Trane's ongoing commitment to innovation is seen in the Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat, a programmable, internet-equipped control center for your home's indoor environment. It's the thermostat that Popular Mechanics included in their 2010 list of "The Year's Most Transformative Products." Does that mean that its right for your home? In this Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat review, we will look at the top features this thermostat offers as well as possible drawbacks you will want to consider.

Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat Features
This feature-rich product is a very different kind of thermostat. It comes with a 7-inch HD touchscreen display that resembles a smart phone or tablet. The screen can be used for advanced programming that allows you to incredible control over your indoor climate. It starts with precise temperature control without noticeable fluctuation. This is achieved by having your system run at a lower speed for a longer period of time, an approach that actually leads to system longevity.

In addition to temperature, the Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat offers exact control over humidity and air filtration. It does this through more consistent airflow that more effectively removes humidity from the air when cooling and adds humidity when heating if a humidifier is installed in the furnace or air handler. The more air circulates, the better it will be filtered or purified as well. Your furnace or air handler will run on low speed most of the time, keeping operating sound to a minimum. In addition, if your ductwork is equipped for zones, this controller allows room by room control of heating and air conditioning.

What else can the Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat do? It connects to the internet to provide 5-day weather forecasts so you can plan your activities and your wardrobe. It will track your system’s energy use from month to month and year to year so that you can compare energy consumption over time. All of this capability places this thermostat in the top 2 or 3 on the market.

Drawbacks to the Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat
The biggest concern for many homeowners is the cost of the Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat. Many simply won't want to spend the money for it. In addition, some HVAC systems aren't equipped to make full use of this thermostat. To get the full benefit of it, the HVAC system needs to be equipped with communicating technology, a variable-speed blower, a 2-speed compressor in the condensing unit and ductwork equipped with zone capabilities.

Conclusion
If your current HVAC system, or one you are planning, includes high-performance features, then the Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat will allow you to get the best performance from them. It provides customizable control over every aspect of your home's climate. The Trane ComfortLink II Thermostat is an excellent choice for homeowners who want precise indoor comfort along with the greatest energy savings.