1) can't beat the price
2) color screen is customizable and looks very high end
3) extremely easy to use and good looking user interface
4) no stupid expensive wireless gateway needed, just a simple WiFi card.
Mine is hooked up to a Rudd 2 stage A/C 2 stage heat pump with LP furnace unit. The Installer Test Menu was perfect for confirming all stages were working properly. Also, don't miss the dip-switches on the back of the t-stat during installation.
Once wired, it takes 30 seconds to boot up. The setup menus are so easy If you've ever used a Garmin GPS, you'll be right at home with this thermostat. The user interface is setup very similar, with big icons and a menu bar with a "back" button displayed on the bottom of the setup screens. If you want to get really user friendly, you can even enable the simple thermostat option, great for the less computer savvy users. I also love that it shows if you're using 2nd stage cooling or heating.
The Optional outdoor sensor was also extremely easy to install (2 additional wires). I mounted the sensor in my outdoor condenser unit. The outdoor sensor is very simple and doesn't appear to be weather resistant so you want to mount it either in your unit or under an eve or overhang of your home. The installation of this allows you to set a temp you'd like the emergency heat to run (i.e. mine kicks in when the temp goes below 35 degrees). Another benefit to installing the outdoor sensor is that it displays outdoor temp on the t-stat, along with high/low temp for the day in a pull-down menu (after upgrading the firmware).
The Optional WiFi key was also a simple install I had it on my wireless network and registered with VenStar in less than 5 minutes. Once it's online, you create an account on VenStar's website and enter the MAC address displayed on the t-stat. You then have full control of the t-stat and all configurations from your computer. Once you have your account created, you can also download the VenStar app on your phone. After signing in with your VenStar account, you can control the t-stat and see your daily/weekly usage.
The only "cons" i can think of is that this t-stat seemed to cycle my equipment more often than my old White-Rogers t-stat. This was easily fixed by adjusting the deadband settings and number of cycles allowed per hour in the installer menu. Also, why not include WiFi in the unit Having the key stick out defeats the purpose of purchasing a different colored frame. I'd like to see some more functionality in the App (such as ability to edit the weekly or vacation schedule), but these configurations can be made from your computer and could show up in a firmware upgrade. Also, make sure you have an SD card available so you can upgrade the t-stat firmware I used one from my digital camera.
I really can't give this t-stat enough praise. My buddy who works for a HVAC company commented that this is probably the easiest thermostat to configure. If you want an inexpensive, great looking color screen, and WiFi connected thermostat look no further. I've added some pictures in the user picture gallery.
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Love this thermostat. Just had the HVAC replaced so upgraded the thermostat with this Venstar Wifi to replace a previous (line of site) remote controlled thermostat that never worked.This was installed by my HVAC technician and is perfect. I am able to control and see the temp in real-time via the Venstar website or mobile app. Can program the HVAC functions (time on/time off/vacation/fan only mode) as well.
It is a little expensive but I really like it.
The unit connects to my house's wireless network using the plug in accessory. It has a very nice colorful display with dimming or screensaver options. It also has a technician option that shows what wires are connected to the leads and if they are active.
I have played with the various features including turning the temp up and down as well as turning the HVAC off and on with my iphone while standing outside in front of it.
The documentation says it came be used in vacation homes to control temps. The systems also shows the total runtime via reports.
Hopefully it will stand the test of time and for right now, I highly recommend this item!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I purchased 2 T5800 thermostats with WiFi Key and I was able to wire and install both units fairly easily with the instructions provided. Although I have a strong wifi signal throughout my home, I initally could not get either WiFi Key to be found or find my home network. A quick email to customer support was returned within the same day and provided the perfect solution (which was not provided in the manual). If you have a similar problem connecting your WiFi Key to your home network try this: Insert the WiFi Key into the thermostat slot; using the thumb tabs on the bottom of the thermostat, pull away until the thermostat is unpowered; with the WiFi Key still in place, reinsert the thermostat to reboot it; the connection to the home network then worked easily.The ability to adjust the thermostats by smart phone, ipad, PC, or Mac is fantastic and provides all sorts of options for control remotely. My home is accurately cooled/heated within the parameters that I chose and the climate in my home is being efficiently controlled.
Honest reviews on Venstar WIFI ColorTouch High Resolution Color Thermostat w/ Touch
The unit installed easily and the setup was just as easy. Venstar has a website dedicated to taking you step by step through the installation.However the installation and setup are so easy that you can easily program by using the touch screen.
The screens are intuitive and user friendly.
All said it is a very good product and does everything as stated.
I would buy this product again without hesitation.
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I am extremely pleased with this product. This purchase was my first ‘smart thermostat'. The Venstar has a great web interface and it easily allows you to program the schedule and adjust the settings. You can do the same things directly through the thermostat, but I found it easier to perform these tasks on a computer. Also, I use an Android smart phone and the mobile app works perfectly as well.I am a novice to HVAC thermostats, but the installation directions were easy to follow and worked the first time.
One item, I wish you could update the firmware via the wireless interface. In order to update the firmware on the device, you have to download the "Color Touch Assistant" software to a computer, load the software update on an SD card. Then, you have to remove the thermostat from the wall, remove the wifi card, put the SD card in, re-install the thermostat to the wall and then perform the upgrade. When the upgrade is done, you have to remove the thermostat from the wall, remove the SD card, re-install the wifi card and reattached the thermostat to the wall.
Performing this upgrade is not a big deal to me, but it is time consuming. However, most people probably don't need to maintain the latest firmware unless they are having issues. I just like to be on the latest and greatest software.
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