There’s a specific, unwelcome shock that can ruin an otherwise peaceful morning: the feeling of bare feet hitting an ice-cold tile floor. For years, my morning routine was a delicate dance of hopping from bathmat to rug, avoiding the frozen tundra of our bathroom floor. We invested in an electric floor heating system a decade ago, and while it was a revelation, its controller was a product of its time. It featured a tiny, non-backlit LCD screen and a series of cryptic buttons that required a master’s degree in patience to program. Every time the clocks changed or our schedule shifted, I’d face a 15-minute battle with the user manual, squinting at pixelated text. The result? We often just left it on a single temperature, defeating the purpose of a “programmable” unit and wasting energy. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a failure to capitalize on a luxury investment, turning a source of comfort into a source of frustration.
- SMART THERMOSTAT: Stay cozy and connected with the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Touchscreen Programmable Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat, an industry-leading...
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What to Consider Before Buying a Programmable Thermostat for Heated Floors
A programmable thermostat for an electric floor heating system is more than just an on/off switch; it’s the brain of your comfort system. It’s a key solution for transforming a simple amenity into an intelligent, energy-efficient part of your home. The main benefit is precision control. Instead of heating an empty room all day, you can schedule warmth for exactly when you need it—like those crucial first steps out of bed or a relaxing evening bath. This not only elevates comfort but also leads to significant energy savings over time by eliminating wasted electricity. It’s the difference between a brute-force heater and a tailored warming experience.
The ideal customer for a specialized thermostat like this is a homeowner who has or is installing an electric radiant floor system and values convenience, efficiency, and modern technology. If you’re tired of fiddling with outdated controls, want to reduce your energy bill, or desire the ability to manage your home’s comfort remotely, this is for you. Conversely, this type of product might not be suitable for those who have a standard HVAC system (furnace or central air), as those require a different type of thermostat. It’s also overkill for someone who is perfectly happy with a simple manual on/off switch and has no interest in scheduling or smart features. For them, a basic non-programmable model might suffice, though they’d miss out on the long-term benefits.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- GFCI Protection & Compatibility: For any application in a wet environment like a bathroom, a thermostat with a built-in Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a non-negotiable safety requirement. You must also ensure the thermostat is compatible with your specific brand of electric floor heating mats or cables and can handle the electrical load (amperage) of your system.
- Sensing Modes & Performance: Top-tier floor thermostats offer multiple sensing modes: floor sensing, air sensing, or a combination of both. Floor sensing provides the most accurate and comfortable radiant heat, while air sensing helps maintain a general ambient room temperature. The ability to set a maximum floor temperature is also critical to protect sensitive flooring materials like vinyl or engineered wood from overheating.
- Connectivity & Smart Features: A modern thermostat should offer more than just a schedule. Look for Wi-Fi connectivity that pairs with a user-friendly mobile app for remote control. Advanced features like energy usage monitoring, weather displays, and intelligent scheduling (like learning your routine or pre-heating to be ready on time) separate the best from the rest.
- Ease of Use & Installation: The physical installation should be straightforward for a DIY-savvy individual, with clear instructions and well-designed connection terminals. Post-installation, the on-screen interface and app should be intuitive. A complex programming process negates many of the convenience benefits, as we learned with our old unit.
Keeping these factors in mind, the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Programmable Smart Thermostat stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and see how it addresses each of these points here.
The intelligence in modern devices like the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Programmable Smart Thermostat is a testament to how far programmable technology has come, moving beyond simple scheduling into true smart home automation. This trend isn’t just about comfort; it’s influencing education, hobbies, and the next generation of tech. For a fascinating look at how these same principles of programming and robotics are being applied in other fields, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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First Impressions: A Glimpse into Modern Comfort Control
Unboxing the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Programmable Smart Thermostat felt like stepping out of the dark ages. Where our old unit was thick, beige plastic, this one is sleek and modern with a thin profile. The centerpiece is the gorgeous 4.3-inch color touchscreen, which is bright, clear, and immediately responsive. It looks less like a utility device and more like a small tablet mounted on the wall. Inside the box, SunTouch provides everything needed for a replacement install: the thermostat itself, color-coded wire nuts, mounting screws, a coiled floor sensor wire (essential for new installations), and even a tiny screwdriver for the sensor wire terminals. This thoughtful inclusion was a pleasant surprise. As confirmed by many users who upgraded from older models like the SunStat Pro or Pro II, the difference is night and day. One user aptly described the comparison as going from a “Model T to a Mercedes.” The build quality feels solid, and the portrait orientation of the screen is a smart design choice, displaying a wealth of information without feeling cluttered. It was clear from the moment we held it that this was a serious and much-needed upgrade.
What We Like
- Stunning 4.3″ full-color touchscreen is intuitive and easy to read
- Extremely simple installation process, especially with screw-in terminals
- Powerful smart features including remote app control and energy monitoring
- SmartStart technology efficiently pre-heats floors to be ready on schedule
- Vast improvement in design and usability over previous SunTouch models
Potential Drawbacks
- Smart home integration (Alexa/Google Home) can be unreliable or non-functional
- Occasional initial setup hiccups may require a firmware update or reboot
Deep Dive: Performance and Real-World Use of the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus
A thermostat can look great, but its true value is revealed in its daily performance, from installation to long-term use. We put the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Programmable Smart Thermostat through its paces over several weeks, focusing on the key areas that matter most to a homeowner: the installation process, the user interface and programming, its smart capabilities, and its core heating performance.
Installation: A Refreshingly Simple DIY Project
As someone who has wrestled with my fair share of home wiring projects, I approached the installation with cautious optimism. My past experiences often involved cramming bulky wire nuts into an already crowded electrical box. The SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Programmable Smart Thermostat immediately addressed this pain point. After shutting off the power at the breaker, I removed our old, clunky thermostat. The wiring for these systems is typically standard: two line wires from the power source, two load wires to the heating element, and two small sensor wires. The standout feature here, echoed enthusiastically in user feedback, is the design of the connections. Instead of having pre-attached “pigtail” wires that force you to use wire nuts, this unit features secure screw terminals on the back. You simply insert the bare wire end and tighten it down. This creates a more secure connection and, more importantly, saves a significant amount of space in the electrical box, making it far easier to push the unit into place without straining wires. As one user noted, “Great thing about this unit is that there are screw terminals… My old thermostat had hardwired pigtails coming out of the unit that forced the use of wire nuts.” The whole process, from killing the power to turning it back on, took me less than 20 minutes. For anyone replacing an older SunTouch model, the wiring pattern is identical, making it a direct and simple swap. Upon powering it on, the screen came to life with a guided setup wizard, walking me through connecting to Wi-Fi, setting the date and time, and configuring basic heating parameters. It was, without a doubt, one of the smoothest thermostat installations I have ever performed.
The User Experience: A Touchscreen That Finally Makes Sense
The primary point of interaction with any thermostat is its display, and this is where the CommandPlus truly shines. The 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen is a monumental leap forward from the buttons and monochrome screens of the past. It’s bright, responsive, and the layout is incredibly intuitive. The main screen clearly displays the current floor or room temperature, the set temperature, the time, and even the local weather forecast, which is a surprisingly useful touch. Adjusting the temperature is as simple as tapping the up or down arrows. Accessing the menu to set a schedule, view energy usage, or change settings is straightforward, with clear, easy-to-understand icons. We found programming a 7-day schedule to be a breeze. Unlike our old unit, which required a complex sequence of button presses, the CommandPlus presents a graphical interface. You simply tap the day, choose a time period (Wake, Leave, Return, Sleep), and set the desired temperature. It took me about two minutes to program our entire week without once needing to consult the manual. This sentiment was shared by many users, with one stating it’s “easier to program than any thermostat I’ve ever used.” They also contrasted the crisp, modern display with the “Satanic” orange glow and poor viewing angles of the old SunStat Pro II. The ability to customize the display color is another nice aesthetic touch that helps it blend with your room’s decor.
Smart Features & Connectivity: Power and Pitfalls
The “smart” aspect of the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Programmable Smart Thermostat is its Wi-Fi connectivity and the companion Watts Home mobile app. Setting it up was mostly straightforward; after connecting the thermostat to our home Wi-Fi, we downloaded the app and created an account. Initially, we ran into a small snag where the app couldn’t find the thermostat, a situation reported by a couple of other users. However, after letting the thermostat sit for about five minutes, it completed a background firmware update (indicated by a progress bar), and after a reboot, it connected to the app flawlessly. Once connected, the app provides full control over the thermostat from anywhere. We could adjust the temperature, change the schedule, and turn the system on or off while away from home. The app also provides access to the energy monitoring feature, which shows detailed graphs of your system’s runtime and estimated cost. This is a fantastic tool for understanding your energy consumption and finding opportunities to save. However, there is one significant caveat that we and several other users discovered: the smart home integration is currently problematic. The product is advertised to work with Alexa and Google Home, but enabling the “Watts Home” skill in the Alexa app consistently resulted in an error. Reviews for the skill itself are overwhelmingly negative, with many users reporting the same failure to connect. A user lamented this, saying, “Very disappointed as I envisioned the floor heater heating up as part of the morning routine set up in Alexa.” While the dedicated app works well, if voice control is a primary reason for your purchase, this is a major drawback to consider until the manufacturer resolves this software issue.
Performance & Efficiency: The Brains Behind the Brawn
Ultimately, a thermostat’s job is to control heat effectively and efficiently, and the CommandPlus excels at this. Its most impressive feature in this regard is the “SmartStart” technology. Instead of just turning on at your scheduled “Wake” time (e.g., 6:00 AM), the thermostat learns how long your floor takes to heat up. It then intelligently starts the heating process *before* your scheduled time, ensuring the floor is at your desired 82°F exactly at 6:00 AM. This proactive approach is far more luxurious and effective than waiting 30-45 minutes for the floor to warm up after you’re already awake. The dual-sensing capability is also a huge plus. We chose to use the primary floor sensor for precise tile temperature, but you can also use it to regulate the ambient air temperature, or even use both, with the floor sensor setting a maximum temperature to protect the flooring. This is crucial for certain materials and provides welcome peace of mind. We also appreciated the “Warm Weather Shutdown” feature, which automatically disables the heating system when the outdoor temperature exceeds a set point, preventing unnecessary energy use during summer months. The internal relay is also noticeably quiet, a small but appreciated detail for light sleepers. All these features work together to provide a seamless, comfortable, and highly efficient heating experience. You can learn more about these advanced heating technologies on the product page.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user sentiment for the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Programmable Smart Thermostat is overwhelmingly positive, particularly from those upgrading from older models. A common theme is the sheer ease of installation. One user reported removing their 15-year-old thermostat and having the new one installed in just 10 minutes, calling the new touchscreen “beautiful, easy to read, simple to program and a major improvement.” Another novice user, who had never installed a thermostat before, completed the job in under 30 minutes and programmed it in two, remarking, “Big improvement over the old model, which was hard to read and program.” The modern design and intuitive interface receive constant praise as a welcome relief from outdated technology. On the negative side, the most consistent and valid criticism revolves around the smart home integration. A detailed review noted, “Watts Home app works well but failed to integrate with Alexa or Google Home as described… The ‘Watts Home skill’ in Alexa app has the worst rating and it seems everyone has the same problem.” While isolated incidents of defective units exist—one user reported a screen failure within a day—these appear to be rare outliers rather than a widespread issue. Most users agree that for its core purpose of controlling heated floors, it’s a fantastic and worthwhile investment.
Comparing the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus to the Alternatives
While the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Programmable Smart Thermostat is a specialized device, it’s helpful to understand how it compares to other thermostats on the market, even those designed for different systems. This context highlights what makes the SunTouch unit the right tool for its specific job.
1. Honeywell Home RTH7600D 7-Day Programmable Thermostat
- Large touchscreen display makes it easy to set your preferred temperature or set a weekly schedule for automated adjustments.
- Set home and away temperatures to help save energy when you're not home. Temporary and permanent hold settings are also available for extended absences...
The Honeywell Home RTH7600D is a highly-regarded programmable thermostat for standard central heating and cooling (HVAC) systems. It features a large touchscreen and 7-day programmability, similar to the SunTouch. However, it is fundamentally different and not a direct competitor for floor heating. It lacks the built-in GFCI protection required for bathroom installations and does not have an input for a floor temperature sensor. Someone looking for a reliable, easy-to-program controller for their home’s main furnace and air conditioner would find this Honeywell model to be an excellent choice. But for the specific application of electric radiant floor heat, it is simply the wrong product.
2. Aowel Single-Stage Thermostat
- Aowel AW701 Nonprogrammable Thermostat for House, Compatible with 24V Conventional Single-Stage Heating & Air Conditioning, up to 1 heat 1 cool.
- 【Thermostat Applications 1H/1C】for with Conventional Single-Stage Heating (Gas/Oil/Electric Furnace) & Ventilation & Air Conditioning, up to 1 Heat and...
The Aowel thermostat represents the other end of the spectrum: simplicity and affordability. This is a non-programmable, battery-powered thermostat designed for basic single-stage heating or cooling systems. You set a temperature, and it maintains it. There are no schedules, no Wi-Fi, and no smart features. This is a suitable choice for a workshop, garage, or for someone who wants the most basic, budget-friendly control for a standard furnace and has no need for automation. When compared to the SunTouch CommandPlus, it underscores the value of programmability and smart control; the Aowel is a manual tool, whereas the SunTouch is an automated system designed for comfort and efficiency.
3. Honeywell TH1100DV1000/U Pro 1000 Vertical Non-Programmable Thermostat
- 4 11/16 in. High x 2 7/8 in. Wide x 1 1/8 in. Deep
- Premier white color
Similar to the Aowel, the Honeywell Pro 1000 is a straightforward, non-programmable thermostat known for its reliability. Its vertical orientation might appeal to those with specific space constraints. It’s a professional-grade “set it and forget it” device for standard HVAC systems. The primary reason a user would choose this over the SunTouch CommandPlus is for a different application (central air/heat) and a desire for absolute simplicity over features. It serves its purpose well, but it lacks any of the scheduling, remote access, energy monitoring, or specialized floor-sensing capabilities that make the SunTouch a premium product for radiant heating systems.
Our Final Verdict: Is the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus the Right Choice?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: for anyone with an electric floor heating system, the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Programmable Smart Thermostat is an outstanding upgrade and a top-tier controller. Its greatest strengths lie in its brilliant, intuitive user interface and its incredibly simple installation process. It transforms a clunky, frustrating utility into a sleek, modern, and genuinely useful part of your smart home. The SmartStart technology and detailed energy monitoring are not just gimmicks; they provide tangible benefits in comfort and efficiency.
The only significant reservation we have is the flawed smart home integration with Alexa and Google Home. If voice control is your number one priority, you may want to wait for a software update. However, if your main goal is to have a beautiful, easy-to-use thermostat that you can program effortlessly and control remotely with a solid dedicated app, this product is an absolute winner. It finally allows your heated floors to live up to their full potential for luxury and convenience.
If you’ve decided the SunTouch SunStat CommandPlus Programmable Smart Thermostat is the right fit for bringing your floors into the modern age, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API