Review of the Honeywell RTH8580 ZW

I am doing a quick initial review of the Honeywell Smart Response 8580 thermostat for Z-Wave networks. I say a quick review, because since this thermostat requires a C wire, I am unable to install it fully in my home. This review comes from powering up the device in our lab, running it through the inclusion process, as well as some key points about this stat, and it’s cousin, the HWYTH8320 ZW. The RTH8580 ZW is a consumer model with packaging for the DIY crowd. The HWYTH8320 ZW is a contractor model that has a few more features, but is geared for setup by a professional and may be a little too complex for the average homeowner (depending on existing wiring).

 

The RTH8580 ZW (referred to as the 8580 from now on in this blog) is a very robust thermostat, geared for a traditional single stage heating and cooling system, a heat pump, emergency heat, or a combination of all of these. Honeywell gives you 13 different combinations. What it does NOT give you with this stat, is an optional external temperature sensor. For that you will need the 8320. For this review, I am going to assume my home has central heat/cool, using the same set of wires for both (which means there is a selector switch on the furnace itself). Be sure to mark the wires as they were attached on your old thermostat, and don’t rely on color for the purpose of the wire. Since I’m using the same R wire for heat and cool, I will leave the jumper wire in place from R/RC, and connect the C wire for the common. If you have a wire for R (Rh) AND a wire for RC then you would remove the jumper, and have two separate wiring circuits.

The Z-Wave inclusion was a little tricky to learn; it was not very intuitive. I think with this blog it will be a lot easier. Start with putting your Z-Wave controller or gateway in INCLUDE or ENROLL. Press the SYSTEM button on the LCD screen. You won’t see any big changes overall, but the EM HEAT, HEAT, OFF, COOL will change/blink.  While this is happening, press and hold the blank buttons next to the center button (2 buttons; third from the left, and third from the right) at the same time. Nothing will give you a response that you are doing this correctly. However, after 5+ seconds, the system setup screen will pop up. On the left is the Function Button variable. On the right is the Option Button variable. Press the DOWN arrow of the Function, until it reads rF10. Then push the up/down buttons on the right to change the variable from 0 to 1 to put the stat in inclusion mode. Then press Done.

A little convoluted process made worse by the lack of feedback, but it didn’t make me feel like I was entering a million codes to launch missiles, like with some other remotes. The initial automatic configuration process did not work (I didn’t get the inside temperature on my Vera) so I manually woke up the stat and did a 'Configure node right now’

Once I knew the process, inclusion into my Z-Wave network was less than 35 seconds. 

Some commentary on the stat.

Pros. Very robust. Has a great solid feel. Screw terminals for the HVAC wires are very solid. Four mounting screw locations allow for replacing your old stat if it was a horizontal OR vertical type. The mounting plate has little feet and raised screw tabs; I’m assuming this is to keep it off the wall to minimize conduction of heat from the mounting location. It has many options for heating/cooling configurations. The controls are entirely on the LCD display, which is backlit (so no rubber buttons). It has energy saving modes, as well as easy program modes. It is very accurate - +/- 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Cons. Requires a Common wire (no batteries for stat function). It’s fairly big compared to other stats of its type. The screen takes a delicate touch, but gets easier once you understand how to press to accomplish your task. It does not support an optional temperature sensor (despite having the K sensor screw terminal). Shipping may be restricted because of the internal Lithium battery.

Compatibility. This stat is made to work with any Z-Wave network that accepts thermostats. I tested it with the Vera Edge. Nexia and WINK both support the 8580’s cousin, the 8320, so I expect this one to work just the same.

Do you have experience with this thermostat? Looking for answers for your installation? Please write us with your questions: help@zwaveproducts.com.