wrote:
On Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:49:36 -0500, mcp6453 wrote:

The programmable thermostat on my upstairs Comfortmaker heat pump has
started acting strangely. It's made by Totaline. In normal operation,
when it is being programmed, certain numbers or digits (temperature,
heat, cool) will flash to indicate which parameter is being set. After a
few seconds, the flashing stops to indicate that the control is no
longer in the programming mode. The problem with my unit is that it
sometimes continues to flash.

I've removed and restored power to the thermostat and to the heat pump
to try to reset the unit. Neither has helped. My guess is that the unit
is defective. (I cannot find a reset button.) The biggest problem is
that when a time-of-day setting is activated, such as changing the heat
from 69 to 72 degrees at 6:00AM, the heat does not kick in.
I cannot find a model number anywhere on the unit. It looks almost
exactly like the "Gold Programmable" on page 4 of the Totaline brochure
at http://www.totaline.com/dl/570-484.pdf, meaning that it may be a
Model P274. How can I find out which unit is the correct replacement? I
want to replace it myself. The heating and cooling stages don't mean a
lot to me. The heat side has emergency heat and normal heat (is that two
stages?) As far as I know, the cooling is only one cycle. Am I going to
have to get the model number of the heat pump to get the specs, or is
there another way to characterize the unit?


It is my experience that most all thermostats are made cheaply
and should be considered throw-a-way.

I understand they will hold memory for some time without
batteries or outside power. They are designed to do this to allow for
folk like me to take their good old time in replacing those batteries,
including maybe going to the store for new batteries and not loose
their memory. If you can do without it for a few days or would happen
to know where you could drain the power safely you might be able to
establish a re-boot.

Maybe it would be a good time to buy a new one and keep the
original as a backup.
Hi,
Honeywell Vision Pro line is very good choice.
You have to know the HP specs like how many cool/heat stages, aux. heat,
etc. to find the correct replacement and configure the system option
accordingly per owner's manual. I always use Viion Pro 8000 series for
family and friends. Some times over kill but it is very good.