Bottom Line: The installation was ALMOST effortless, and the performance has been rock solid. I'm very pleased by the unit and would certainly buy it again.
I, too, had to unplug the unit once during installation in order for it to complete the temporary wifi connection to my android phone. However, that was the only hiccup. Otherwise, the installation went smoothly. In short order, the wifi link to my WPA2-encrypted router was complete, using a 2.4 GHz channel per instructions. For the past month, I've monitored the home remotely to determine if I needed to engage the aux heat strips during unusually cold periods. I currently live 500 miles farther south, and have not yet moved into the home, so remote control of the HVAC was the purpose for the purchase.
The thermostat interface is simple and basic, but entirely sufficient. I don't have to mess with it to see the relevant information; it's all there on the main display. As a recently retired electronics engineer, I have an extreme distrust of new technology, because most companies chase the easily-wowed but ignorant masses with pretty bells and whistles at the expense of design maturity and reliability. To a former design engineer for the military, this is a frustrating trend. Similarly, I cannot abide the intrusiveness and privacy concerns over voice-activated devices monitored by Amazon and/or Google (or whomever). You can do all that lazy nonsense with this thermostat, but I don't want or need it. I want and need rock-solid internet connectivity and sufficient remote control for when I'm in a different state and I'm worried that the heat pump won't be able to pull enough heat out of the air to warm the house. And in this scenario, Honeywell delivers.
As with all purchases, particularly electronics, there is a risk of buying a lemon or experiencing infant mortality with one or more electronic components. Fortunately for me, I saw no evidence of quality concerns with the device. It appeared well-made, competently assembled, and sufficiently documented. I do urge people to follow the instructions carefully and slowly. I suspect I moved too quickly, possibly doing steps out of order, which may have caused my wifi hiccup. Either way, it was easily corrected with the power cycle and more carefully following the instructions.
I have no issues with the phone app. It works fine and allows me to do everything I want to do. It's streamlined, effective, and reliable. Surprisingly, it doesn't annoy with poor design details or irrelevant BS. (Not looking to be entertained by my thermostat. I just want the bloody thing to work and do what I tell it to do, when I tell it, without becoming a new and contrary personality in my life.) In this regard, the app has been a pleasant surprise.
In summary, if you are looking for a solid performer and you value reliability over gee-whiz style and the latest marketing fad, then consider the Honeywell RTH6580WF. It's a very good value, delivering full performance at a much lower cost than most alternatives. Consider repurposing all that saved money towards something of greater life impact than a "stylish" thermostat. Good luck.
Brand | Honeywell Home |
---|---|
Model Name | RTH6580WF Wi-Fi Thermostat |
Product Dimensions | 1.5"D x 5.75"W x 3.5"H |
Controller Type | IFTTT, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, iOS, Android |
Special Feature | Smart Response Technology, Energy Star certified, Wi-Fi enabled, Auto Changeover, Daylight Savings Time Ready |
Color | White |
Specific Uses For Product | Air Conditioner, Heat Pump, Furnace |
Temperature Control Type | Heating and Cooling |
Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi |
Included Components | Thermostat ID card, Thermostat, Wallplate (attached to thermostat), Quick start guide, Quick reference card, Wire labels, Screws and anchors, User guide |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Item Weight | 1.2 Pounds |
Voltage | 24 Volts |
Material | Plastic |
Shape | Rectangular |
Display Type | LED |
Finish Type | White |
Control Type | App Control |
Control Method | App, Touch, Voice |
Connectivity Protocol | Wi-Fi |
Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
Style | A. Wi-Fi Thermostat |
Backlight | Yes |
Specification Met | energy,energy star certified |
Wattage | 24 watts |
Number of Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
UPC | 085267771955 |
Manufacturer | Honeywell Home |
Part Number | RTH6580WF1001 |
Item Weight | 1.2 pounds |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | RTH6580WF1001/W1 |
Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Size | 3.5 x 5.75 x 1.5 (H x W x D) inches |
Finish | White |
Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Number Of Pieces | 1 |
Type of Bulb | LED |
Special Features | Smart Response Technology, Energy Star certified, Wi-Fi enabled, Auto Changeover, Daylight Savings Time Ready |
Batteries Included? | No |
Batteries Required? | No |
Battery Cell Type | Lithium |
Warranty Description | Warranty. |