General Information
If you have more than 1 thermostat, you can control them all via the same account.
The 1F86U-42WF has a temperature accuracy of +/- 1 degree, compared with other thermostats that offer a +/- 5 degree accuracy. This may not sound a great deal, but having you home 5 degrees warmer or cooler than you want it can have a huge effect on your energy costs.
If, for example, you are away on vacation and part of your heating or cooling system fails, the Sensi will send you alerts enabling you to take action immediately – much better than coming home to a nasty surprise.
Emerson, who make the Sensi, produce 2 versions of this thermostat, this one, the Pro-Install 1F86U-42WF and the DIY-Install UP500W. There is no difference physically between them, but the Pro-Install version costs about 10% less and has a 5 year warranty versus a 3 year warranty.
Pros
- Compatible with most North American heating and cooling systems, simply swap the old thermostat out for the Sensi
- In many cases a ‘C’ wire is not needed
- Works within a +/- 1 degree accuracy
- All setup and operation can be carried through a smartphone or tablet with the free Android or iOS app
- Retains programming in memory during power outages
- Sends alerts when the temperature exceeds or falls below set limits or if the heating or cooling system fails.
- Local weather information
- Backlit control panel
- Automatic updating
- Low profile, the thermostat sits very flat to the wall, it is only ¾” deep.
- 5 year limited warranty with professional installation – see here for details
Cons
- Cannot be set up with a PC, it needs a smartphone or tablet. After setup, it can then be controlled with a PC
- No PIN lockout to prevent unauthorized tampering with the settings. A plastic guard is available, but this is Ok for commercial applications but may be a little unsightly in a home.
Ease of Use 4.7/5
Installation 4.7/5
In many cases, with conventional heating and cooling systems, there is no need to have a ‘C’ wire. If you do not have a ‘C’ wire already installed, this can make installation so much easier. Then it is simply a matter of removing the old thermostat, remembering to mark which wires come from which terminal, and wire in the new. The product comes complete with screws, wall plugs, and batteries.
Programming 4.5/5
The Sensi operates on a 7 day cycle, so once you have set one week, the system just repeats. All the set up can be done either through the push-buttons on the thermostat itself or, the easier option, through a smartphone or tablet. There is an option to have 4 heat and 2 cooling settings for each day. If you need to change your settings for whatever reasons, you can do so easily through your smartphone, tablet or PC.
Energy Saving 4.5/5
Bottom Line 4.6/5
The Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Programmable Thermostat 1F86U-42WF has many points to recommend it. If you do not already have a ‘C’ wire in your installation, and you have a standard heating and cooling system, the fact that in many cases you can just install the 1F86U-42WF without having to run additional wires or find a way to work around it, is a very big plus point.
The initial setup and programming are simple and straightforward as is the ease of use once it is up and running. The fact that it does not have all the learning abilities of other more expensive programmable thermostats will be a plus for many users.
Although it may lack the sleek designs of thermostats such as the Nest and the ecobee3, it does mean that it will fit comfortably into most home decors.
Overall the Sensi 1F86U-42WF is rated as one of the best programmable thermostats available, based on its value for money, long warranty, ease of installation and use. We hope you find our Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Programmable Thermostat 1F86U-42WF Review useful