Re: Thermostat suggestions for radiant + HVAC + multiple zones

["Kurt Delaney" <kurt_dot_delaney@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have used HAI thermostats in two homes (both multi-zone HVAC systems) and
have had nothing but praise for them.  I'm not quite sure why you call them
"homely" -- they don't have many buttons but they are very feature-rich and
focus on making them look clean and simple to use.

You might consider going with your contractor's recommendation for the
"backend" equipment, meaning the zone controllers, etc.  Then if you went
with HAI thermostats and a HAI Omni system, you would have the ability to
seamlessly control and integrate every zone with a very powerful home
automation / security system.

If you didn't want to hook everything up at construction time, you could
just add a 22/4 or cat-5 wire at each thermostat location and wire them all
to a wiring closet where the HAI Omni system will be located.  That way the
contractor could install the HAI thermostats (they will work perfectly fine
as independant devices) and later you can network / centrally control them.

Having them integrated into a home automation / security system opens you to
so many options, such as adjusting the settings per zone based on occupancy
sensors, security settings, vacation settings, any kind of complex schedule,
remote control via phone / internet, etc.

For more information on HAI, you can go to the manufacturer's site
(www.homeauto.com) and there is also a great discussion board and a KB with
some application and installation notes on Worthington's site
(www.worthingtonsolutions.com).

Good luck,
Kurt