A:
I have been using Hunter® Digital thermostats (on my 3 Zone system) for
many years, including before I upgraded to the 7224U. These can be
programmed to turn the system on in the morning, set the temperature back
when you leave for work, turn the heat back up before you get home and turn
it down again when you're ready to go to bed *on weekdays*. Weekends they
simply turn the heat up in the morning and back down at night. (Sometimes
these are called 5/2 models) The hardest part is remembering to change the
battery once a year.
I believe the brand is not as important as correct installation (pretty
easy) and operation of the thermostat within recommended parameters to
save fuel. This can eve be accomplished with manual analog thermostats if
willing and able to remember to raise and lower the temperature at
the appropriate times. Most people can't do that on a consistant
basis-hence the automatic thermostat's popularity.
Prices start around $40 (maybe a little less for some imports, open box,
etc.) up to a few hundred dollars for the color touch-screen, "smart"
models with multiple settings for 7 days a week. Honeywell, Carrier,
Bryant, Goodman are just a few of the brands out there. If you watch for
sales, you can pick up a 5/2 type at a big box store for less than $50 that
can do what you need. You can expect to save 3 times the cost in the first
year. If you need the flexibility of a 7 day unique program, expect to pay
at least 2-4 times the cost of the 5/2. (We use them in our church because
of the different ministries at different times on different days-the rest
of the time heat is basically off.)
BTW, I recommend the Outdoor Reset Module for the 7224U. I think it has
saved at least it's cost-but do your research-Honeywell prices them at
$300+ and you can find them for 60-70% off that price if you look hard
enough.
Answered on 3/25/2012 by Another PexSupply Customer