Perfect for Heat Pump Applications
Just installed these for 2 ea. Amana PTH153G35AXXX packaged terminal heat pump units (1 per unit) and so far the thermostats have performed flawlessly. The Honeywell TH8321R1001 thermostats were used (along with the Honeywell C7089R1013 Wireless Outdoor Sensor) to replace Honeywell RTH7600D thermostats that were not suitable for heat pump applications, since the latter devices have no adjustable lockout outdoor temperature parameters for heat pump and backup electric heat operation. Specifically, the RTH7600D devices rely solely on a maximum indoor temperature differential of 2° F to determine whether the unit operates using heat pump mode or backup electric heat. In other words, if the set point temperature is equal to or great than 2° F, then backup electric heat will be used, otherwise the heat pump mode will be selected. This is a matter of economy because this particular Amana unit consumes 1345 W for 13800 Btuh output when in heat pump mode, as compared to the backup electric heat that uses 3570 W for 12000 Btuh. (Of course, the RTH7600D could be configured for heat pump operation only, without any backup electric heat, but this setup would not work in situations, below 38° F or so, where the heat pump would not operate due to low outdoor temperature.)
Due to its extensive feature set, the initial configuration is somewhat lengthy as compared to that for an 'ordinary' programmable thermostat, but the options are clearly described, including a built-in help feature. The connection of the TH8321R1001 to the RedLink enabled accessories (C7089R1013 Wireless Outdoor Sensor and THM6000R1002 RedLink Enabled Internet Gateway) was straightforward, quick and hassle-free. The Honeywell Total Connect Comfort website is first class and allows configuration and operation of RedLink (and WiFi) connected thermostats (via the THM6000R1002). For those with mobile devices (in my case iPhone and iPad), the companion Total Connect Comfort applications are excellent as well. Finally, programming this thermostat is simply a breeze as there is only one screen for each time period (Wake / Leave / Return / Sleep... just touch the up/down arrows to set time and temperature.... no need to scroll through multiple screens, and for even greater simplicity, the temperature set points can be also modified using the Honeywell website app.
As a side note regarding the various model designations for the VisionPro 8000 Series, the Honeywell TH8321R1001 has an onboard (built-in) humidity sensor and an auxiliary universal relay (configurable NO or NC contacts), whereas the Honeywell TH8320R1003 does not. Both models have a microSD card slot at the bottom for software updates and to copy configuration information to other VisionPro 8000 Series thermostats.
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