I remember the old thermostat that came with our house. It was a beige, circular relic with a stiff dial that felt like turning a rusted bolt. The temperature it displayed felt more like a suggestion than a fact. We’d either be shivering in the morning or sweltering in the afternoon, constantly fiddling with the dial in a futile attempt to find a comfortable medium. This daily battle wasn’t just about comfort; it was a silent drain on our finances. Every time we forgot to turn it down before leaving or at night, I could almost hear the furnace burning through money. We knew we needed an upgrade—something precise, programmable, and reliable that would let us set a schedule and forget about it. We wanted modern control and efficiency without the complexities and potential security concerns of a Wi-Fi-connected device. This search for a smart, simple solution is what led us to the Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7 Day Programmable Thermostat.
- Scheduling your heating/cooling cycles to fit your lifestyle is easy to do, with options to program day-to-day, over the weekend, or for an entire week....
- The crystal-clear display on the T5 Touchscreen Thermostat provides a seamless blend of function and style.
What to Consider Before Buying a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is more than just a wall-mounted gadget; it’s a key solution for taking command of your home’s climate, comfort, and energy consumption. By allowing you to create automated heating and cooling schedules, these devices ensure your HVAC system runs only when needed, potentially saving you a significant amount on your utility bills. The primary benefits are twofold: consistent comfort tailored to your lifestyle and improved energy efficiency. No more waking up to a frigid house or cooling an empty one. You get the perfect temperature when you’re home and save energy when you’re not.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a relatively consistent weekly schedule. If you leave for work, return, and go to sleep around the same times each day, a programmable thermostat is a perfect fit. It’s also an excellent choice for the DIY-inclined individual who values privacy and prefers a device that isn’t connected to the internet. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those with highly erratic schedules where every day is different, as they might find constantly overriding the program to be a hassle. For those users, a Wi-Fi-enabled “smart” thermostat like the Google Nest, which offers remote control via a smartphone app, might be a better, albeit more complex and expensive, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Compatibility & Wiring: This is the most critical factor. Before you buy any thermostat, you must know what kind of HVAC system you have (e.g., furnace, central air, heat pump with or without auxiliary heat). Also, check your existing wiring. The Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7 Day Programmable Thermostat boasts wide compatibility but works best when you know what you’re connecting it to. The presence of a “C-wire” (common wire) is important for providing continuous power, though this model can run on batteries if a C-wire isn’t available.
- Programming Flexibility: Thermostats come with different scheduling options: 7-day (each day can be unique), 5-2 day (one schedule for weekdays, another for weekends), and 5-1-1 (weekdays, Saturday, Sunday). A 7-day model like this Honeywell offers the most customization, perfect for families with different schedules on different days of the week.
- Interface & Usability: How you interact with the device matters. A large, backlit touchscreen, like the one on the RTH8560D, is far easier to read and operate than a small screen with clunky physical buttons, especially in a dimly lit hallway. An intuitive menu system makes the initial setup and any future adjustments much less of a chore.
- Smart Features (Non-Wi-Fi): “Smart” doesn’t have to mean “internet-connected.” Look for intelligent features that enhance comfort and efficiency. Honeywell’s Smart Response Learning, for example, learns your system’s cycle times to reach your target temperature precisely on schedule. Another premium feature is Auto Changeover, which can automatically switch between heating and cooling without manual intervention—a blessing in spring and fall.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7 Day Programmable Thermostat stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and compatibility here.
While mastering your home’s climate control is a rewarding DIY project, you might be interested in other areas of home automation and programming. For a broader look at another fascinating tech category, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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Unboxing the Honeywell Home RTH8560D: First Impressions and Key Features
Upon opening the box, we were greeted with a clean, modern-looking device that felt like a significant leap forward from our old thermostat. The packaging is straightforward, containing the thermostat unit itself, the UWP (Universal Wall Plate) mounting system, screws and wall anchors, a quick start guide, and the full installation manual. The thermostat has a satisfying, solid feel for a plastic device, and its square shape and bright white finish look sharp and contemporary on the wall.
The first thing that catches your eye is the large touchscreen. It’s a stark contrast to the tiny, non-backlit LCDs on many budget models. When you pop in the included AA batteries (or connect it to a C-wire), the screen illuminates with a cool blue backlight that is crisp and exceptionally easy to read. The default display shows the current indoor temperature in large numbers, the time, and the indoor humidity—a fantastic bonus feature that we didn’t expect but now can’t live without. It immediately felt more like a piece of modern technology than a simple utility control, a welcome upgrade that instantly elevated the look of our hallway.
What We Like
- Intuitive touchscreen interface with a bright blue backlight
- Highly flexible 7-day programming for customized schedules
- Smart Response technology ensures precise temperature at the scheduled time
- Auto Changeover feature automatically switches between heat and cool
- Dual power option (batteries or C-wire) adds installation flexibility
- Includes an indoor humidity sensor and display
Limitations
- No Wi-Fi connectivity or remote app control
- Does not include a decorative backplate to cover old paint/holes
A Detailed Look at the Honeywell Home RTH8560D’s Day-to-Day Performance
A thermostat can look great on the wall, but its true value is revealed in its daily performance, ease of use, and ability to deliver on its promises of comfort and efficiency. We spent several weeks living with the Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7 Day Programmable Thermostat, putting it through its paces during a fickle shoulder season with warm days and chilly nights. Our in-depth testing revealed a device that is impressively capable, reliable, and intelligently designed for its target user.
Installation: A Surprisingly Simple DIY Project
For many, the thought of replacing a thermostat seems daunting, invoking fears of complex wiring and potential damage to their expensive HVAC system. We were pleasantly surprised to find that installing the Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7 Day Programmable Thermostat was remarkably straightforward. The most crucial first step, which we can’t stress enough, is to turn off the power to your HVAC system at the breaker box. Safety first! Following the advice of many experienced users, we took a clear picture of our old thermostat’s wiring before disconnecting anything. Honeywell also includes handy little wire label stickers, which made tracking which wire goes where a foolproof process.
The included UWP mounting system is a clever piece of engineering. It screws to the wall, and the wires are inserted into clearly marked terminals. Once the UWP is wired and secure, the thermostat unit simply clicks into place. From start to finish, the physical installation took us less than 20 minutes. Many users report a similar experience, with one noting, “it was backwards compatible with the thermostat I already had. I didn’t have to rewire anything.” This is especially true for those replacing older Honeywell models. The initial system setup is guided by on-screen prompts where you tell the thermostat what kind of system you have (e.g., gas furnace, heat pump). The manual is essential here, providing codes for different system types. While one user found the instructions “a little weird,” they also conceded that the on-screen controls were very intuitive once they started. Overall, for anyone with basic DIY skills, this is a very achievable project.
The Touchscreen and Programming Experience
This is where the RTH8560D truly shines. The touchscreen is responsive and the interface is logically laid out. There’s no fumbling with confusing up/down/next buttons. Everything is clearly labeled on the screen. Programming a schedule is a breeze. You select the day you want to program, and then you can adjust the time and temperature for four distinct periods: Wake, Leave, Return, and Sleep. The ability to copy one day’s schedule to other days saves a lot of time. With 7-day programmability, our weekend schedule, where we wake up later, is different from our weekday one—a level of control that directly translates to comfort and savings.
The large, brightly backlit display is a standout feature. It’s easy to see from across the room and a tap anywhere on the screen illuminates it instantly. This simple feature makes nighttime adjustments effortless. We also came to appreciate the at-a-glance information. The main screen prominently displays the current temperature, but it also shows the set temperature, the time, and the indoor humidity level. Knowing the humidity helps in managing overall home comfort; on a humid day, 72°F can feel much warmer than on a dry day. As one user aptly put it, the display is “very clean and… minimalistic,” providing just the essential information without clutter. The intuitive design makes what could be a complex task feel simple and accessible. After living with it, we wholeheartedly agree that the user-friendly programming is one of its strongest selling points.
Intelligent Comfort: Smart Response and Auto Changeover in Action
Beyond basic programming, the Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7 Day Programmable Thermostat has two key features that elevate it above more basic models: Smart Response Technology and Auto Changeover. Smart Response is a subtle but brilliant feature. Traditional programmable thermostats will kick on the heat or AC at the exact time you set. If you set it to be 70°F at 6:30 AM, it *starts* heating at 6:30 AM, meaning you might not feel comfortable until 7:00 AM. Smart Response learns how long your HVAC system takes to change the temperature. It then intelligently starts the system *earlier* to ensure your home reaches the target temperature *at* your scheduled time. We found this works flawlessly; the house was always perfectly comfortable the moment our “Wake” period began.
The Auto Changeover feature is a game-changer for climates with large daily temperature swings. In our area, spring days can be warm enough for air conditioning in the afternoon but cool enough for the heat at night. With our old thermostat, this meant manually switching the system mode from “Cool” to “Heat” and back again. With the RTH8560D, we simply set our desired heating temperature (e.g., 68°F) and cooling temperature (e.g., 74°F), and the thermostat handles the rest. As confirmed by numerous users who were thrilled to find this setting, if the temperature drops below 68°F, the heat kicks in. If it rises above 74°F, the AC engages. It’s a “set-it-and-forget-it” feature that delivers effortless, year-round comfort.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we dug into feedback from hundreds of other users to see if our experience was typical. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with praise frequently directed at the same key areas we identified. Many users, like one who was upgrading from a 1980s model, were ecstatic about the easy installation, stating, “I couldn’t be happier! It’s very easy to install and I had no issues changing from analog to digital.” Another echoed this sentiment, calling the installation a “breeze.”
The straightforward programming and the Auto Changeover feature were also consistent highlights. One happy customer noted, “This DOES have the setting to make it automatically heat or cool… I’d been dealing with a nightmare thermostat before and this one is so much better.” However, the feedback wasn’t without criticism. The most common complaint, by far, is the lack of an included decorative wall plate or “beauty ring.” One user lamented, “Would have given it five stars if there was a wall plate available… I’m forced to paint the entire wall.” This is a valid point, as the thermostat’s square footprint may not cover the marks or unpainted area left by a larger, older model. It’s a small but frustrating omission for an otherwise well-thought-out product.
How the Honeywell Home RTH8560D Compares to the Competition
The Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7 Day Programmable Thermostat occupies a specific niche: premium, non-connected climate control. To understand its value, it’s helpful to compare it against other popular options in the market, from basic programmable models to full-fledged smart home hubs.
1. Honeywell Home RTH221B Programmable Thermostat
- ONE WEEK PROGRAMMING: Set one identical program for the entire week with four program periods per day including wake, leave, arrive and sleep.
- PRECISE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Precise temperature control of plus/- 1 degree Fahrenheit
This is Honeywell’s entry-level programmable model and a logical alternative for those on a strict budget. The primary differences are the interface and programming flexibility. The RTH221B uses physical buttons and a smaller, simpler LCD screen instead of a touchscreen. Its programming is also more limited, offering a 5-2 day schedule (one program for weekdays, one for the weekend). It lacks the advanced features of the RTH8560D, such as Smart Response, Auto Changeover, and the humidity display. This thermostat is a great choice for someone who wants the absolute basic “set-it-and-forget-it” functionality without any bells and whistles and at a very low price point.
2. Amazon Echo Hub Smart Home Control Panel
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The Echo Hub represents a completely different approach to home control. It’s not just a thermostat; it’s a wall-mounted smart home command center with Alexa built-in. It can control compatible smart thermostats (like those from Ecobee or Nest), as well as lights, cameras, locks, and music. Choosing the Echo Hub is for the homeowner who is already invested or wants to dive deep into the smart home ecosystem. It offers infinitely more functionality than the RTH8560D but also comes with a much higher level of complexity, a reliance on Wi-Fi and the cloud, and a significantly higher cost, especially once you add the price of a compatible smart thermostat.
3. Google Nest Thermostat E Programmable Smart Thermostat
- Programmable smart thermostat that learns the temperatures you like and programs itself to help you save energy and stay comfortable; start with a simple...
- Home/Away Assist automatically adjusts itself to an Eco Temperature after you leave, so you don’t heat or cool an empty home. Connectivity...
The Nest Thermostat E is the RTH8560D’s direct “smart” competitor. Its main selling point is Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables remote control from anywhere via the Nest app. It also features “learning” capabilities that attempt to build a schedule for you automatically based on your habits. While it offers the convenience of remote access, it also requires a C-wire in most installations, relies on an internet connection to function fully, and involves sharing your data with Google’s servers. The Nest is for the tech-savvy user who prioritizes remote control and smart home integration above all else. The RTH8560D, in contrast, is for the user who wants intelligent features without the connectivity.
The Final Verdict: Is the Honeywell Home RTH8560D Right for You?
After weeks of rigorous testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7 Day Programmable Thermostat is an outstanding choice for a huge segment of homeowners. It perfectly bridges the gap between basic, outdated thermostats and overly complex, internet-connected smart devices. It delivers premium, intelligent features like a responsive touchscreen, highly flexible 7-day scheduling, Smart Response learning, and automatic heat/cool changeover, all in a reliable, offline package.
This thermostat is for the person who wants to save money on energy bills, enjoy customized comfort, and complete a satisfying DIY project without handing over their data or relying on a Wi-Fi connection. Its primary “limitation”—the lack of remote access—is precisely its greatest strength for those concerned with privacy and simplicity. While the lack of an included wall plate is an annoying oversight, it’s a minor flaw in an otherwise stellar product. If you value robust features, ease of use, and dependable performance, this thermostat is one of the best investments you can make for your home.
If you’ve decided the Honeywell Home RTH8560D 7 Day Programmable Thermostat is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API