Recommendation of an cheap, electronic, programmable, foolproof thermostat.

Bodycount

Looking for something that works with a steam boiler. 

Basic programmable for tenant use. 

Thanks!

Jamie Hall

Pretty much any of the Honeywell Home series will work, and there are others. Just check the manual and make sure that it can be set for steam... or one cycle per hous.

JUGHNE

I would not put programable tstats in rental units.
Most programable ones end up set on permeant "hold".

Or they try programing it and have issues of not noticing the AM and PM times etc.
PIA.
Hopefully you have a C wire and batteries both.

Honeywell Pro 5000, only 4 buttons, installer programable max high temp and min low temp. Large read out.

Bodycount

I agree with installing the programmable t-stat. 

I prefer not to, but the tenant requested one. 

When they move out I’m reinstalling the round analog , mercury switch stat that I keep. 

Can you provide more info on the “permanent hold” situation?

SteamingatMohawk

Go for a wireless thermostat that has wifi so you can monitor/control it with an app. I have a Honeywell that has a control unit in the basement, a wifi gateway connected to a router and a battery powered thermostat that can be put anywhere your heart's desire. It works great for a rental, so I could figure out the best location for the tstat. It's a bit pricey, but worth every dollar, since I don't live in the house.

Sidebar, in my apartments, when the tenant in the apartment that has the tstat does a lot of cooking, she moves the thermostat further away from the kitchen to allow the heat to operate. It's a small apartment with a 6 foot wide opening between the kitchen and living room.

What are the views on using a setback? Cost versus comfort?

Bodycount

It would be great to monitor the tstat from the basement. 

What make model are you using?

I don’t maintain my own Wi-Fi at this property but I have use of the tenants.