to access features and hence can be considered user-friendly

Display

As already mentioned, LUX TX9600TS sports a digital, large touch-screen display. The display interface gives quick, clear information about the temperature, day, date and other vital system information. The easy to read display comes with a backlight to assist you in viewing in dark, dim lighting conditions.

The backlight is activated for 10 sec, once you tap anywhere on the screen. Also, this time is extended for the next 10 seconds, if you tap on the screen while the backlight is on.

The top most portion of the display shows whether the thermostat is being utilized for heating or cooling. If the heat system is working, you will see small flame like icon, and if the cooling system is on, you will see snowflake icon there. This assists you in monitoring your HVAC system.

Programming & Operation

The LUX TX9600TS gives you the option to program a different schedule for each of the 7 days of the week. Also, you can select whether you want 2 or 4 periods for a day. This benefits the users, with no fixed routine.

This thermostat has 2 control slide switches, which enhances it usability.

The upper switch is the fan mode switch and has 2 options: Auto mode and On mode. When the “auto mode” is selected, the thermostat will automatically turn on and off the blower fan according to the needs. When the “on mode” is selected, the blower will be turned on continuously.

Auto mode is preferable as it optimizes the energy usage.

The lower switch is to control the system settings. It has three options: Off, heat, cold.
“OFF”– Turns off the HVAC system, “Heat”- Turns on the heating system, “Cold” Turns on the cooling system.

Another useful option provided by this manufacturer’s unit, is the temperature override and temperature manual hold. It lets you change the set temperature at anytime. Also, the emergency heat option is a great plus for those with heat pump configuration. It prevents the heat pump to waste energy, in case the outside temperature dips drastically. When in emergency heat mode, the display will show “Emer Heat” instead of “Heat mode”.

The system menu offers numerous options which, when used to program a schedule properly can save a lot of energy being wasted.

In case you need the thermostat to follow a same routine for more than one day, you can make use of the program copy feature. This allows you to copy a schedule from one day to another day, without the need to create a separate program schedule.

This unit has adjustable temperature swings, the minimum temperature swing being +/-0.25°F, which is fine to produce accurate results and good functioning. This swing can be altered when needed. Another unique feature is its adjustable temperature offset and energy usage monitor.

Installation

While buying a thermostat to replace an old one, or even for a new home, one thing that bothers is its installation process.

Installation for this thermostat has been well explained by videos on Youtube and also in its installation guide. If you are familiar with home wiring, you can carry it yourself, using these aids.

One thing, though which might look like a problem is that you need to take off the back for the installation. For this you need to use the second of the three flaps given on its top. You have to oush it back from the other two flaps and it will flip open.

If your heating system has a blower fan, you will need to connect it to the “C” wire. Only then can you switch the blower on/off.

Compatibility

Even though the manufacturers boast this thermostat to be “universal compatible” thermostat, this does not work with certain heating systems like:
Line voltage electric baseboard heater and two stage cooling systems

Other than this it is compatible with almost all other North American heating and single stage cooling systems which include: two stage heat/ one stage cool (gas, oil, electric, or single stage heat pump systems, two wire heat only hydronic systems (hot water baseboard & radiator) and millivolt systems (wall heaters, furnaces & gas fireplaces).

Power Source

This thermostat can be powered in three ways. One way is to power it up with the 24 voltage AC alone , the second way is to power it up with only batteries(2 AA alkaline) and the third one is to power it up partially by 24 V AC and the batteries.

The thermostat works better when powered by batteries alone. You can program it even when it is taken off the wall, if powered by batteries alone.

Now that the basic features have been discussed, let us have a look at its pros and cons:

Pros:

Adjustable programming for each day of the week
Choice of 2 or 4 periods for a day
Adjustable temperature swings
Dual powered(both battery operated and 24 volt AC operated)
Easy to read, backlit large display
System turn off option
Blower fan control option
Program copy function
Compatible with almost all multi stage heating and single stage cooling system

Cons:

It cannot be used for electric baseboard heaters and multi stage cooling systems
Works better when operated with batteries

In a nutshell, LUX TX9600TS feature packed thermostat and one of the good options available in the market for its price.

Reviews February 10, 2019

Honeywell TL8230A1003 Review

Are you planning to upgrade your non-programmable line voltage thermostat ( for baseboard heaters) to a brand new programmable model, that not only has the digital features but also is easy on the pocket? Honeywell is one company, which not only produces reliable but also pocket friendly thermostats of all kinds. Honeywell TL8230A1003 is one of the best selling line volt thermostats (suitable for heating systems like baseboard heaters), that is digital, programmable and affordable.

Owing the increasing energy rates charged by the companies, we tend to look for economic options. Therefore se days, its always better to opt for a programmable thermostat rather than a non-programmable one.

The digital thermostats have huge effect on reducing your monthly expenses in terms of the energy bills. Regulating the temperatures and using the thermostats only when needed, help a lot in saving energy.

If you do not prefer the high end digital models that have wi-fi capabilities and just want a basic and simple programmable line thermostat for your electric baseboard, then choosing Honeywell’s TL8230A1003 would be great for you.

Honeywells TL8230A1003 is a line voltage 7 day programmable digital thermostat and is available on many online retail sites like Amazon.

What makes it a fairly good choice?

Before you decide to invest some of your hard-earned money on a thermostat, would it not be nice to know if it suits your desires?

To know you made the right choice you need to know what sort of model it would be like how it would look like, what modes are available etc.

This thermostat comes in with two mounting screws and four solder-less copper wires for connection. It has great easy to use display and a compact design

Let me break down more of its other aspects in points, to give you a concise and clear idea of what to expect of this thermostat.

Design

Talking about the design, it is 4.8 inches in height and 2.8 inches in width. The depth is not much since the front does not stick out from the wall much. It is a vertical thermostat and hence looks compact.

It has non slip rubber buttons on both sides to control and program the settings. These are however small ones, which may cause inconvenience while using them. Another drawback in its design is that these buttons do not have a backlight. Thus, you will find it difficult to change the settings in the dark.

Next the arrangement of buttons has been made in such a way that these are easy to use. However, you must be careful to not to press the “clear” button, accidentally as it is not provided in a separate area. Pressing “clear” button will erase your program, and you will have to set it all over again.

It has a conventional rectangular box design, the ones which you usually see in most of the honey wells thermostat, nothing modern or trendy like its ecobee or nest counterparts

It comes with a digital display which has been elaborately reviewed in the next point.

Display:

This thermostat has a large backlit digital display. You will love how clearly it displays the important information, like time, actual temperature and the set temperature along with the mode in which the device is working. Not only this, it also shows a bar graph which indicates how much power is being consumed by your heating/cooling system. It has a green background which makes the numbers easily visible during the night or low light times. A button at the bottom is provided for lighting the back light.

So, if you prefer a large, clear digital display which can be easily read in any lighting condition, this thermostat is right one for you.

Modes:

The thermostat basically has two operating modes: Automatic and manual modes. As already mentioned this one is a 7 day programmable thermostat. This comes with a pre-set schedule. So, in the automatic mode you can either use this schedule or program your own schedule.

It provides a completely customizable programming option, with four different periods(sleep, wake, return, away) for a day. You can easily set the program to set the temperature for a whole week, day wise. Even if you are going to be out of town, you can use the “vacay” option. This option, however is not programmable.

You cannot set four temperatures for a day even though a day is divided into 4 periods. You can have same temperature for “sleep” and “away” periods and same one for “wake” and “return”. This means for an entire day you can set two temperatures only.

In the manual mode, the thermostat would not follow a programmed schedule, rather would just work at the set temperature for the entire day unless changed by you.

Compatibility:

This aspect is the most important one to be considered while shopping for a thermostat. You need to know your heating/cooling system before setting out to buy a thermostat. Since all the thermostat do not support all the heating systems, checking compatibitly with your system is a must.

So, if you have 240V line voltage electric baseboards, convectors and fan forced heaters (resistive rated loads) then you can use this thermostat without any apprehension. It is perfectly compatible with these home electric heaters.

Switch on/off sounds

One of the most favourable features of this thermostat is its silent relay. You will be free from the constant ticking sound every time the thermostat changes its temperature settings in the timed modes. This provides a great relief from the annoying sounds during the switch on and off moments. It has been carefully sound proofed for silent operation which has been a common cause of concern in the conventional thermostats.

Installation:

Installation of this thermostat can be done by self, if you are familiar with the wiring stuffs. The device comes with a detailed manual that describes the process and precaution to be taken while installing it. However, if you are lay man with not much experience in handling heavy voltage, you must hire a professional to save your life as well as your home wiring. The installation is pretty simple and can be simply done by a professional electrician.

Cost

This is another major factor which decides your thermostat. Cost of this thermostat is fairly attractive, since I find it quite reasonable when comparing it with its nest and ecobee counterparts.

Moreover, it has an accuracy of about ±1 F. This saves up to an additional 10% on your heating bills. So, the money you invest on it will come back to you iver a period of time in the form of savings. Sounds great, right?

Power Source

This thermostat is battery powered but there is no need to change the batteries for a ling time. It does not have battery back up though. This means in the event of a power outage, the programmed settings will get erased and you will have to re-program the temperature settings again when the supply comes back.

In a nutshell:

These are some of the key features of the thermostat. Hope it helps you decide whether or not to go for this one.

To wrap it up, let me just list out the pros and cons of this product precisely:

Pros:

Large, Backlit digital display with all the pertinent information
Sleek, vertical rectangular design
7-day programmable option
Availability of the manual option, to override the pre-set schedule
Silent operation
Fits in a decent budget
Certified energy saving thermostat, with precision of ±1 F.

Cons:

Small rubber control buttons
No separate area for the clear button
Only two temperature settings available
Vacay mode cannot be programmed
No batter backup, whole program gets erased in case of a power outage

Plenty of options are there for you in the market when you shop for a digital programmable thermostat. Choose the right one for your heating/cooling systems according to your convenience and budget.