Thermostat anticipator

[slls]

I just completed installing a new oil furnace. In the wiring paper work it states to set the thermostat anticipator to 0.20 amp. The Honeywell T86A I have is 45 yrs old, at the bottom it shows 1..9.8.7.6.5.4 and no .2, is this the anticipator setting and if so what do I set mine to. Also please explain how it works.
:confused:

[Grady]

Why not can the old, inaccurate, mercury containing, T86, & get a digital stat? If you insist on keeping the old one, the best you can do is set it @ 0.4 & let 'er ride. A heat anticipator applies a small current to the thermostat to very slightly warm it, turning off the burner in anticipation of the heat in the metal of the furnace giving off enough heat to bring the room temp up to the set point on the stat.

[slls]

Thanks for the reply, I guess I will go with a digital, I guess 45 yrs is long enough. :)

[Grady]

When purchasing a digital thermostat, I suggest either Honeywell or White Rogers. Most are compatible with oil fired equipment, but check to be sure. If you think a programable would work for your lifestyle, the extra cost would likely be offset by fuel savings.

[slls]

I went with the Honeywell T8775A1009, non-programable, the reason being is my wife is up at all hours of the night, so it wouldn't work for us. The features I liked are no battery, and will hold setting after power outage.

[Jay11J]

Do you have a/c?? Make sure it's wired up right with your a/c and oil system.

[slls]

No A/C, to far North, sometimes need heat in the summer LOL. :)