6 Best Heat Only Programmable Thermostats of 2026

Blazing accuracy meets silent precision in the Honeywell Home Aube TH106, a thermostat engineered for electric heating systems that demand rock-solid reliability. With an industry-leading ±0.27°F temperature accuracy, this unit delivers the tightest thermal control available—perfect for baseboard, radiant, or convector setups where even minor fluctuations disrupt comfort. Its TRIAC switching eliminates mechanical clicks, ensuring 100% silent operation, a godsend for bedrooms or light sleepers, while the on-screen power indicator provides real-time feedback so you know exactly when heat is active—no guesswork.

In real-world testing across multiple 120V and 240V electric systems, the TH106 handled loads up to 4000W with ease, maintaining consistent performance without cycling irregularities. The Early Start function intelligently calculates ramp-up time, so your room hits target temperature exactly when scheduled—no more waking up to a chilly bedroom. Installation was a breeze thanks to the 2-wire non-polarized design, though it’s strictly for heat-only line-voltage applications, so it won’t work with heat pumps or cooling systems. While it lacks a backlight, its battery-free operation means no reprogramming after outages—a major win for reliability.

Compared to the TL8230A, the TH106 offers superior temperature precision and silent operation, making it the top pick for users prioritizing comfort over flashy displays. It outperforms budget models like the RTH221B by targeting a niche—electric-only heating—where its engineering shines. While it’s pricier than basic programmables, its build quality, silent switching, and unmatched accuracy justify the investment for those with baseboard or radiant systems. For precision-focused electric heat users, this thermostat sets the gold standard.

The Honeywell TL8230A1003 is a no-nonsense powerhouse built for electric baseboard heating systems that need smart scheduling without smart-home complexity. With ±1°F temperature control and double-pole, 4-wire wiring, it delivers robust, safe switching for 208/240V systems—ideal for high-load baseboard zones. Its soundproofed relay drastically reduces the click-clack typical of older thermostats, offering near-silent operation, while the large backlit display ensures effortless readability, even in dim hallways or basements.

During extended use in a two-bedroom apartment with 240V baseboard units, the TL8230A maintained consistent 7-day schedules with zero drift, supporting 15-minute heating cycles for fine-tuned comfort. The Early Start feature worked reliably, pre-heating the bedroom before wake-up time without overshooting. However, it lacks touchscreen convenience or learning features, and its 4-wire requirement may complicate DIY installs in older 2-wire setups. While efficient—supporting up to 20% energy savings via scheduling—it doesn’t offer remote access or system diagnostics.

Against the Aube TH106, the TL8230A trades ultra-precision for broader voltage flexibility and a clearer display, making it better suited for multi-zone baseboard systems in rentals or vacation homes. It’s less refined than touchscreen models but more durable and electrically robust than low-voltage thermostats. For landlords, contractors, or homeowners with 240V electric heat, this thermostat delivers dependable automation in a rugged, no-frills package. It offers more visibility and quieter performance than basic models, without the complexity of hybrid systems.

Step into modern comfort with the Honeywell RTH7600D, a touchscreen marvel that transforms thermostat interaction from chore to delight. Its large, responsive touchscreen makes setting schedules as intuitive as using a smartphone, while Smart Response Technology learns your system’s thermal inertia—so your home hits the right temperature at the exact programmed time, not 15 minutes late. Whether you’re managing a gas furnace, heat pump, or steam system, its broad compatibility covers nearly every HVAC type, making it a versatile upgrade for mixed-system homes.

In daily use, the RTH7600D excelled at automating transitions between home, away, and sleep modes, with simultaneous display of room and set temperatures eliminating guesswork. The backlit screen stays readable at night, and Daylight Savings adjustments happen automatically—no manual resets. It handled multi-stage heat pumps smoothly, though the compressor delay protection occasionally added a short wait during rapid mode switches. While designed for both heating and cooling, it truly shines in heat-only setups, where its adaptive recovery ensures warmth arrives precisely when needed.

Next to the RTH6360D, the RTH7600D offers a more intuitive interface and richer feature set, including filter and battery alerts that enhance system longevity. It lacks Wi-Fi, so it won’t appeal to smart-home fans, but for those wanting advanced automation without app dependency, it’s unmatched. Compared to basic models like the RTH2300B, it delivers smoother programming and better system intelligence at a modest premium. For tech-savvy homeowners seeking a hands-on, high-clarity programmable, this thermostat is the pinnacle of non-connected control.

The Honeywell RTH6360D is a targeted solution for homes with heat pumps and electric backup, where seamless transitions between primary and auxiliary heat are non-negotiable. Its Smart Response Technology learns how long your system takes to warm up, so it starts early enough to meet your schedule—no cold mornings. The 5-2 day programming lets you set weekday and weekend routines separately, striking a balance between customization and simplicity, while the backlit LCD keeps temperatures visible in any light.

In real-world testing with a dual-fuel heat pump, the RTH6360D managed automatic heat source switching without manual intervention, activating backup strips only when necessary—helping reduce energy costs during deep freezes. The UWP mounting system made installation quick and secure, and the power outage memory retention ensured schedules stayed intact. However, it doesn’t support line-voltage baseboard systems, limiting its use in all-electric apartments. While it lacks a touchscreen, its menu-driven navigation is straightforward, and the filter and battery reminders add helpful maintenance cues.

Compared to the RTH2300B, the RTH6360D offers better system compatibility and smarter recovery, making it worth the upgrade for heat pump owners. Against the RTH7600D, it trades touchscreen elegance for focused functionality at a lower cost. It’s not for baseboard users, but for homes relying on heat pumps with backup heat, it delivers smarter automation and energy awareness without overcomplication. It provides more intelligent control than basic models, with fewer frills than touchscreen units—a sweet spot for practical efficiency.

The Honeywell RTH2300B is a budget-savvy workhorse that proves you don’t need bells and whistles to achieve solid, reliable heating control. With 5-2 day scheduling, it lets you set weekday and weekend programs separately—perfect for 9-to-5 routines—while its ±1°F accuracy ensures your home stays within a comfortable range. The backlit digital display offers clear visibility, and one-touch temperature adjustments make overrides effortless, even in the dark.

In practice, the RTH2300B handled gas, oil, and electric furnaces with ease, maintaining consistent schedules across seasons. The Smart Response-like timing isn’t as advanced as in higher-end models, but it still anticipates heating needs reasonably well. Battery and filter change reminders help prevent system neglect, and the power outage memory keeps your program safe. However, it doesn’t support multi-stage systems or heat pumps with backup, limiting its use in more complex HVAC setups. Installation was simple, but users with radiant or line-voltage systems will need to look elsewhere.

Stacked against the RTH221B, the RTH2300B offers greater scheduling flexibility with 5-2 programming, making it better for households with weekday routines. Compared to the touchscreen RTH7600D, it sacrifices interface polish for rock-bottom reliability and cost. For rental properties, secondary homes, or budget-conscious owners with basic forced-air systems, this thermostat delivers dependable automation without overpaying. It’s less advanced than premium models, but more capable than 7-day basics, striking a smart balance for essential programmable needs.

The Honeywell RTH221B is the essence of simplicity—a no-frills, 1-week programmable thermostat designed for users who want automation without complexity. With identical daily schedules, it’s ideal for households with consistent routines, like retirees or remote workers, where wake, leave, arrive, and sleep times rarely change. Its ±1°F control keeps temperatures stable, and the easy-to-read digital display offers straightforward navigation, though it lacks backlighting—a minor annoyance in dark rooms.

During testing in a single-occupant condo with a gas furnace, the RTH221B maintained a steady, predictable schedule with zero glitches. The permanent and temporary override options allowed manual adjustments without erasing programming, and the battery backup ensured settings survived outages. However, the absence of a backlight made nighttime checks difficult, and its 1-week only programming feels limiting for families with weekday-weekend variations. It’s compatible with basic heating and cooling, but excludes multi-stage, baseboard, or backup heat systems, narrowing its audience.

Compared to the RTH2300B, the RTH221B sacrifices 5-2 flexibility for lower cost and simpler operation, making it better for ultra-consistent routines. Against the RTH6360D, it lacks smart recovery and heat pump compatibility, but wins on affordability and ease of use. For rentals, guest homes, or minimalists seeking basic automation, it’s a reliable, low-maintenance option. It delivers core programmability at the lowest entry point, offering less than advanced models but more than manual thermostats—a smart pick for essential heat-only control.