Lux geo WiFi thermostat

6 years ago

We have determined that we don’t have a C wire or 24V in the thermostat in the master bedroom on the 2nd floor of our home. The Nest we installed doesn’t work and won’t work. Can anyone speak about the Lux Geo WiFi thermostat that uses 2 AA batteries?

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Comments (7)

Elmer J Fudd
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Can you use the old wire to pull a new wire?

If not, no worries. What we did (done by the HVAC contractor) in dealing with two strand wires, we changed the connections so that the wire provides a steady 24v power-only to the thermostat, no thermostat-type signals. From that, the thermostat (with a battery backup) communicates wirelessly with a furnace and AC equipment. Times two, we have two separate systems and two separate thermostats. Going on 2 years, works great. Honeywell, with comparable internet and smartphone app access as other brands offer.
mike_home
6 years ago
I don't see how your previous thermostats could have worked without a 24 V connection. The thermostat acts as a relay between the 24 V and the wire it needs to energize (W, Y, G, etc), It is possible to operate without a ground for various reasons. So I am skeptical as to what the electrician is telling you about no 24 V wiring.

There are over 200 reviews and answers to questions on Amazon for the Lux Geo. That would be a good place to find out how well it works. One reviewer stated in battery only mode the WiFi turns on once a minute. I suppose for a thermostat a one minute response is tolerable. But my concern would be how often do you have to change the battery.

This thermostat can be powered through a micro USB connector. This may be an option if you had a nearby outlet to plug in a USB adapter. You could hide the wire or fish it through the wall. It is not ideal, but then you won't have to deal with batteries.

Elmer had a good suggestion. Reconnect the wires to provide the power and ground and run then operate wirelessly. This assumes the WiFi can reach the second floor.

There is a method to use the G wire as a ground. There are YouTube videos explaining how that is done for a Nest Thermostat. It does not work in all cases. It is something you can explore.

Life was so simple when everyone had a round Honeywell thermostat which used two wires to turn on the furnace.
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Thanks again. I feel we fall somewhere in the middle of your two descriptions. Our design was created with Southern exposure, solar gain, ample overhang, high efficiency, quality construction, etc. in mind. Architecture and aesthetics undoubtedly played a major role. I don't think we will be LEED certified but it is not your average house. That being said, we did not begin with our expected monthly utility bill as the basis for design. I think we have been reasonably responsible with our design choices thus far. Hence the Geo system. I, not knowing the trade inside and out, am just trying to get the most comfort (and pleasure) out of our system. I think that the higher end system will, without a doubt, provide the level I expect. What I am trying to glean is the sacrifices we would make if we spend less. I realize that the desuper heater and boiler will provide more consistent heat in the basement and that it will also be a more efficient back up/supplemental heat on the very cold days. The question becomes how much less comfortable will the basement be? How many days a year will we need the supplemental heat and is it worth the extra expense. How much better is an Infinity Carrier air handler than the Trane air handler? Will it be noticeably better? I need someone who knows to help me answer these questions. We are not against spending the money if the differences are going to be compromises we regret but we don't know how to figure that out before hand...
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Austin Air Companie
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
geo fencing is a lower end option so you don't have to fuss with remembering to change the settings on the thermostat. Once you are far enough away from the location the thermostat will enter your away settings or if you come close enough the thermostat switches to your present settings.

The range, the last time I looked at these was around 7 miles on the high end and 3 miles I think at the low end. So the biggest problem with geo fence is if you are going to this place you may be going to a hot / cold place only being 7 miles from the location to switch the system on.

Even if it takes you 15 minutes to drive those 7 miles or 10 minutes to drive 3 miles it's not going to make much difference. So it really comes down to the type of control you want. I don't think you can make changes to the system settings away from the location like you could with a redlink capable thermostat.

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The other advantage in Redlink is that it would show you what the temperature is at this location. If there is a problem with equipment you would be able to check on it that way.

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mike_home
6 years ago
I think the OP is interested in this thermostat because it can operate the WiFi radio powered by a battery only. The geofence does not have to be enabled. Not enabling the geofence should allow the batteries to last longer.
Elmer J Fudd
6 years ago
"I think the OP is interested in this thermostat because it can operate the WiFi radio powered by a battery only."

Several Honeywell models will do this too, including the Honeywell Vision Pros I have. There are different models.
J R
Original Author
6 years ago
Amazing news!!!!!! I found a new electrician who installed a C wire and all is right with the thermostat world. Phew!
mike_home
6 years ago
It appears you are now well grounded in the wiring of a WiFi thermostat!

Lux geo WiFi thermostat

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Elmer J Fudd

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Lux geo WiFi thermostat

Comments (7)

Elmer J Fudd

mike_home

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J R
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