The short version: The RCS TZ45 is a light-commercial-grade Z-Wave thermostat that’s officially discontinued (replaced by RCS’s wired/battery TBZ48A), but it’s still sold through security and HVAC distributor channels and shows up in older ADT Pulse and Alarm.com installations. It’s a capable, no-nonsense Z-Wave thermostat for multi-stage systems, but we could not find any independent owner reviews for it — this is a specs-and-availability page, not a buyer-sentiment review.

A note on sourcing: We found no professional reviews, no retail star-rating data, and no forum threads with substantive owner commentary on the TZ45 specifically. Everything below comes from manufacturer/installation documentation and distributor product listings. If you’re considering this thermostat, treat it as a lower-information purchase and lean on your installer or distributor for recent feedback rather than crowd-sourced reviews, which largely don’t exist for this model.

Who It’s For

Installers and homeowners working within an existing Z-Wave-based security/automation system (particularly older ADT Pulse or Alarm.com-monitored homes) who need a replacement or additional Z-Wave thermostat rated for more demanding multi-stage HVAC systems than typical consumer models handle. Not a fit for anyone shopping for a current, actively-developed product with an app-first experience — RCS’s consumer-facing software here is minimal to nonexistent; control runs through your Z-Wave hub or security panel.

Specs & Compatibility

  • 128×64 pixel backlit graphical display with 6 physical buttons and on-screen labels
  • Supports up to 3-stage heat and 2-stage cool, plus heat pump systems with the same staging
  • Programmable 4×7-day schedule (four periods per day, seven days)
  • Optional remote temperature sensors
  • Designed as a like-for-like replacement for existing 4-wire (or more) thermostats without additional wiring
  • Z-Wave (non-Plus generation hardware, given its age) — pairs with any Z-Wave controller

RCS markets the TZ45 as light-commercial capable, which is a step up in staging support from most residential DIY Z-Wave thermostats like the GoControl or older Radio Thermostat models.

Price & Availability

Distributor pricing runs roughly $100-$160 USD, higher than most consumer Z-Wave thermostats, reflecting its multi-stage/light-commercial positioning. It’s sold through HVAC and security distributors rather than big-box retail, and officially discontinued in favor of the TBZ48A, so stock and support will only get harder to find over time.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
– Handles more HVAC staging (3H/2C) than most consumer-grade Z-Wave thermostats
– Graphical display with clearer on-screen labeling than older character-display models
– Drop-in replacement for existing 4+ wire thermostats
– Still findable through distributor channels despite discontinuation

Cons:
– Officially discontinued, replaced by the TBZ48A
– No independent owner reviews or reliability data found anywhere
– Distributor-only channel means no big-box return policy or retail support
– Pricier than most residential Z-Wave alternatives for arguably similar core function

The Recommendation

Consider the TZ45 only if you specifically need multi-stage (3H/2C) Z-Wave control to match an existing installation or security system, and you’re sourcing it through a distributor who can speak to current stock and firmware. For a new installation without that constraint, buy RCS’s successor model (TBZ48A) or a currently-supported Z-Wave thermostat instead — you’ll get better long-term support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the RCS TZ45 still being made?
No. RCS has discontinued the TZ45 in favor of the TBZ48A, though existing stock is still sold through some distributors.

Does the TZ45 need a C-wire?
It’s designed to replace existing 4-wire (or more) thermostat installations, so a C-wire situation is generally already present in systems it’s designed to replace.

How many stages of heating and cooling does the TZ45 support?
Up to 3 stages of heat and 2 stages of cool, including staged heat pump systems — more than most consumer Z-Wave thermostats.

Where can I buy the TZ45?
Primarily through HVAC and security-system distributors rather than mainstream retail like Amazon or Home Depot; availability is limited given its discontinued status.