Honeywell Programmable Thermostats

This particular Honeywell model is one of the top selling programmable thermostats on Amazon.

The Honeywell RTH7600D is a 7 day programmable thermostat. That means you can set up each day of the week with it's own schedule. You can also set up 4 different temperature ranges within each day allowing you a wake-up temperature, a day temperature, and evening temperature, and an overnight setting.

This model is advertised as being backlit, but most reviewers say the backlighting feature isn't strong enough. Still, the Honeywell 7600D has mostly good reviews from owners.

The Honeywell RTH8500D is also a 7 day programmable thermostat, like the 7600D.

In fact, the Honeywell 8500D and the 7600D have almost the same functionality and features. The main difference between the two being the size - the 8500D has a larger display screen. If you have trouble reading small print or pushing buttons on a touchscreen, the 8500D may be worth the extra money spent.

The only other main difference between these two Honeywell thermostat models is the vacation hold feature. The Honeywell 8500D allows you to override your regular settings for a period of time (like when on vacation) and then default back to your regular settings on a pre-defined date. If you travel a lot, this functionality could be handy.

There are a few choices in Honeywell thermostats, so what are the differences? Sometimes you get better features when you pay more, but sometimes you get features you don't need so why not get the right thermostat for the best price.

Let's compare some basic differences between three of the top Honeywell thermostats: the RTH7500D vs the RTH7600D vs the RTH8500D.

All three are 7-day programmable thermostats that feature a digital display of current room temperature along with the set temperature. But the display sizes vary with the RTH7500D have the smallest display (4 sq. in.) and the RTH8500D haven't the largest (10 sq. in.). Some people find a larger display easier to read as well as program.

The other difference between these Honeywell models is the inclusion of a touchscreen. The RTH7600D and the RTH8500D both have a touchscreen while the RTH7500D does not. Many people find a touchscreen quicker to program.

Also, the RTH8500D has a vacation hold option. This allows you to set a different program for when you are away for a set amount of time before returning to your usual settings. If you travel a lot this could be a nice feature to have to lower your usage while away yet still have a comfortable home when you return.

Finally, of course, there is a difference in price among the models. The RTH7500D will cost you around $68 while the RTH8500D will run you about $110 with the RTH7600D splitting the difference at approximately $88. Since a programmable thermostat should help you save some money on heating and cooling costs, don't be afraid to spend a little more to have a model that you will find easy to use.

If your home is heated with electric baseboards then many of the popular thermostats will not work for you. You need to find a thermostat specifically designed for use with baseboard heating.

The Honeywell TL8230 7-day programmable thermostat is one to consider. It was made specifically for use with baseboard heat.

This unit has a digital display although programming is done via buttons and not a touchscreen. As with any programmable thermostat, use should lower your energy expenses.