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steven_mitchell29

Replacement Options for Honeywell T651A

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

Hi there,

I am trying to figure out best options for replacing an old Honewell T651A 2028 thermostat in my condo built in 1970. The thermostat has 3 large wires (I assume 120V) that are screwed into three terminals on the back of the thermostat labeled C (Common), Heat, Cool.


My unit uses hydronic heating and cooling and the HOA/Maintenance Crew controls which is on via a central water heating and cooling system. I simply set the temperature I want and the system decides whether it should blow air over the water pipes above my kitchen. In the winter, when heat (hot water in pipes) is on, if the room temp is 60 and I set the thermostat to 65, then it blows air and heated air comes out. In the summer, when A/C (cold water in pipes) is on, if the room temp is 75 and I set to 70, then it blows air and cooled air comes out.


I would like to know if there are any options out there for a thermostat that doesn't look like it belongs in a 1970s electronics museum. Even a simple white thermostat with a temperature control knob would be great. I assume I need a replacement that is Line Voltage, Mechanical, and Single Pole (doesn't need an off option). I've looked around online and even called Honeywell and the only answer I get is that I have to buy an identical thermostat in this case.


Otherwise, are there any good options for having an electrician convert the wiring to modern thermostat wiring so that I can use something that at least looks normal and has a digital display?


Many thanks for any advice or guidance!


-Steven in Denver

Comments (19)

  • 6 years ago

    Good call - forgot to put that in the title. I'm trying to edit the post but keep getting a Page Not Found error as a result. Hopefully I can update soon!

  • 6 years ago

    You need a line voltage thermostat. However most line voltage thermostats are for heating only. My suggestion is to call Honeywell thermostat help line and ask them what current models would be good replacements. They should have a few programmable options.

  • 6 years ago

    Yeah called them once already bit might try again. they essentially said they don't support this thermostat any more.

  • 6 years ago

    Why do you think 120v? A photo would help.

  • 6 years ago

    here are some pictures

  • 6 years ago

    I think the Honeywell TB6575A1000 would work for your application. You have to carefully review the electrical specs of each to be sure. It has an auto change over feature so you should not have to do anything between winter and summer.

  • 6 years ago

    yeah I came across that - I'll give it a shot and see if I can get someone more knowledgeable to advise on correct wiring

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Your thermostat is a simple switch. It is either connecting the heat terminal to ground if the room temperature is below the set temperature, or to the cool terminal to ground when the room temperature is above the set temperature. You have to find a line voltage thermostat that works the same way with similar electrical ratings.

    I am surprised Honeywell does not have a direct replacement. There must be thousands of these types of thermostats installed in existing apartments.

  • 6 years ago

    haha agreed! I talked to one rep over there but I think he was having a bad day...will call them again to see if someone more knowledgeable can confirm your suggestion - thanks!

  • 6 years ago

    It may be possible to adapt your line voltage to 24v. Then you could use almost any modern thermostat. My wife loves telling our Nest thermostat what to do.

  • 6 years ago

    Basically any line voltage thermostat (typically for electric baseboard heat) will work, in your case the thermostat is just controlling a fan. Looks like Honeywell and White-Rogers offer digital versions, some with programming if you want it.

    Certainly you could rewire things so that the thermostat controls a relay that flips the fan on/off but because you are in a condo, that would require the services of a licensed electrician and/or HVAC technician and probably approval from the board.


  • 6 years ago

    Most line voltage thermostats are heating only and won't as a replacement. Installing a 24 V thermostat is a possibility but not practical in my opinion. Adding relays and a 24 V power source will require a lot of additional wiring and expense.

  • 6 years ago

    The Honeywell help line's response is kinda funny. They probably couldn't find it in their database because it's so old, and had no idea what it was, so all they could say is they 'don't support it anymore' which means 'we don't have the spec sheet on it and we can't fix them.' Which of course is not what you're asking for, you want a replacement.

    I see you have one in the previous post, and now that you know what it's called, any HVAC contractor you ask can probably find and install one as well.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Hello Steven, Sorry to piggyback on your post but I'm having a similar situation except with a different Honeywell model. I also have an additional switch on the wall that is for the fan speed. I am trying to replace them with one unit - or, really, with anything that's not such an eye sore. Did you have any luck? Has anyone dealt with something like this before? Thanks


  • 6 years ago

    The top thermostat Atilla can be replaced with just about any combination heating cooling thermostat. The variable fan speed control is going to be more problematic. The Bohn-Aire fan control is archaic. Are you sure it is currently controlling anything?


  • 6 years ago

    Thanks, Ron! The fan speed control is actually still working...:) I ordered this new thermostat (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076OYTLY/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) based on another discussion (https://www.doityourself.com/forum/thermostatic-controls/576434-replacing-honeywell-t651a-tstat-condo-fan-coil-system.html) and I hope it’ll work out. Once I got it and started the project, I’ll post the results here. Thanks again!

  • 2 years ago

    Did you guys find any replacements? working on a condo build 1979 also trying to figure out a replacement , any info would be appreciated!