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June 30, 2006
Modernizing Heating Controls
Once you've gotten the new boiler installed, whats the best way to control the boiler?
I recently had my hot water oil burner replaced. Like most homeowners my heating controls were pretty ancient. ie. push-pin timer relays coupled with your regular round thermostat. The installer put in one of those programmable energy saving thermstats. However, i'm looking for a litle more.
For example, when its really cold, I find that i get better heating results if i run the boiler for 30 mins every 4 hours(6 cycles a day or 180min/day). The push pin analog controls made this possible. However, the programmable thermostats only have 2 cycles a day. Are there thermstats that offer more programmable options?
The boiler supplies heat to 4 apartments. The upper apartments get much hotter than the parlor and ground floor levels. I've even noticed opened/cracked windows in the winter. And all i can think about is $$$ out the window. What type of controls are available for the upper apartments? Is there way for them to moderate the temperature without having to open the window?
Comments
You can easily get digital thermostats with multiple time settings, just like your old one. $50 honeywell ct3200 eg.
afa too much heat, you don't say if it's a steam or hotwater system, but in steam, there are individual radiator thermostats available which work reasoably to control each room. They are about $60 each for 1- or 2-pipe radiators.
Not sure about hotwater, may need zoning which could turn out expensive.
Posted by: cmu at June 30, 2006 3:28 PM
There are many many options for controlling boilers these days. I like Tekmar products. (www.tekmarcontrols.com)
Consider outdoor reset to be among the best control strategies. It will cycle the boiler only as much as the outdoor temperature demands.
Posted by: Master Plvmber at June 30, 2006 3:47 PM
Master Plymber, could you explain a bit more about the outdoor reset. Is this an add-on control? Or is does it involve replacing old boiler controls?
You say its a good control strategy. However, is it cost-effective? How much does it cost to install these things vs the amount saved by utilizing this strategy. Whats my 'return' on the strategy?
Posted by: Anonymous at June 30, 2006 4:15 PM
Master plumber put in the outdoor reset for my steam heat. It was my understanding that with steam the programable thermostats do not work, if that is what you have. I have been happy with what master plumber put in. I have not done a through comparision of our heating bills for the winter, but from a brief perusal it seems like we are using less energy. And personally, I am no longer controlling the heat through my window. I set four time periods, on in the early morning, off during the day, on in the evening and then off at night. You may also want to check that all your radiators are maintained, that may solve lack of heat in an area. Hire master plumber!
Posted by: Alisa at July 2, 2006 4:36 PM
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