Lux Products TX500U Thermostat Review

The Lux TX500U is a budget programmable thermostat by Lux Products. At its price point, the Lux TX500U is just slightly pricier than similar offerings from various competitors and some of the other basic models.

So, is the higher premium worth the extra features this model brings to the table? Or is it what you pay for having ‘programmable’ in the description?

Design

Straight off the bat, you will be impressed by the relatively large display with a strong blue backlight.

This central display features three main buttons, an up, down and hold button, and everything else is hidden safely behind a plastic cover that folds down for easy access.

This covering, however, is pretty cheap feeling and flimsy, but at its price, they had to make the sacrifice somewhere, and we’re just glad that it was at a near-vestigial plastic cover.

This design language, however, does make the Lux TX500U thermostat look quite minimal, which we love.

Installation and Maintenance

It is important to note that the Lux TX500U thermostat is rated as fully compatible with the following systems:

• Most of the 24V heating and cooling systems
• 1 and 2 stage Heat, with 1 stage Cool; Heat Pump, Gas, Oil or Electric systems.
• 3-wire hot water zone valves, and
• Gas millivolt heaters

It is, however, not compatible with 120 or 240 VAC line-voltage systems without a transformer.

Installation is quite straightforward, and the only tools you’ll require are screwdrivers, wire strippers, wire cutters and probably a drill with assorted bits for new installations.

Also, depending on your wiring and power specifications, you can refer to their different wiring diagrams on their manuals and choose the one most suitable for your situation. However, as with almost all thermostats, you should note the following recommended mounting location guidelines:

• You should mount the thermostat on an inside wall and about 5ft. off the floor.
• Do not locate it in a place with poor air circulation, such as a corner or an alcove.
• Do not locate the thermostat where there is unusual heating or cooling conditions such as in direct sunlight, above a radiator, television or lamp, or next to a window or door.
• As with any electrical equipment, do not locate in a damp environment.

What We Loved

For a budget device, the Lux TX500U thermostat is surprisingly easy to program, and even sweetens the pot by adding intuitive and innovative features such as the keypad lockout for unauthorized users.

This is a favorite feature for landlords and fathers everywhere; keeping tenants and family members from cranking up the heat to ridiculous levels and driving the power bill up with it.

Despite the Lux TX500U programmable thermostat including this feature, which we appreciate, the actual application is…weird.

What Could Be Improved

The thermostat does have a lock on it, but the locking code is not a secret PIN that you get to pick but instead, it is provided by the manufacturer AND is the same code for every single thermostat, it is even available in the online manuals. While this will not keep the resourceful adult or even a cumbersome tenant from messing with the heat, it is excellent for keeping out kids, and we appreciate the inclusion at this price range.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that the Lux TX500U is a fantastic option for a thermostat, period. And if you’re in the market for a basic programmable thermostat, then this option becomes a no-brainer. With a ton of features and a very few compromises, this particular device strikes a balance between value and cost and does it beautifully.

Hopefully, this review of the Lux TX500U thermostat helps you off the fence if you’re in the market for the best programmable thermostat under $100. For other similar product reviews, tips, guides, and tricks, check out some of our other articles on the site.