It was finally time to discard my five-year-old manual thermostat and shift to a smart thermostat. I took this decision because I found out that the latter is much more self-operating and practical than the former.
Smart Thermostats also helps you set schedules, customize options, and control the unit using a voice command or through your smart devices.
So I started my search for the perfect unit that would provide me with all of the necessary features, help me conserve energy, and offer fast performance and I came across Lux Smart CS1-WH1-B04 Thermostat!
If you are also tired of frequently standing in front of your thermostat to change settings, then I suggest you shift to a smart thermostat too! In this article, we will discuss the different characteristics that will help you buy the ideal device, the pros, and cons of the product I brought, and also some of its alternatives. So let’s begin!
Things to Consider Before Buying a Smart Thermostat:
The following are some of the attributes that will help you chose your ideal unit. These helped me find a product I am satisfied with. So, I am certain they will help you too!
1. Compatibility
One of the most significant aspects to ensure while inspecting a certain thermostat that you want to purchase is its compatibility. Is it compatible with the Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling System (HVAC System) that you have at home? Does it have a c-wire? Does it have an alternative to c-wire? Or does it come with a c-wire kit if I need one?
You need to ask yourself these questions and then begin your search for your ideal partner. These questions are important because different thermostats work with different HVAC systems. While some support single-stage systems, others can support multistage.
2. Installation Process
One of the major concerns while setting up the unit is the wiring of your HVAC system as well as the thermostat’s connectivity with your smartphone.
· Wiring of HVAC System
The presence of c-wire is probably one of the major issues that one needs to tackle while purchasing a thermostat. Moreover, its existence also determines how easy or complicated the installation process will be.
A c-wire gives the thermostat the exact measure of power that it needs to work efficiently. You cannot connect the unit to batteries or any other power supply because the former won’t provide it the power it needs while the latter would overheat and damage it.
Thus, c-wire is necessary. So make sure if your unit has a c-wire. If not, make sure to get it installed before buying a thermostat. However, some units come with a c-wire kit or an alternative so you can opt for such devices if you do not want to install the c-wire.
· Connectivity to Smartphone
Another step in the installation process is how quickly and easily the unit connects to your smartphone. Almost all smart thermostats have a mobile application that can be connected to Apple as well as Android devices.
However, the inspection point is the version of the OS the application supports. So, always note the OS version before purchasing the device.
3. Design
Give the design of the unit a once-over. Observe whether the display screen is visible in all types of lighting conditions.
If the device has buttons, check how stiff or soft they are. If it has a touchscreen, test its functions and see how fast they respond when you touch the screen.
4. Smart Features
These features include smart scheduling, alerts, reports, geofencing, and much more. Chiefly, the function of such features is to give you total control of the unit no matter where you are. Also, such units can atomize different features and keep your house at the exact temperature you want throughout the day.
[amazon link=”B08C1NPG61″ title=”Lux Smart CS1-WH1-B04 Thermostat ” /]
Lux Smart CS1-WH1-B04 Thermostat is a small white-colored gadget that gives you several features that makes your life have one less problem to deal with. It has Home and Away Aware Geofencing that works in a very precise, accurate, and perfect manner. It detects exactly when you are entering the premises of your house and when you are leaving it.
Furthermore, it also gives you smart scheduling that you can customize as well as atomize. It possesses a thermostat manager and offers you money-saving programs to keep your bills as low as possible.
The device can be controlled using the mobile application known as the LUX 2.0 App that is compatible with both ISO and Android units. Honestly, what is there not to like about this small, easy-to-use gadget?
Who is it for?
It is a multi-stage programmable thermostat that is compatible with HVAC systems that have 2 heating and 1 cooling configuration. It is compatible with forced electric, gas, oil, and air furnaces as well as heat pumps regardless of whether they have an aux/ emergency heat or not. Moreover, it uses c-wire for power and uses 24 volts only.
Thus, if you are looking for a compact, dependable, and durable thermostat with a user-friendly interface and instant functionality, then you will adore Lux Smart CS1-WH1-B04 Thermostat.
Pros:
- Gives control to and manages multiple users effectively.
- Readable and bright display.
- Has versatile compatibility and connectivity.
- Password protected device to ensure security.
- Can schedule 4 different events per day.
Cons:
- Not Compatible With 120V/240V line voltage systems
- Does not own sensors.
- Cannot learn your routine/behavior.
Features & Benefits
We have talked about what Lux Smart Thermostat is and what it does. Now, let us talk in detail about all the different features and benefits it will provide you if you buy it.
1. Versatile Compatibility
One of the first and foremost features that I noticed in the unit was its wide-spread compatibility with most types of HVAC systems and heat pump systems.
As mentioned above, it can be compatible with any type of furnaces, given that it has a configuration of 2 heating and 1 cooling. Moreover, it can work with HVAC systems that possess a gas or propane furnace without having to install a c-wire. The unit provides a power wire which works in its place.
2. Fast and Apt Connectivity
Another astounding feature of this unit is how quickly it connects with all the popular virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa as well as with the Google Assistant.
Furthermore, it takes only seconds to connect your Smartphone to the mobile application. It offers no trouble and works just as smoothly as it is supposed to.
3. Alerts
One of the reasons why I got attracted to this product is its many alerts! It gives you alerts when the unit has been turned off or is not functional. It also gives frequent updates about room temperature and pings when it is time to change the filter.
I find the last feature one of the most useful out of the three because it does not require me to keep a check of the unit at all times. When something isn’t right, it sends a notification and I can quickly go and check what’s wrong!
4. Reports
I liked that the unit provided reports for runtime as well as energy usage. If you are someone who likes to keep check of how much energy your electric appliance consume, then this feature will definitely benefit you.
5. Customization
The unit lets you set a schedule and customize it accordingly. It offers you 4 events per day. Moreover, the unit can automate these schedules itself when required which is very useful, especially if you are not home.
6. Design
The unit has a very sleek, simplistic yet straightforward design that is constructed so that it can blend with any type of décor and can be used by anyone, irrespective of how young or old they are.
It possesses a bright LED and has three buttons adjacent to it. The unit displays the data in large, visible digits. Moreover, it shows you the temperature in both Celsius Degrees and Fahrenheit Degrees.
7. Home and Away Aware Geofencing
Geofencing is one of the best features to have in a smart thermostat. This feature uses GPS and WiFi to create a geofence around you by using its connection with your smartphone.
This geofence helps the unit activate or deactivate itself according to your movement. So, if you are leaving your place to go to work, the unit might lower the temperature or turn the unit completely off depending on the schedule you have set.
The Home and Away Aware feature ensure comfort when needed while saving energy.
What do users say about Lux Smart CS1-WH1-B04 Thermostat?
I believe one of the most accurate ways to judge whether a particular product is worth it by checking its reviews. So, while I was thinking of buying Lux Smart CS1-WH1-B04 Thermostat, I read a bunch of written as well as video reviews to find out all the bits and pieces of this gadget before purchasing it.
Like I have mentioned above, this unit has a lot of advantages but it also has a few disadvantages. While the above pros and cons were concluded after my personal experience, the following are the different opinions that various users had about this appliance.
Positive Feedbacks
One of the most valued features of the unit seems to be the fact that it does not necessarily require the c-wire. You can either use the ‘power wire’ or you can purchase the Lux Power Bridge to connect to your current wiring.
Another feature that many users expressed approval for was its compatibility with most types of HVAC systems, heat pumps, and also the virtual assistants. Furthermore, they liked that you could control the device during a smart speaker, smartphone, and computer.
The unit also allows you to create personalized notifications that can alert you about the changes in the temperature. This, in addition to the reporting feature, was also highlighted as the best features by some users.
Negative Feedback
On the other hand, most users showed concern about how difficult it was to install the unit. You are required to stand in front of the device with the mobile application opened on your phone. It walks you through the many steps and some people felt that the process was not as clear as it should have been.
However, once it installs and functions, using it is pretty easy and does not require much effort. The screen is bright enough to communicate all the data easily.
Alternatives
The following are some of the competitors that the Lux Smart CS1-WH1-B04 Thermostat has in the market.
- Vine’s TJ-919 Smart Thermostat
- Honeywell Home’s RCHT8612WF T5 Smart Thermostat
- GLAS’s Smart Thermostat
[amazon link=”B01N7UNSAP” title=”Vine’s TJ-919 Smart Thermostat” /]
Vine’s Smart thermostat gives you flexible schedule customization for 7-days and 8-periods! This makes it ideal for people who have a 9 to 5 job and have little to no time to set the unit manually.
It has a very sleek and modern design that gives you data in large, readable digits. It takes only a few minutes to set-up. Some users claim it took them less than 30 minutes! Moreover, it is just as easy to use.
If we talk about compatibility, the unit can work with Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. You can control it using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or laptop via the Smart Vine App.
Find out more about Vine’s TJ-919 Smart Thermostat by clicking [amazon link=”B01N7UNSAP” title=”here” /]
[amazon link=”B07DS2KZSF” title=”Honeywell Home’s RCHT8612WF T5 Smart Thermostat ” /]
Being Energy Star Certified, this particular smart thermostat gives you a low-voltage alternative that does not only eradicate the need for a c-wire but helps to conserve electricity.
It offers you a customized schedule for 7-days that are easily changeable. Moreover, it also offers location-based temperature controls via geofence technology. The smart alerts and auto change features are just the icing on the top!
While the smart alerts make sure that you know exactly what is happening with the thermostat at all times, the auto change is ideal for maximized utility.
Furthermore, it has different fan settings that help to regulate the air more evenly throughout the room/house.
If you are curious about Honeywell Home’s RCHT8612WF T5 Smart Thermostat and want to know more about it, then click [amazon link=”B07DS2KZSF” title=”here” /]
[amazon link=”B079NF3YC5″ title=”GLAS’s Smart Thermostat” /]
You can use the thermostat with the conventional, single-stage (up to 2 heating and 1 cooling configuration), HVAC systems (heat, oil, and electric), and heat pumps (2 heating/ 2 cooling/2 aux heat).
It adorns a very attractive user interface and has an OLED touchscreen that has a responsive and swift response. It has a built-in occupancy sensor which helps to optimize the temperature of your home according to your movements.
You can customize the schedules, and control different GLAS smart thermostats via a single mobile application! Furthermore, it connects instantly with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and takes commands without any trouble.
It also has easy installation and a lot of other features that you can find out about by clicking [amazon link=”B079NF3YC5″ title=”hrer” /]!
Final Thoughts on the Lux Smart CS1-WH1-B04 Thermostat
Lux Smart CS1-WH1-B04 Thermostat is a kind unit that will benefit anyone who purchases it. With its convenient and easily accessible mobile application, controllable functions, smart scheduling, customizable notifications, the numerous alerts and reports, the unit is definitely worth buying.
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