If you’re looking for a smart thermostat but want something with tangible controls as well, the Honeywell RTH6580WF is a product that you may be interested in. It isn’t the fanciest product on the market, but it is something that has all the functionality you will need and is available at a price that won’t break the bank. Keep reading for more information on this powerful Honeywell RTH6580WF thermostat.
Honeywell RTH6580WF Thermostat
- Is accurate within 1 degree
- Easy to install yourself
- Automatically updates itself
- Features a clock
- No touchscreen
- No battery backup
Design
The design of this one is not likely to turn heads, but don’t let that steer you away from buying it. It has a bright display, which can be seen at all times, and there are buttons along the bottom and side, in order to set everything just how you want it.
It’s rectangular in shape and white in color, while the buttons are gray and rubberlike. It may remind you of an older home alarm panel or something like that.
Honeywell RTH6580WF Specifications
The specs are not something that is cutting edge, but they are impressive enough to warrant it being a part of your household. The base is around 6 inches wide and 3.5 inches high, and about 1.5 thick.
Operates on the standard 24 volts and needs a c-wire in order to work properly. It works well with most of the major heating and cooling setup configurations, meaning it should be easy enough to install by anyone.
You do not have to be a professional to set this one up, since it is essentially connecting a few wires and you’re set. Honeywell customer service can be contacted if you run into problems or need help along the way.
It also promises a 1-year manufacturer warranty, is Energy Star certified, and comes with everything to get it up and running properly after installation, including the back plate and hardware to secure it to the wall.
Honeywell RTH6580WF Features
The features of this gadget are impressive and offer a little something for everyone. Here’s a look some of the most useful ones.
Classic Look and Feel
There is a classic feel to this one, since it has tangible buttons. It’s like having a smart gadget that seems like something simple. It won’t be hard to control right from the unit and it is convenient in a pinch as well. There are buttons to control the temperature, the clock, other settings or modes, and even an override button.
Connects through Wi-Fi
Like some of the best thermostats on the market, you can connect to this one through WiFi. It will only connect through 2.4GHz, so you will need a router that supports that speed. The network is completely secure, meaning there’s no safety risk when it comes to using it this way.
Remembers schedules
This one is known as a 7-day programmable thermostat, which means you can set a different program for it to follow each day of the week if you want to. You can also set it to do up to 4 different things on each of these days.
Essentially, how the house should be kept when you are not there, say on the weekdays, versus when you are there, like on the weekends, can be programmed differently.
When the Wi-Fi is utilized, it will be able to remember these schedules, even if the power goes out, so it won’t be something that needs to be reprogrammed all the time.
Works with Alexa
Like other smart products, it should work just fine with Alexa. It will also work with other services, including Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, Wink, and more. It doesn’t come with the devices needed to use these things right out of the box, but it isn’t hard to connect with them if you have speakers or other hubs that utilize these virtual assistants.
Can Use Total Connect Comfort App
Arguably, the best thing about this one is that it can be controlled by downloading the Total Connect Comfort app. This app is available for free for use by Android or Apple users, and will run on a variety of different smart devices, including phones, tablets, and watches.
With the app, you can control anything you can by connecting via WiFi or by directly pushing the buttons on the unit. Surprisingly, some users say that it is easier to control the product through the app, since it has more options to choose from and is presented in a user friendly way.
Specifically speaking, the app shows you the weather, allows you to view or change the temperature, you can set schedules, see the humidity levels inside and outside, and adjust any other settings there are.
You are able to receive alerts via email when things are amiss, or there are extreme temperatures reported. It will also let you know when the Wi-Fi goes out.
The Takeaway
This product may not look like a Nest or other popular type of thermostat, but this Honeywell 7-day programmable thermostat is something that definitely competes with some of the best selling products out there. It comes already programmed to save you money, and has an energy saving mode. Of course, it has many other settings you can change as well, making it perfect for personalization.
The fact that it isn’t hard to put in, maintain, or figure out how to work is refreshing, and since there are a number of ways to connect to it, you can take your pick. It is not something that you have to be afraid of if you like electronics or you don’t, since this one definitely belongs in the 21st century. It is much less expensive than other items with similar features.
The only things that keep it from being a top of the line product is that there is no backup battery to keep it from losing power altogether, and it doesn’t have a touchscreen. If these things do not bother you, give this one a second look.
