Lux Products Corporation was founded in 1914. Since that point it has focused on producing quality control technology for the home. The company first hit success with the Lux 60 minute timer and now makes programmable thermostats, gas range replacement products as well as timers. In a number of ways Lux Products thermostats are better than Honeywell thermostats.

Although Honeywell International is the leading brand for programmable thermostats in the USA, Lux Products are not far behind. Generally speaking Lux Products Thermostats are cheaper than their Honeywell counterparts. For example the mid-range Honeywell RTH8500D is a 7 day thermostat with a touchscreen. It costs about $100. Very similar is the Lux Products TX9000TS; it costs about $65.

As long as you can find a Lux Products thermostat that is compatible with your HVAC system it is worth purchasing instead of the Honeywell brand. That is one of the few drawbacks of the Lux brand: their thermostats are often confined to single stage heating and cooling and to heat pumps without auxiliary.

A major advantage of Lux Products thermostats over Honeywell thermostats is swing control. This is a function that lets the user choose a range of 1 or 2 degrees around the set point temperature. Inside this range the thermostat does not activate the heating or cooling. This stops short cycling which is irritating and can damage the furnace and other equipment. Honeywell uses an alternative to swing control that many people complain about.

Finally, most Lux Products thermostats also include a useful keyboard lockout. This works on a changeable code that needs to be input before programs can be altered. This protects the settings from children and unauthorized people.

So if you are looking to buy a programmable thermostat for your home it is worth looking at Lux as well as Honeywell. You might be able to pick up a cheaper device that also includes keyboard lock out and swing control.