Re: Thermostat recommendations?

[Bradley Plett <plettb@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

OK, this post was very helpful!  Now I'm wondering if I can get some
pros and cons of the different options.  For example, what are the
pros/cons of the HAI vs. the Aprilaire vs. the RCS?

I'm not particularly interested in the one that has a web server
built-in.  Also, I would assume that even if the thermostat can't
control different zones, if I ran everything from my PC that wouldn't
be a problem, since I could program the different zones myself.  Any
more thoughts?

Thanks!
Brad.

On 21 Jun 2005 09:01:10 -0700, "Mark Thomas" <mrt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>
>
>Bradley Plett wrote:
>> I am completely new to the world of home automation.  However, my
>> thermostat needs to be replaced, and I would very much like to replace
>> it with something that I can program from my PC.  Having said that, I
>> don't really know where to begin.  Has anyone got any suggestions for
>> me?
>>
>> Here is a further elaboration of my situation.  I would like,
>> eventually, to put controllable dampers or flow controls or whatever
>> they're called into the pipes from my furnace/AC so that I can control
>> different zones separately.  However, I can't afford that right now.
>> So, I want to start by replacing my thermostat, with a view to
>> building the system out further if/when I can afford more.
>
>For easy single-point PC control, you can get an IP thermostat with a
>built-in web server like the Proliphix
>(http://www.proliphix.com/pro_products_consumer.html). Instant PC
>access, but you have to run Cat5 to your thermostat location.
>
>You could also get a direct-RS232 or RS-485 controlled unit. One
>example is the HAI RC Series
>(http://www.hometech.com/modules/therm.html#HAI). Another example is
>the Aprilaire 8870
>(http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Climate/aprilaire/Aprilaire-Communicating/Item/8870/).
>These get quite expensive if you want zone control, as you have to by
>the HAI Omni or an Aprilaire system controller to do this (and I think
>only certain Omnistats work with zoned systems).
>
>But what might be a good fit for you is the RCS series
>(http://www.resconsys.com/products/stats/serial.htm). It uses your
>existing thermostat wire to communicate from the thermostats to an
>included controller, so it's easy to retrofit. But it is easy and
>cost-effective to grow it into a full zoned system with automatic
>damper control. Be careful when buying from places like Smarthome--they
>only sell the thermostats in a bundle with a controller. I've seen
>people buy 6 sets from Smarthome, and then they have a stack of five
>extra unused controllers. Find a place where you can buy the Wall
>Display Units separately (i.e. Worthington, $75) and a separate zone
>controller ($150-300 depending on number of zones and communication
>options). Lots of home control software (including the free
>MisterHouse) can interface with an RCS system.
>
>Hope this helps.
>
>- Mark.