After many hours searching the web and various forums concerning the attempt to wire-in a Hunter brand programmable thermostat, model # 44360, and seeing the mass confusion this thermostat has caused to many folks, including myself, I can answer this with great confidence:

Hunter model # 44360 programmable thermostat is NOT for use with multi-stage heat pumps!

Ironically, it actually says so if you look at the fine print on the back of the packaging, which I noticed only during the REPACKAGING stage of this thermostat, preparing to return it to the big-box store I got it from!

SO, that being said, and now set aside, I would like to approach this from a different angle. What would be a preferred programmable thermostat for my multi-stage heat pump? Here's what I have to work with:

Indoor air handler:
Intertherm (Nordyne)
Model # B2BM042K-B
Serial # B2B9704-01501

Outside unit
Maytag
Model # PSH1BD036 K
Serial # PSA040300442

Current Thermostat
Intertherm (mfg by Honeywell)
S/M? # T841 A 1480
S/M? # 9129300

Current Thermostat wiring
X - blue
W2 - white
R - red
G - green
Y - yellow
E - black, with jumper wire back to W2 terminal
B - empty

System seems to function normally with current thermostat with no complaints. Nearing completion of a complete indoor face-lift for this old farm house, and it's time for the painted over, ugly, inaccurate thermometer-having yuk-box on my wall to get a face-lift too!

Any suggestions?

Consider your experience with the Hunter a blessing in disguise. I would strongly recommend spending a few more bucks for a Honeywell. Compare features/options offered on different models and choose one that best suits your needs.

It is hard to be the Honeywell Vision Pro series. Click link

Component (http://customer.honeywell.com/Honeywell/UI/Pages/Catalog/ComponentCategory.aspx?Catalog=Homes&Category=Digital+Programmable_2034&ChannelID=%7b2EB2F178-20ED-44E0-97FB-CCFB4218DD64%7d)

Consider your experience with the Hunter a blessing in disguise. I would strongly recommend spending a few more bucks for a Honeywell.

Ha! After looking at the web on this issue of the Hunter thermostats, I'm definitely glad I kept the receipt!

It is hard to be the Honeywell Vision Pro series. Click link

Thanks for the link! I must admit though, I really need to keep the price tag under $100. I will definitely go with the Honeywell, but going to have to stick with what's available at Lowe's. Financial woes are rampant down here 'round my place, and I happen to have a good chunk left on my Lowe's gift card from a big return I had to make last year, so it's getting a lot of action lately!

Stick with Honeywell or White Rodgers if possible.

Go for the Honeywell for the huge volume of support here, from Honeywell and at other sites on the web.

On my way to Lowe's to pick up Honeywell model # YRTH3100C1029 (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=152485-74493-YRTH3100C1029&lpage=none)

It's a basic digital thermostat for heat-pumps with aux/E/backup heaters.

Wife decided against a programmable (most inexpensive programmable Honeywell was $100 for multi-stage heat pumps.)

This one will serve the purpose and it's backlit. +/-1* accuracy, and did I mention it's a Honeywell?

Will post final outcome after installation!

Looks like a nice thermostat for the price.

Looks like a nice thermostat for the price.

I'm sure it will do what is needed. The website indicated my local store carried the YRTH3100C1029 but in fact it only had the RTH3100C1002. Same price, less options, but still a basic digital thermostat for multi-stage heat pumps with back-lit display. The only difference I see is the clock, and quite frankly, who cares. Within three steps I am out of my hallway looking at three eerily-green glowing digital time displays staring back at me from the kitchen appliances. I think I'll live without one more on my thermostat.

I'll hold off until the sun has established it's self tomorrow before installing this one, when the heat can be off for a while so I can take my time installing it. I'll update then, and until then, thanks all.

Got it installed tonight. Actually, I supervised, let me correct myself. My WIFE installed the thermostat tonight. Worked the first time. Wiring was super simple with the conversion info in the instructions. Must say though, the old thermostat's thermometer was WAY off. Powered up the new thermostat and it was 75* inside. I always knew it didn't feel like 69* at night. Amazes me that our power bill is as low as it has been.

Only negative comment I can give this thermostat, the fan and heat/cool switches on bottom are a bit... floppy? But, I should only have to throw those switches a few times a year, so we shall see. Otherwise, seems to be a good product, with easy to read instructions, that installed with minimal supervision BY MY WIFE. Good enough for me.