Programmable Thermostat Sources
Programmable Thermostat Sources
I did some research and found out that there are nearly 30 different thermostat manufacturers! Whew! It would take someone with the patience of Job to wade through that list in an attempt to make a sensible comparison.
I will tell you that the programmable thermostats are highly sophisticated and good ones have the best and most expensive parts and engineering. Some low cost thermostats actually have components inside that get hot and create false heat. This heat can trick the thermostat and cause it to turn on or off when you don't want it to.
It has been my personal experience that Honeywell makes a superb thermostat. I have put this brand in all of my jobs for 20 years and have never had a malfunction. I have this brand in my own home. In fact, I recently upgraded my 15 year old Honeywell programmable thermostats to the new Honeywell Chronotherm IV Plus Deluxe Programmable Thermostats. I have two systems in my house so I got two thermostats. Both have the Adaptive Intelligent Recovery™ feature. I love them!
It is my understanding that Honeywell makes thermostats for different heating companies that then place their brand label on it. It is entirely possible that you have a high quality Honeywell thermostat but you don't even realize it. Ask a professional HVAC serviceperson and they should be able to tell you for a fact.
The point is, don't rush out and buy a new thermostat if the one you have now is a good one. The only reason you might want a new one is to enjoy the benefits of ones that have the Adaptive Intelligent Recovery™ feature.
You can learn more about programmable thermostats at the Honeywell website. It is a little tough to get to the thermostat section! Start your journey at:
www.honeywell.com
You can also visit any decent sized hardware store or home center to see and purchase programmable thermostats. Be careful when you shop. Try your best to compare features. Use price as a quality guideline. Always keep in the back of your mind how quick the payback will be! Spend an extra $50 - $75 on the initial thermostat and it may keep you more comfortable and save you more than a cheap 'stat.
Related Column: Programmable Thermostat
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