Welcome! Here are the website rules, as well as some tips for using this forum.
Need to contact us? Visit https://heatinghelp.com/contact-us/.
Click here to Find a Contractor in your area.

What the heck is wrong with Honeywell?

Options
2

Comments

  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    edited March 2020
    Options
    No opinions on the Emerson thermostat?
    https://www.amazon.com/Emerson-1E78-140-Non-Programmable-Thermostat-Single-Stage/dp/B00204WWGE/
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • KC_Jones
    KC_Jones Member Posts: 5,737
    Options
    > @Hap_Hazzard said:
    > (Quote)
    > No, you're right. It's much cheaper to make them in China, ship them to the other side of the world, have the customers return them, and ship them all the way back to China to get recycled. Sounds lke a really sound business model.

    I work in manufacturing, they could return 7 or 8 more and still make money, the labor and materials are that much cheaper. We have 3 plants in China, can’t touch the labor cost domestically. Not even on the same playing field, this is what consumers are asking for, this by the price point you quoted ($28.00) is what you are asking for. Want it domestically? In my estimation you need to start tripling or quadrupling your price point, based on actual labor and material costs I am familiar with. I’m most likely low.

    I’m pretty sure someone posted a while back that they buy those old stats on eBay, might have been pressurtrols, hard to remember.
    2014 Weil Mclain EG-40
    EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Boiler Control
    Boiler pictures updated 2/21/15
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
    Options
    KC_Jones said:

    > @Hap_Hazzard said:

    > (Quote)

    > No, you're right. It's much cheaper to make them in China, ship them to the other side of the world, have the customers return them, and ship them all the way back to China to get recycled. Sounds lke a really sound business model.



    I work in manufacturing, they could return 7 or 8 more and still make money, the labor and materials are that much cheaper. We have 3 plants in China, can’t touch the labor cost domestically. Not even on the same playing field, this is what consumers are asking for, this by the price point you quoted ($28.00) is what you are asking for. Want it domestically? In my estimation you need to start tripling or quadrupling your price point, based on actual labor and material costs I am familiar with. I’m most likely low.



    I’m pretty sure someone posted a while back that they buy those old stats on eBay, might have been pressurtrols, hard to remember.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Round-Heat-Cool-Thermostat-Honeywell-T87F-3038-Thermo-Pride-GOLD-Prop-USA-NOS/153857709778?hash=item23d2a256d2:g:oisAAOSwFIFeZSzf
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
    Options
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-HONEYWELL-ROUND-GOLD-HEAT-COOL-THERMOSTAT-T87F-2915-2-50-100-Heil/124052610965?hash=item1ce21c9f95:g:LfoAAOSwk09eI6UH
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Sal Santamaura
    Sal Santamaura Member Posts: 529
    Options
    Even less expensive:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-Honeywell-Round-Model-CT87B-Thermostat-Gold-Opened-Pack-Inner-City-Products/293499710682?hash=item4455f22cda:g:LngAAOSwQFNeXtfW
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
    Options
    Sal Santamaura said:

    Even less expensive:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-Honeywell-Round-Model-CT87B-Thermostat-Gold-Opened-Pack-Inner-City-Products/293499710682?hash=item4455f22cda:g:LngAAOSwQFNeXtfW

    Is that a mercury type?
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    edited March 2020
    Options
    I'm trying to figure out what's mercury and what isn't. So far it looks like anything that starts with CT is manufactured by Resideo and is mercury free.

    T87F is mercury, 24 volt. Some are heat only, some are for heating and cooling.

    T86A:
    The T86 thermostat is a two wire, low-voltage controller, adaptable to most 24-volt heating control systems. It uses a dust-proof SPST mercury switch and makes contact on temperature fall. An adjustable heater provides close temperature control.

    TS86A: mercury, for millivolt systems

    The trick is to search for models with bimetal sensors. A bimetal sensor means it uses a mercury switch.

    Here's a search result for round thermostats with bimetal sensors. Some don't have manuals, but the product info gives a summary.

    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
    Options
    Hap_Hazzard said:

    I'm trying to figure out what's mercury and what isn't. So far it looks like anything that starts with CT is manufactured by Resideo and is mercury free.

    T87F is mercury
    T86A seems to be mercury, but I haven't found a manual yet.


    (Some manuals for the mercury-free models have pictures of mercury switch mechanisms, but they only pertain to how to dispose of your old mercury thermostat.)

    That digital one I recommended will solve all your issues. :D
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Options
    I think I'm going to go with the Emerson for now and get a mercury Honeywell when I'm feeling rich.

    BTW, I think the answer to my original question is that, what's wrong with Honeywell thermostats is that Honeywell doesn't make them anymore. They're all made by some company called Resideo, and they're made in Mexico. If you want a Honeywell, get an old one, otherwise it's just an overpriced piece of cheap electronic junk, and the brand name means nothing.
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
    Options
    Hap_Hazzard said:

    I think I'm going to go with the Emerson for now and get a mercury Honeywell when I'm feeling rich.

    BTW, I think the answer to my original question is that, what's wrong with Honeywell thermostats is that Honeywell doesn't make them anymore. They're all made by some company called Resideo, and they're made in Mexico. If you want a Honeywell, get an old one, otherwise it's just an overpriced piece of cheap electronic junk, and the brand name means nothing.

    Part of what's wrong with Honeywell is what customers are willing to pay. A very big part, actually.

    You're not getting an American made, high quality round thermostat for $28.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Options
    ChrisJ said:

    Part of what's wrong with Honeywell is what customers are willing to pay. A very big part, actually.

    Or maybe it's what they're willing to sell for compared to their competitors.
    ChrisJ said:

    You're not getting an American made, high quality round thermostat for $28.

    I didn't say it had to be round. Just simple and accurate. I'm totally willing to sacrifice all those features I don't need for accuracy. Why shouldn't that be an option?

    I just want a better bicycle, not a self-driving electric car.
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • Sal Santamaura
    Sal Santamaura Member Posts: 529
    Options
    ChrisJ said:

    Sal Santamaura said:

    Even less expensive:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-Honeywell-Round-Model-CT87B-Thermostat-Gold-Opened-Pack-Inner-City-Products/293499710682?hash=item4455f22cda:g:LngAAOSwQFNeXtfW

    Is that a mercury type?
    Apparently so:

    https://customer.resideo.com/resources/techlit/TechLitDocuments/69-0000s/69-0274.pdf?_ga=2.164501183.1450688235.1583861918-178063329.1583861918
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
    edited March 2020
    Options
    Hap_Hazzard said:

    ChrisJ said:

    Part of what's wrong with Honeywell is what customers are willing to pay. A very big part, actually.

    Or maybe it's what they're willing to sell for compared to their competitors.
    ChrisJ said:

    You're not getting an American made, high quality round thermostat for $28.

    I didn't say it had to be round. Just simple and accurate. I'm totally willing to sacrifice all those features I don't need for accuracy. Why shouldn't that be an option?

    I just want a better bicycle, not a self-driving electric car.
    The round part wasn't really relevant.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Options
    Sal Santamaura said:

    ChrisJ said:


    Is that a mercury type?

    Apparently so:

    https://customer.resideo.com/resources/techlit/TechLitDocuments/69-0000s/69-0274.pdf?_ga=2.164501183.1450688235.1583861918-178063329.1583861918
    No, that's a mercury-free unit. The picture that shows the mercury switch refers to the old thermostat you're replacing.
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • Sal Santamaura
    Sal Santamaura Member Posts: 529
    Options
    Hap_Hazzard said:

    Sal Santamaura said:

    ChrisJ said:


    Is that a mercury type?

    Apparently so:

    https://customer.resideo.com/resources/techlit/TechLitDocuments/69-0000s/69-0274.pdf?_ga=2.164501183.1450688235.1583861918-178063329.1583861918
    No, that's a mercury-free unit. The picture that shows the mercury switch refers to the old thermostat you're replacing.
    Nope. Keep scrolling down and read step 1 under section 7 on page 9.
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Options
    Sal Santamaura said:


    Nope. Keep scrolling down and read step 1 under section 7 on page 9.

    I missed that! I wonder if this is a Canadian model or something.
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Options
    I found a CT87A on Ebay and ordered it. (It's the heat-only version of the CT87B.) Thanks for the tip, @Sal Santamaura!
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,626
    Options
    Hap_Hazzard said:

    …The trick is to search for models with bimetal sensors. A bimetal sensor means it uses a mercury switch.

    Nah, bi-metal can be the sensing element of a mercury thermostat, but it can just as easily be switching contacts too. At least one of the current models (I forget the mfgr) actually uses a magnet for hysteresis, along with an anticipator.
  • MikeL_2
    MikeL_2 Member Posts: 489
    Options
    I don't get too reliant on tstat accuracy. I'll adjust it up or down until I'm comfortable and use the corresponding reading as my comfort guide. My wife keeps her 1st floor tstat ( we live on opposite sides of our state Monday- Thursday ) set at 58° during the entire heating season; the second floor bedrooms are considerably cooler, but that's the way she likes it.......
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
    edited March 2020
    Options
    Oh boy
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,506
    Options
    58°??? I'm divorced...
    Radiant heat, 69°, AC 75°. Haven't changed a setting in years.
    steve
  • MikeL_2
    MikeL_2 Member Posts: 489
    Options
    The actual first floor room temp is mid 60's, and about 60° upstairs. My point is the temperature displayed may not be accurate, but it satisfies one's comfort level.......
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Options
    Why bother having numbers if they're wrong?
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
    Options
    > @MikeL_2 said:
    > The actual first floor room temp is mid 60's, and about 60° upstairs. My point is the temperature displayed may not be accurate, but it satisfies one's comfort level.......

    My Prestige says 69 but it's actually a lie.
    It's averaging 4 locations and 3 are bedrooms I keep cooler. The livingroom where the actual thermostat is is 72.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Options
    My watch says 5:47, but it's really 6:09.
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
    SuperTech
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,672
    Options
    > @Hap_Hazzard said:
    > Why bother having numbers if they're wrong?

    My Ecosteam displays 2 places after the decimal for temperature and it's very accurate and fast.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 5,834
    Options
    I think @Jamie Hall is hoarding all the old T87F thermostats.
    Canucker
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 23,282
    Options
    Look. I only have three in use!
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
    HVACNUTCanuckerethicalpaul
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Options
    HVACNUT said:

    I think @Jamie Hall is hoarding all the old T87F thermostats.

    It's an investment. They're going for $65 on Ebay. They'll probably outperform the stock market this year.
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • MikeL_2
    MikeL_2 Member Posts: 489
    Options
    Numbers aren't necessary, and neither are thermostats in some cases. Some of my most grateful customers enjoy radiant heating with constant circulation, outdoor reset, and no thermostats. I'm 65, but feel like 50.....
  • vibert_c
    vibert_c Member Posts: 69
    Options
    @Hap_Hazzard said
    My Wayback Machine needs a new flux capacitor, so that's not an option.

    Can you explain to me what this means, please?

    vibert_c
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    Options
    https://www.oreillyauto.com/flux-capacitor
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WABAC_machine
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
    BillyOSuperTech
  • mikedo
    mikedo Member Posts: 174
    Options
    i lost all respect for honeywell years ago
  • Sal Santamaura
    Sal Santamaura Member Posts: 529
    Options
    Hap_Hazzard said:

    I found a CT87A on Ebay and ordered it. (It's the heat-only version of the CT87B.) Thanks for the tip, @Sal Santamaura!

    You're most welcome. Glad to have been of assistance.
  • mikeg2015
    mikeg2015 Member Posts: 1,194
    Options
    We install these as out standard on new installs and replacement. Large display. You can configure the differential value for the application.

    https://www.supplyhouse.com/Pro1-IAQ-T701-T701-Digital-Non-Programmable-Thermostat-1H-1C?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl_uJloaR6AIVmXZgCh0dqQAhEAQYASABEgI2rPD_BwE


    715 model for 2 stage application when we install 2 stage furnaces.

    I still prefer to spend a tad more for a Honeywell T4. I prefer the tighter control of cycles per hour over differential. But 99% of the population doesn’t;t care or can’t tell the difference. And oversized equipment (80% of systems out there) will still swing wide anyway.
  • Solid_Fuel_Man
    Solid_Fuel_Man Member Posts: 2,646
    edited March 2020
    Options
    I have at least 10 T87 mercury t-stats. The state of Maine pays $5 for every mercury containing t-stat. I collect them and turn them in. Wow, I should start listing them on Ebay!

    We did a school with a day and a night t87 in each of the 50 rooms a few years ago. I though the $500 check was good money.
    Serving Northern Maine HVAC & Controls. I burn wood, it smells good!
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    edited March 2020
    Options
    Solid_Fuel_Man said:

    I have at least 10 T87 mercury t-stats. The state of Maine pays $5 for every mercury containing t-stat. I collect them and turn them in. Wow, I should start listing them on Ebay!

    Absolutely!

    Got any mercury P'trols or Vapostats?
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,832
    Options
    Hap_Hazzard said:

    https://www.oreillyauto.com/flux-capacitor
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WABAC_machine

    :D:D:D
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    BillyOHap_Hazzard
  • rick in Alaska
    rick in Alaska Member Posts: 1,457
    Options
    Unfortunately, a large amount of the new round digital stats I have run in to are junk right out of the box. They just plain don't come on. It is hard to wrong with the old school mercury stats as far as reliability goes. Just dust them off once in a while, and make sure whoever tries to test them knows what they are doing.
    Disclaimer: Oh yeah, and if you break one, don't eat the mercury.
    Rick
    BillyO
  • Hap_Hazzard
    Hap_Hazzard Member Posts: 2,846
    edited March 2020
    Options
    rick in Alaska said:

    Disclaimer: Oh yeah, and if you break one, don't eat the mercury.

    When I took chemistry, I learned that you can actually swallow pure elemental mercury and suffer no ill effects, because it's just the various compounds of mercury that are poisonous. I have yet to test this knowledge, however. Let's let Mikey try it. :D
    Just another DIYer | King of Prussia, PA
    1983(?) Peerless G-561-W-S | 3" drop header, CG400-1090, VXT-24

Categories