May 28, 2009 Honeywell’s new Prestige HD is its latest programmable thermostat, and it appears as if the technology company took a page from Apple’s design manual. The Prestige features a modern white case with a high-definition, full-color touchscreen and wireless capability. The user interface offers a modern look, with controls and data presented in an easy-to-understand format. The Prestige’s built-in wireless technology allows it to communicate with other Honeywell wireless devices, including the Portable Comfort Control and the Wireless Outdoor Sensor.
The Prestige uses a graphic, interview-based interface that guides you through the set-up process by asking a series of questions, such as “What time does the first person wake-up in the morning?” or “What time do you go to sleep at night?” Your answers help the thermostat program itself. An on-board user’s manual provides definitions and directions for each display screen.
The Prestige HD works with Honeywell’s Portable Comfort Control remote. The Portable Comfort Control is a hand-held device that senses the temperature wherever you are in the house, and allows you to adjust the temperature of any zone from anywhere in the house.
The Wireless Outdoor Sensor is a weatherproof unit that you install outside (no wires are required for installation). It monitors the outside temperature and humidity, and displays the data on both the Prestige HD thermostat and the Portable Comfort Control unit.
The Prestige HD also provides these additional features:
- Universal wired hookup for heat and air conditioning
- Wireless control of Honeywell’s TrueSTEAM humidifiers
- Ability to customize the display in one of three languages: English, French or Spanish
- USB port so that professional installers can transfer set-up options or add a custom dealer logo on-screen
Honeywell claims that the Prestige Comfort System can help to cut your annual heating and cooling costs when properly installed by an HVAC contractor, and used as directed.
The Prestige is available now through HVAC contractors.
Alan Brandon