Re: Thermostat suggestions for radiant + HVAC + multiple zones

["Kurt Delaney" <kurt_dot_delaney@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sounds like you need to be very involved with the design of the system.  It
is too bad the contractor isn't much help there.

I guess I was just trying to make a point about not necessarily having to
tie the zone controller system with the thermostats, like you do with some
systems.  I do like that the HAI stats will work with almost any kind of
backend system (or multiple backend systems in your case) and still all be
integrated into a single, independent controller (the Omni system).  This
works because the HVAC control is independent of the communication.

Regarding the style, to each their own.  :-)  I think the RCS stats look
nice as well.  I have no connection to HAI except as a satisfied customer.

Kurt

"chi" <mrpinebox@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1138642766.680185.206180@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> The forced air HVAC contractor is not sophisticated. He doesn't know
> what zones are, much less automation or radiant heating (I asked,
> "What's the work needed to set up 2 zones using some dampeners?"  His
> response, "What's a zone and what's a dampener?").
>
> The radiant heating installers prefer a single stage at each location.
> They are willing to install for 2 stage, but only if I insist. They
> pointed out various web sites for thermostat manufacturers (aprilaire,
> tekmar, and luxpro) and that was all I got.
>
> I notice that Tekmar specializes in hydronic/radiant heating controls.
> Anyone have any experience with their controls in radiant heating
> applications? They claim a thermostat controlling a hybrid system
> should support pulse width modulation.
>
> Kurt: I didn't mean to sound overly negative about the HAI appearance.
> Just not quite as clean looking to my eyes as, say, the RCS line.
>