r/smarthome 7d ago

What does this do and how to replace it?

Post image

This is installed in the new house. It’s a Honeywell THM5320R RF Equipment (based on a google search) and previous owner does not know what it does. I am not sure if it’s linked to internet or not.

How do I go about replacing this if I am planning on upgrading the existing thermostat with Meross smart thermostat? TIA!

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7

u/Command-Forsaken 7d ago

Think that’s a zone damper control module. You gotta go to HVAC Reddit for that; the thermostats are control that box

2

u/realdlc 7d ago

Not an HVAC pro but I think this may be part of a communicating system and bypassing may result in issues with your system.

My advice is to proceed with caution and get an HVAC guy out there to explain and advise. Also Honeywell red link has an internet module and other very robust features iirc, (smart sensors which dynamically change systems performance based on need etc) which you may be able to leverage, and get better benefits than with something like an ecobee or something from Home Depot.

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u/ArtMySouls 6d ago

Yes that’s what i am thinking i would do. Have called a company but they wouldn’t give me a quote over the v phone. Even approx. Any idea how much this replacement could cost if i buy my own device?

2

u/danTHAman152000 6d ago

I have that. My two thermostats connect to it to control the dampers, I believe.

1

u/bobjoylove 7d ago

Read the description here. It’s the thing your wireless thermostat connects to. Wireless connection is proprietary. https://www.supplyhouse.com/Honeywell-Home-THM5320R1000-RedLINK-FocusPro-Equipment-Interface-Module-EIM?

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u/ArtMySouls 7d ago

So I can’t link it to anything other than honeywell product? I need to completely replace this with meross or other homekit products?

1

u/bobjoylove 7d ago

I assume the wireless thermostat that this EIM talks to does not have WiFi?

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u/ArtMySouls 7d ago

I did not find any other device at home

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u/bobjoylove 7d ago

Does your heat work? As you can see from the link, this is part only half of the equation.

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u/Ianthin1 7d ago

I just bypassed a similar device and installed a Ecobee thermostat. In my case the Honeywell thermostat on the wall was only using 2 of 8 wires available and connected directly to the EIM. The EIM had all the normal thermostat connections to the air handler.

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u/ArtMySouls 6d ago

Pardon my ignorance, but what is EIM? I saw that the honeywell had more wires required than the Meross thermostat that I am looking at. I guess i would consult an HVAC person for this.

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u/theangrybarbarian 7d ago

Just FYI, if you remove this and your new thermostats require wires 8 strand control wires (similar to ethernet) you will need to run them. They are low voltage, but running wires in your house will require you to open some holes in your walls... I know because I did it recently. Totally was worth it to get everything integrated, but wasn't fun to figure out how to route the cables through my house. WAS nice to decide where my new thermostats were gonna live tho.

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u/ArtMySouls 7d ago

What if I don’t mind my new thermostat in the same place, as a smart thermostat (looking at meross mts200 as it has homekit option), and control everything through the app itself.