Thermostat - Any experiences or recommendations?

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  • Last Post 02 February 2014
Axial-User posted this 08 January 2014

To add another data point, I'm running the Lowes Iris (seen here) branded version of the 2GIG CT100 (sold as the CT101). I've had it running (with a powered c-wire) for ~6 months now and I've been quite happy with it. The thermostat itself is touchscreen, which while cool, its kinda unnecessary, as once it was on the z-wave network, it's always been controlled via z-wave. If it's not being controlled by z-wave, it's a simple "set temperature" thermostat, so no "7-day programmable" capabilities to fall back on if your z-wave network goes down.

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eliashall posted this 08 January 2014

I have a Trane TZEMT400BB3NX Zwave Thermostat. It works really well with InControl.
There are two things I don't like about it though.
1. The buttons are clunky and feel cheap.
2. The unit shifts around when you push the buttons like it doesn't have a solid base against the wall.
I hope this helps.

SickPup404 posted this 08 January 2014

Rats... I was starting to look at thermostats as well. Two had made my "short list":

The Trane TZEMT400BB3NX from Amazon (~$90, 3.7 stars, 92 reviews)
The Honeywell YTH8320ZW1007/U from Amazon (~$145, 3.9 stars, 74 reviews)

Anyone else have thoughts on these or others?

(Thx for starting this thread!)

Axial-User posted this 08 January 2014

I have the non-Z-wave version of the Honeywell listed above. It has been a great thermostat. It seems the z-wave versions are a bit dated compared to some of the new wi-fi versions. It would be nice if they added z-wave directly to the latest models with all the bells and whistles so you could get wi-fi access, but still control it via Z-Wave scenes.

Would anyone have some ideas on if either the latest Honeywell:

Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

or the Nest could be integrated into InControl via a plug-in?

jonfrance posted this 08 January 2014

Rats... I was starting to look at thermostats as well. Two had made my "short list":

The Trane TZEMT400BB3NX from Amazon (~$90, 3.7 stars, 92 reviews)
The Honeywell YTH8320ZW1007/U from Amazon (~$145, 3.9 stars, 74 reviews)

Anyone else have thoughts on these or others?

(Thx for starting this thread!)


I have 2x TZEMT400BB3NX which I put in for both my systems. They were fairly each to install, albeit slightly worrying when it had me wiring connections together and having a couple of left-over wires, but all the functions for my heat-pump systems work correctly.
Per the comments above.....I haven't found the buttons bad to use, although I agree they are not super sexy, but for the amount you use them not a problem. Both my units are firmly secured to the wall and I haven't had any movement as described....possibly an installation issue or a defect on the mount perhaps?

When I initially put them in I enabled the on-board scheduling, with just using InControl to monitor and override the settings when needed. Now
I’ve implemented something a little more intelligent on my PC to take more control of them. I’ve not had any problems with them. One occasionally throws an error in InControl log relating to “device not responding” but I think that comes from an interruption in the network….commands have always been processed and data received correctly.

Overall I’ve been happy with them, particularly for the price.

Ryan-Scott posted this 14 January 2014

I'm using the Trane thermostat. I've had it for about 5 years and I've been very happy with it. It has some perks that other tstats don't have - it allows you to both have a schedule programmed into the thermostat AND control it with z-wave. I've heard that not all tstats allow dual control like that.

As a side note, I've recently swapped out one of my tstats to use a Nest. I've got to say, the nest is a very nice tstat. We'll be adding a Nest plugin to InControl soon as well, so that should be one that you include in your search.

eliashall posted this 14 January 2014

Ryan, given that you have the Trane t-stat are you able to code an email alert when the filter needs to be changed?

Ryan-Scott posted this 14 January 2014

Ryan, given that you have the Trane t-stat are you able to code an email alert when the filter needs to be changed?


I wasn't aware that it sent an alarm when the filter needed changed... I've never seen mine make a mention of it. Does yours? Maybe it's something with a later version or something.

eliashall posted this 14 January 2014

Ryan, given that you have the Trane t-stat are you able to code an email alert when the filter needs to be changed?

I wasn't aware that it sent an alarm when the filter needed changed... I've never seen mine make a mention of it. Does yours? Maybe it's something with a later version or something.


I don't know if it has a parameter that it sends via Z-Wave. I just assumed that since the thermostat tracks filter changes that it would also be capable of reporting the flag over Z-Wave.

Axial-User posted this 16 January 2014

Ryan - good to hear you are looking into integrating a plug-in to the Nest. I see they are working on publishing an API for developers, so it should provide a pretty good amount of functionality/info back to InControl. I have sent a few notes to Honeywell customer service, but have received no response on their plans to publish an API for developers to access their wi-fi tstat.

Would you know if the Nest integration you are looking at will include both the tstat and the "protect" product (smoke detectors). Although pricey, it would be worth it if I could add both the heating/cooling and fire alarms into the home automation toolbox.

Axial-User posted this 16 January 2014

I have a used Honeywell on the way, I will let you know how it works out.

Andy

SickPup404 posted this 16 January 2014

The Wi-Fi Smart, or a Z-Wave?

Thanks!

sccrgoalie1 posted this 16 January 2014

I got the Honeywell for Christmas. I had to use the Wiresaver module that's included as I didn't have all 5 wires at the thermostat. I picked up a short 5 wire from Home Depot and mounted the Wiresaver near the control panel in the furnace and it worked perfect. As Ryan mentioned above with the Honeywell you can either do the schedule on the Thermostat or Zwave. I choose Zwave of course via InControl and it's working great. I can control my thermostat remotely and I like the thermostat.

Note: For some reason the mode of the thermostat is set to heat pump by default. Just make sure you go into the settings and change it to your setup. For me one AC and one Furnace.

Axial-User posted this 24 January 2014

I just finished installing the Honeywell. I can see it in the GUI, but System Mode and Fan Mode do not show what the thermostat is set for - but if I click Fan Mode to "On", the fan does come on. Have I missed something in the setup?

sccrgoalie1 posted this 24 January 2014

I just finished installing the Honeywell. I can see it in the GUI, but System Mode and Fan Mode do not show what the thermostat is set for - but if I click Fan Mode to "On", the fan does come on. Have I missed something in the setup?


I didn't have to do anything other than change the device type to thermostat and now both Fan Mode and System Mode match the thermostat and update properly.

Ryan-Scott posted this 24 January 2014

Are you running in "beta controller" mode? It's found in the tools/options/z-wave controller menu.

Axial-User posted this 24 January 2014

After a restart, everything showed up. Thanks for the replies.

southal523 posted this 25 January 2014

Has anyone installed a Honeywell YTH8320ZW1007/U. Just thought I would ask before I purchase one. Thanks

Axial-User posted this 25 January 2014

Yes, that's the one I am referring to above. It works great with inControl, the only issue I had was that after I included it I had to restart inControl to get all the attributes to show up. Since then it has been flawless.

southal523 posted this 25 January 2014

Ok, thanks. I didn't see the model #.

bratcliff7 posted this 01 February 2014

Any update on the Nest plugin? Also, as there are many functions and states of the Nest, I.e. Auto away, energy reporting data, filter reminders, etc, will all of the functions be covered in the plugin? The sensors in the Nest are quite impressive and it would be great to leverage these sensors in InControl.

NFOtte posted this 02 February 2014

To add another data point, I'm running the Lowes Iris (seen here) branded version of the 2GIG CT100 (sold as the CT101). I've had it running (with a powered c-wire) for ~6 months now and I've been quite happy with it. The thermostat itself is touchscreen, which while cool, its kinda unnecessary, as once it was on the z-wave network, it's always been controlled via z-wave. If it's not being controlled by z-wave, it's a simple "set temperature" thermostat, so no "7-day programmable" capabilities to fall back on if your z-wave network goes down.

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