Heating season is here. I wanted to have complete control of my system, so I installed an Ecobee thermostat. I conducted research on the top thermostats from Honeywell, the Nest, and lastly the Ecobee (found by accident). I purchased the Ecobee 3, which is brand new on the market. Their company, based upon internet reviews and others who have owned other models loved their thermostats. I had read many negative reviews about the Honeywell, and the Nest had some really great reviews........However, while lauded, it tried to be smarter than it is and steals power from the appliance. Many don't know this could damage the appliance!!!! So to hell with a "trying to be smart thermostat" that could ruin my setup, so the nest was out. Also, there were no remote sensors for either the Honeywell, or the Nest. That was another thing that ruled them out. I was originally going to buy the Nest, but am glad I conducted research, and found the Ecobee by accident. It actually was a pre-order item.
The new Ecobee 3 came with one remote sensor, and I ordered 2 more, as they offered it as a package deal with a discount. The extra sensors are great, because I am able to monitor the temperature of the entire building from my computer, phone, and the thermostat itself. This is very important, as I am able to adjust the heat setting while away. The interface on the computer, and the thermostat itself is simple.
The install:
The electrician set up a relay, and a single pole double throw switch to switch from the coal boiler to the gas boiler. This switch is manual, as there are manual steam valves, and return line valves that isolate each boiler. The C wire has constant power, which powers the thermostat, and when the switch is thrown to either boiler, either boiler is able to operate from one thermostat. So if the switch says coal, the thermostat will only control the coal boiler. When the thermostat says gas, it controls only the gas thermostat.
The installation was a breeze. The three wire's were run up to the room where the thermostat is located (coldest room), and it powered the thermostat. After it calibrated, and I went through the initial setup (which was really simple) to include setting up WIFI, it operated flawlessly. I added one remote sensor so far, and will mount the other two another day. There is a circular battery, with a pull tab to activate it. It recognized the remote sensor right away, and one press of the Okay button and that was it.
It might be a little pricey, but it is worth every penny. I test fired the boiler, and everything worked perfectly. This is definitely.
So, as I ready the coal boiler, the gas boiler is up and running, although now it is direct vented with a Tjernlund unit that is real quiet and operates smoothly.
If you were thinking of the Honeywell, or Nest. Give the Ecobee a try. I will update the review during the heating season. Hope all goes well with it, which I think will be the case.
Have a great night, and please do let the Vampires bite
