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Click for Best Prices on BAYweb Internet Controlled Thermostat (White)You gotta get one for yourself!
I am a home automation junkie. I have nearly everything in my home automated and connected to The Internet. I've been using stand-alone programmable thermostats since they came out. I had been wanting to tie my HVAC unit into my home automation system for a while now, but I just couldn't decide what to buy. Honestly, I wasn't impressed with the available systems costing $500 and up that I was finding. I am so glad I came across the BayWeb thermostat! Although it does not directly interface with my existing home automation controls and software, that doesn't matter because the BayWeb Internet software is great. With hour-by-hour usage reports, I can analyze and adjust the schedule anywhere, anytime. The drag-and-drop scheduling interface is the best I've used. I can even control the thermostat from my smart phone.
Ironically, I chose this thermostat because of its price and looks, but I have ended up really appreciating it for its capabilities. Given that, I would now gladly pay twice the price for it. The large, LED display on the wall mounted control is easy to see and simple to adjust (which is important for those of us with bifocals). I really hate that BayWeb offers so many colors for the control. That was truly the most difficult decision I had to make in purchasing it.
The only thing I have found missing is on the software side. I am used to being able to see simple things like "run hours" on a programmable thermostat. Even my 15 year old stand-alone programmable had that capability plus a filter change reminder. I have e-mailed BayWeb about this and they say they have taken my input under consideration. One thing I did find is that I can use their "energy cost" applet programmed at a cost of $1/hour to give me a good graph for daily usage. Still, filter reminders would be nice. The only other thing I can offer as advice for the prospective buyer is in regards to installation. It is not difficult, but keep in mind you will need a 120v A/C outlet within 6 feet of the "hidden" electronic control unit, plus a wired Ethernet connection. For me, I have no problems adding network and A/C outlets, but I am not sure the "average" homeowner would be prepared for this. If you can DIY, then the cost of installation could easily be 2x the price of the hardware.
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