Original message
| section306
 |  "Options for programmable thermostats?"
, posted Mon 5 Nov 11:14  
I have a 3 stage gas forced hot air system in my NH home, which also provides central air conditioning. There are 2 stages upstairs, each controlling half the upstairs, and a single thermostat on the first floor. The 2 upstairs thermoststats have only a Heat/Off/Cool switch and a dial to set the desired temp; the downstairs thermostat has both a Heat/Off/Cool switch and a Fan Control switch with On/Auto settings.
The 4000 sf house was built in 2000. I want to replace the 3 non-programmable Honeywell mechanical thermostats with programmable units, with the goal of saving money & energy.
What options do I have for programmable thermostats? I see many which are only single stage or 2 heat/2 cool... and a few that say 3 heat/2 cool (which confuses me why it's not 3/3...). average gas bill is $200/month year round (fixed payment plan) and the electricity usage goes to x5-6 higher than other months (for air conditioning) in July Aug which I'm sure costs a fortune.
Also, what can I expect to save percentage wise? We would like to be able to heat to 70ish 6-8AM, 6-9PM all other times much cooler... as long as we can easily over-ride programmed settings with the touch of a button if we're using a part of the house that hadn't been programmed for heat/cool, as the house heats and cools very quickly...
Thanks for listening...
Mike H
|
|
Replies:
|
| | section306
| "Re(2):Options for programmable thermostats?" , posted Tue 6 Nov 17:47
You are right, I am confused! ;-) ..but you are helping to fix that.
I didn't understand that the zone controller used, constrained which thermostats could be used...
I have an Aprilaire 6202/6203 zone controller. How do I determine which thermostats work with it?
thnx
Mike H
|
| | Houston204
| "Re(4):Options for programmable thermostats?" , posted Tue 6 Nov 22:52
Looks like you are free to choose almost any thermostat with that zone control.
I would removed the stat and verify the number of conductors before buying a stat that requires common (C).
Be sure to turn off power to your furnace and that zone control before working with these low voltage wires.
Write down your existing wire = terminal setup before removing any wires.
"Tip of the Day" Remember to remove power first.
|
|
|
