It took more time to remove the old thermostat than it did to install this new one. I did read the instructions carefully, but I did not look all the way through the packaging materials. I made my own wire labels from masking tape and carefully noted what each wire was connected to on the old thermostat. As I was getting the new thermostat out to install it, out pops a complete set of stick-on wire labels! Using those would have saved a few minutes.
The only thing that was not real clear was just when to attach the new thermostat to its wall-mounted base. Since I am using the optional battery backup mode, I found that I could sit in my recliner and program the thermostat, then click it into place on the wall mount. I don't use a lot of alternate programs ... just the same one each day. The "copy" option worked great. Just set up your first day, and copy it to the other days. Simple.
I have a heat pump with a second stage (very expensive to run) electric heat strip. My old thermostat would kick in that second stage whenever I clicked up the temperature setting a bit. This new thermostat lets you set just how far apart the setting for the heat pump and the second stage should be. Also, it has an "early recovery" mode that anticipates the morning "warmup" phase ahead of time, and it starts the phase early and gradually ... once again so that the second stage heat does not kick in unless it is really cold outside.
If there are any negatives, the backlight is not very bright. When you press any button you can see the display in the dark, but it isn't near as bright as a computer monitor or flat-screen tv. Still, if you are going to use this with the batteries as the sole source of power, this level of brightness would probably use minimal battery resources. If your wiring allows powering it directly from the furnace / heat pump, then it is too bad that there is not a brighter setting for the display.
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Lux TX9100E 7 Day Universal Programmable ThermostatProduct Description: Compatible with almost any heating or cooling system--including heat pumps--the Lux TX9100E Smart Temp Programmable Thermostat features a user-friendly, energy-saving design. Because it's programmable, the TX9100E uses energy only when it's needed most, helping save money on your utility bills and protect the environment. For safety and additional eco-friendly benefits, this thermostat is entirely free of mercury.
TX9100E Smart Temp Programmable Thermostat
At a Glance:
Seven-day programmable thermostat offers universal system compatibility,including heat pumpsSet up to four periods per day to save energySaves money and energy without sacrificing comfortEasy operation--large, backlit display; patented Speed Dial; programmable keypad lock
Electronic accuracy; 100% mercury free
Thanks to a large lighted display, patented Lux Speed Dial, and preprogrammed energy-saving schedule, the TX9100E is incredibly easy to use.Multiple Programming OptionsOne of the easiest ways to reduce utility costs is to program your thermostat to fit your schedule. The TX9100E lets you create a different program for every day of the week, and you can enter four different time periods and temperature settings in a 24-hour period. And when you're away from home, you can use the vacation hold option to ensure that you're not paying to heat or cool an empty house.
Smart Recovery for Maximum ComfortThe TX9100E boasts Smart Recovery, which means the thermostat "learns" how long it takes for the furnace and air conditioner to reach programmed temperature settings. That way, the correct temperature is reached by the beginning of your programmed period.
User-Friendly Programming, Battery Monitor, and Keypad LockThanks to a large lighted display, patented Lux Speed Dial, and a preprogrammed schedule developed to save energy and reduce costs, the TX9100E is incredibly easy to use. It even has a battery monitor that indicates when the battery power is running low.
The TX9100E also offers a programmable keypad lock and 10,000 different possible combinations to prevent unauthorized changes to the thermostat settings.
Save Money and the EnvironmentLike all programmable thermostats, the TX9100E helps reduce energy consumption, but this efficient device takes savings a step further. To maximize your home's energy efficiency, the TX9100E comes preprogrammed with a default heating and cooling schedule that's designed to save up to $500 in energy costs over a year, and can also help cut down on your carbon footprint. Because the TX9100E is 100% mercury free, you can be sure it's a safe and environmentally conscious choice for your home.
About Lux: Innovation, Quality, and ValueSince 1914, Lux Products Corporation has manufactured quality products for the home. It all began with turn-of-the-century timing devices, the forerunners of the now world-famous Lux 60-Minute Timers. Building on the success of these simple and utilitarian items, Lux grew into the multifaceted manufacturer and merchandiser it is today. The Lux name has always stood for innovation, quality, and value. The company's full line of electronic and mechanical thermostats offers models for nearly every heating and cooling application. See how you can save money and conserve energy with Lux.
What's in the BoxLux TX9100E Smart Temp Programmable Thermostat, mounting hardware, installation guide, and instruction manual.
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My teenage son can't believe I installed this and programmed it myself. It was very easy. Just write down on a piece of paper the letters for where the wires go in your old thermostat and put them in the corresponding places in this one. As soon as I powered up this unit it worked, and I had all the wires in place. Directions are in plain English (and Spanish) and easy to understand.
