Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Vacation home HP questions
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MoJet58
02-12-06, 10:27 AM
First, great forum with what appears to be lots of good advice.
Vacation home in central Oregon high desert has 8YO Trane HP.
1. When we leave it in the winter for (week)s at a time, what temp should we set the thermostat? Typical outside temps are 25-30 at night. We were told to leave T-stat at no lower than 58º.
2. We rent it out - so with that in mind, what thermostat would any of you suggest to replace the basic lever style it has now?
3. On the same lines - are there any t-stats out there that we could hook up through the phone line to control settings?
Next visit I will have a little better idea of what to look at as far as the system is concerned - thanks to info here!
Thanks
Vacation home in central Oregon high desert has 8YO Trane HP.
1. When we leave it in the winter for (week)s at a time, what temp should we set the thermostat? Typical outside temps are 25-30 at night. We were told to leave T-stat at no lower than 58º.
2. We rent it out - so with that in mind, what thermostat would any of you suggest to replace the basic lever style it has now?
3. On the same lines - are there any t-stats out there that we could hook up through the phone line to control settings?
Next visit I will have a little better idea of what to look at as far as the system is concerned - thanks to info here!
Thanks
TigerDunes
02-13-06, 07:32 AM
MoJet58
Unless there are freezing pipe issues, I don't see why you can't lower your thermostat even lower. Just be aware that recovery can take longer especially if you have your heat strips locked out at a certain temperature.
Who told you not to set thermostat lower?
I am unaware of any aftermarket thermostats that can be controlled via telephone. I do know that Carrier's Infinity systems with the proper stat can be controlled by the phone or Internet??? but have not heard of any comment if this works successfully. You might consider a good programmable 7 day digital stat-possibly one of the Honeywell models.
Sorry, not much help. Perhaps some of the regulars on this forum can offer some advice.
Unless there are freezing pipe issues, I don't see why you can't lower your thermostat even lower. Just be aware that recovery can take longer especially if you have your heat strips locked out at a certain temperature.
Who told you not to set thermostat lower?
I am unaware of any aftermarket thermostats that can be controlled via telephone. I do know that Carrier's Infinity systems with the proper stat can be controlled by the phone or Internet??? but have not heard of any comment if this works successfully. You might consider a good programmable 7 day digital stat-possibly one of the Honeywell models.
Sorry, not much help. Perhaps some of the regulars on this forum can offer some advice.
MoJet58
02-13-06, 06:20 PM
TD -
Thanks for the reply - I think that is the right answer - go as low as you like - avoiding freezing of water lines - and considering how long you want to take getting back to temperature. I obviously need to investigate and learn more about the HP as I have no idea about locking out the heat strips......
The 58º setting was from the rental agency who was managing it - I imagine they were quoting from whoever they have on call for repairs?
I have found info on a phone controlled t-stat and will investigate it further.
If nothing else I want to change the t-stat to a simple digital read out: heat / cool - set the temp and leave it type with a note for renters to set the temp to a comfortable setting and leave it for their entire stay.
Thanks for any additional info on remote control -
Thanks for the reply - I think that is the right answer - go as low as you like - avoiding freezing of water lines - and considering how long you want to take getting back to temperature. I obviously need to investigate and learn more about the HP as I have no idea about locking out the heat strips......
The 58º setting was from the rental agency who was managing it - I imagine they were quoting from whoever they have on call for repairs?
I have found info on a phone controlled t-stat and will investigate it further.
If nothing else I want to change the t-stat to a simple digital read out: heat / cool - set the temp and leave it type with a note for renters to set the temp to a comfortable setting and leave it for their entire stay.
Thanks for any additional info on remote control -
thermofridge
02-13-06, 08:12 PM
I would also suggest not going below 58 degrees. Below that temperature, the freon in the system will overcondense, lowering the suction pressure to a point that the evaporator will freeze quickly. Your temperature rise through the condenser will also be very low. The result will be that your system will run more , defrost more and will not be running at its rated efficiency.
MoJet58
02-13-06, 10:00 PM
I would also suggest not going below 58 degrees. Below that temperature, the freon in the system will overcondense, lowering the suction pressure to a point that the evaporator will freeze quickly. Your temperature rise through the condenser will also be very low. The result will be that your system will run more , defrost more and will not be running at its rated efficiency.
So basically you want to keep the freon moving through the system on a regular basis, not having it get below a certain temp?
So basically you want to keep the freon moving through the system on a regular basis, not having it get below a certain temp?