'dumb' thermostat that can switch itself between heat/AC within a range?
Current model needs to be manually switched from heat to AC, which isn't meshing well with the regional weather swings from really hot to really cold.
I suspect it's just a bare-bones cheapest model on the market.
Searching for an upgrade, I'm seeing lots of 'smart' options that pair with my phone or WiFi, but that's overkill for my taste.
On the other end, I'm seeing lots with terrible reviews / unit craps out after a couple months, or has the same annoying lack of function as my current model. ... Didn't expect this purchase to be such a battle.
All I want:
Set it like 73° with a +/- 5° tolerance. If it hits 68°, heat kicks on. If it hits 78°, AC kicks on.
That's it. No phone connection, no Internet, no AI slop home assistant.
Any of you know a good model that fits the bill?
8 replies
From some searching, it looks like the term you're looking for is an "auto changeover" thermostat. Honeywell is usually a pretty safe choice for thermostats and they have models with auto changeover. Some of those are technically 'smart' but can be programmed and operated without using the app.
I'd also suggest checking for which models are eligible for energy rebates.
I can't imagine needing this. Its got to be crazy where you are. I mean if its been hot enough for ac to kick on it can get pretty cold outside my place and not get the indoor temp all that low. and vice versa.
'Need'? Not at all... but they exist, and I've been switching the thermostat from heat to cool and back often enough that it's gotten annoying. Especially so right after getting home from work when there's that contrast from a relatively cold AC'd car to a relatively cooked house; but my body temp is still on the chilly side so it feels comfortable long enough for me to plop my ass down and relax on the couch... only for that contrast to wear off over the next few minutes and I start getting uncomfortably hot and sweaty. So I turn the AC on, then tomorrow it randomly drops 20 degrees outside, and now I live in a refrigerator.
I just want to set it and forget it.
Ordered one of the Honeywell's. We'll see how it goes.
https://www.honeywellhome.com/products/digital-non-programmable-thermostat?variant=43065180618854
That looks similar to my current model - look at the switch on the bottom:
It can be set to heat OR cool. Or neither. But not both. Apparently letting the internal thermometer decide if it needs hot or cool air is a tall order.
You’re right, the specs says auto but the instructions show is heat or cool only.
Here you go:
https://www.honeywellhome.com/products/t5-7-day-programmable-thermostat-1
Edit: there might be a cheaper one but you’ll need to look through the product catalog.
I think that one's the winner - thank you!