If it’s difficult or impossible to run a wire from the new thermostat location back to the SmartZone panel, there are two common solutions:

1. Use a Wireless Thermostat System

A wireless thermostat, such as Honeywell RedLINK or Braeburn BlueLink, communicates wirelessly with a receiver that is connected to the SmartZone panel.

Pros

No thermostat wire needs to be run through walls, floors, or ceilings.
The thermostat can be installed almost anywhere.
Works like a traditional thermostat for controlling the zone.
Good solution when the thermostat and SmartZone panel are far apart.

Cons

Requires a compatible wireless thermostat and receiver.
More expensive than a basic wired thermostat.
Requires batteries or another power source at the thermostat, depending on the model.
Battery life will always be an issue, especially of Wi-Fi connectivity or APP control is desired.

2. Use a Wireless Remote Temperature Sensor

Another option is to install a thermostat such as ecobee or Nest in a convenient location where it can be wired to the SmartZone panel, while placing a wireless remote temperature sensor in the actual zone.

The thermostat is configured to use the remote sensor's temperature for its heating and cooling decisions.

Pros

The thermostat itself does not have to be located in the zone.
The remote sensor can be placed where it is difficult to run thermostat wire.
Provides flexibility for homes where the ideal thermostat location is inaccessible.
Can be a great option when you already use a smart thermostat system.

Cons

Requires a compatible smart thermostat and remote sensor.
Requires the use of an APP to control thermostat and settings instead of a physical thermostat.
More complicated to configure than a standard thermostat.
The thermostat must be compatible with using the remote sensor for temperature control, not simply displaying the temperature.
Usually more expensive than a conventional thermostat.

The simple difference

Wireless thermostat:

The thermostat itself is wireless and communicates with a receiver connected to SmartZone.

Wireless remote sensor:

The thermostat is wired to SmartZone, but it uses a wireless sensor located in the zone to determine the temperature.

Tip: Before choosing either option, verify that the specific thermostat/receiver or remote-sensor system is compatible with the SmartZone installation and can provide the control function you need.

COMING SOON!!!

Coming Soon: A New Wireless Thermostat Option for SmartZone

For SmartZone customers who need to add a thermostat to a zone but can't easily run new thermostat wire, there is another option coming soon.

ECOJAY and ZoningSupply.com will soon offer the RST200 Wireless Remote Stat, giving homeowners and installers a simple way to locate a thermostat where it is needed without having to run a traditional thermostat cable back to the SmartZone panel.

The RST200 uses a wireless thermostat panel and a separate HVAC receiver. The receiver is wired to the HVAC equipment, while the thermostat panel can be mounted on a wall or placed on a tabletop in the desired location. The thermostat communicates wirelessly with the receiver, eliminating the need for a physical thermostat wire between the two.

Why the RST200 is especially interesting for SmartZone installations:

No long thermostat wire run between the thermostat location and the SmartZone equipment.
Wall or tabletop mounting provides flexibility in choosing the thermostat location.
Full-color touchscreen with both basic and advanced thermostat functions.
Supports conventional single-stage systems and single-stage heat pumps with auxiliary/emergency heat, including dual-fuel applications.
Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity provides smart-home features through the Tuya Smart Life app, with support for Alexa and Google Assistant.
The thermostat is powered separately, allowing it to be installed in a convenient location without relying on thermostat wiring for power.

The RST200 will be available exclusively from ECOJAY and ZoningSupply.com. It will provide SmartZone installers with another practical tool for those challenging installations where running a new thermostat wire simply isn't practical.

Coming soon (early 2027) —watch ECOJAY and ZoningSupply.com for availability.

OR go to this link to sign up for notification when the RST200 becomes available for PRE-order (and receive promotional discount):

https://zoningsupply.com/rst200

Despite often being used interchangeably, wifi and wireless thermostats refer to 2 very different types of devices.

Wifi stats (like the Nest or Ecobee) have surged in popularity over the last few years. Wireless stats have actually been around for a quite a while but are not quite as popular. Both types of devices perform the same basic function of controlling your heating and cooling unit as the room’s temperature changes. Both can be programmable and have touch-screens. Both can help you reduce energy consumption, especially when paired with a zoning system like SmartZone.

Key Differences:

Wireless thermostats can essentially be placed anywhere in your home. Think of it like a remote control for your HVAC. They do not need to be WIRED to the wall or to the HVAC unit.

WiFi thermostats are not wireless and are generally wall-mounted. They enable users to control the thermostat remotely from a phone, computer, or tablet. In some areas, even the local energy companies can request access to your wifi stat.

The differences are as simple as their names imply. Wireless stats operate without being wired to the wall or system. Wifi stats are stationary, but can be controlled from peripheral devices.

Benefits:

A person in the market for a wireless thermostat is looking for a device that can be placed anywhere in the home and not necessarily on a wall.

A person in the market for a wifi thermostat is looking for the ability to control their thermostat from anywhere. They might also be looking for the benefits that come with having your stat connected to the internet. Some top of the line wifi thermostats can display weather info, news headlines and more. They can also integrate with various home-automation systems.

After looking at the benefits of the 2 types of devices, it’s easy to see why wifi thermostats have out-paced wireless thermostats in popularity. However, both inventions are remarkable examples of how the HVAC industry is racing forward to meet the comfort and convenience requirements of 21st century homes and buildings.

For more information about innovative thermostats and HVAC energy-efficiency, visit:

www.zoningsupply.com

http://www.gadgetreview.com/6-of-the-best-wifi-thermostats