Another Furnace Question

[homeguy]

So my wife called me the other day and said the furnace wasn't heating. Turn off the thermostat, went 3 times and shut down. Did this several times. Finally, it kicked on but felt like it was only partial heat. Did this several times. We thought it was the thermocouple or gas supply. I went back to work and when I got home that evening, she suggested changing out the thermostat. Me being a good husband, I did even though I thought it had nothing to do with it. But, I have learned to try her suggestions lest I regret it because she is right more often than not. Changed out the thermostat, yes I had a spare on hand, and it fired right up and has been working correctly for several days now.

Now my question, we are still using the original type, model #AR7823. Has anyone tried a different brand of thermostat?

By the way, when I looking at the furnace, I noticed my squirrel cage is metal, not plastic as several have mentioned.

[atom ant]

I haven't figured out how to use a better thermostat yet. I think they are the same as what you have.