Lux Products TX1500E-010 Smart Temp Programmable Thermostat
by Lux Products
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Lux Products TX1500E-010 Smart Temp Programmable Thermostat
Customer Review: Lux 1500 a dud. User Interface not acceptable.
Summary: 2 Stars
After working for about 2 years, the unit became unstable and can't be programmed in the 5 days position. While trying to get it to work, the unit locked up entirely. I finally noticed a tiny "lock" icon which apparently meant that the keyboard was locked. Great, how do I unlock the keys as there were no information about 'locking' on the instructions printed on the lid? After 20 minutes of frustration, I gave up and searched the web for help. Thankfully, someone had the same problem. The command to unlock required "3 hits of the Next key followed by HOlD". Why wasn't this vital info not included with the lid instruction? I was able to unlocked the keys, but the same problem persisted. The programming mode still won't work on the 5 day position. Now I wonder if there is another secret command I am missing.
On top of this, the LED backpanel light would go off after 20 seconds,
requiring repeated actuation during programming. What idiot decided that 20 seconds is adequate to program 12 start times and set 12 temperatures using up/down toggle keys?
It is apparent that Lux isn't concerned about customer satisfaction--which means group testing the product user interface and making sure the commands are comprehensively documented before releasing it to the world. I will be looking for a new manufacturer, hoping one that knows how to design consumer products.
Customer Review: OK
Summary: 4 Stars
After programming and installing the unit, and allowing it to work for two days, I found the room always felt much cooler than the progammed 72 degrees when the unit was in A.C. mode. I placed 2 other digital thermostats next to the new Lux, and two mercury thermostats also, and all four of those read the actual room temperature as being about 3 degrees cooler than the Lux. Even though the owners manual / instructions stated the unit was accurately pre-calibrated at the factory, I found I needed it to adjust the actual temp setting by 3 degrees, and there is a function that allows you to do that.
I was a little disapointed to discover that when the unit is in operating mode, the "programmed" temperature is not displayed in addition to the actual room temp. Two previous digital units I have used in my home showed both the programmed and actual temps at the same time. With the Lux, if you want to double check what the programmed temp is set at, you have to push a button to get that programmed setting to display. When I contacted Lux, they were quick to answer back, but did tell me that most of their units do not show the programmed temp.
The unit is working fine... but what I believe was an inaccurate factory setting, and the lack of a constantly showing programmed temp, led to me to rate this unit as a "4".
Customer Review: Nice unit but won't work with Day and Night brand heat pump
Summary: 5 Stars
As noted in the title we tried to use this to replace the very old school thermostat control for our Day and Night heat pump system, and even though the phone tech at Lux gave us the wiring it still didn't work. The phone tech did suggest that I upgrade to the 9000 unit and noted that the 1500 may not end up working - I ordered the 9000 yesterday.
With that said I was pleased with the programability of the 1500 which gives much greater control over heating and cooling times/levels in the house and helps to save money/energy. The backlit blue screen is easy to read, and the filter replacement timer was a real nice feature that I hadn't seen before - we're in the country with lots of dust in the air, so the reminder on when to change the filter to keep the system working at its best is great.
Only downside to the deal is that the Lux phone tech took a day to call back, I had to call since my wiring was not documented in the manual that the unit came with. I had to leave a number on the answering system, so it took an extra day to get the unit installed. Minor aggravation at the time since I had the new unit in my hands but couldn't install it but the phone tech was very helpful and unrushed so wasn't a big deal in the end.
Overall a thumbs up - well made, nice ergonomics, easy programming, inexpensive.
Customer Review: Read before installing!
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had this thermostat for about a week, after replacing my old programmable thermostat that went kaput. Within the first day, I noticed that this thermostat kicks on my air conditioning several times an hour for a few minutes at a time. This short "swing time" as it's called, is both non-efficient and bad for your outside unit. What you need to do as soon as you install this thermostat is the following: put the temperature switch to off, set the dial on "Run", press and hold the "Hold" button, press and let go of "Next" then let go of "Hold", and lastly use the up and down arrows to adjust the "Swing Set" to at least "5". This will cut down on the on and off cycles significantly.
Other than that, it seems to be a really nice programmable thermostat. Very easy to program, and the humidity feature is really nice.
UPDATE: I just purchased my second one of these for the other half of my house. I really like this product. In response to one of the comments on this review, I've had 3 other digital thermostats in the past, and non of them have cycled on and off as much as this model does when set on the default setting. That being said, you may know more about it than I do, so I would suggest that other research this topic independently. As for me, my new one will have the same swing time as other one!
Customer Review: Excellent programmable thermostat. Very easy to use and very flexible. Super value at $31
Summary: 5 Stars
I have three zones in my house - a 4 level multi-family with 3 units. The entire heating bill is mine (oil fed boiler with hot water radiators). So, anything that I can do to make my home more efficient is in my best interests. I looked at many thermostats here on Amazon before deciding that this one would probably do the trick.
They were a snap to install. It's got detailed diagrams that make it easy to know exactly what wire connects up to what. My needs were straightforward as I just needed "heat only". And in an hour I installed all three units. And had each of them configured in 5 minutes flat. It's really simple - you just set the dial for weekday, then set the time/temp - for each of the periods you want. And do the same for sat and sun - each of which is done separately instead of a single weekend program. It's nice having that extra flexibility, and the backlight is a nice added touch.
I felt that I got a very good deal on these at only $31 each including free shipping, for full programmable units. They are a bit more right now but still I would buy them at $37 each.
I also bought a mastercool infrared thermometer to help identify those cold spots, to help me know where to add foam sealant and insulation. At $45 - that's a bargain too!