Programable Thermostat

coal cracker · Post by **coal cracker** » Sun. Jan. 18, 2009 9:03 pm

Anyone using a programable thermostat on there stoker?

I'm thinking of installing one on mine and looking for any input?
I have two zones upper and lower. I want to put a programable stat. in my lower zone. I have the up stairs doors all closed and the temp. set at 62 deg.
I'm running an EFM 520 for about 20 yrs.

gregolma · Post by **gregolma** » Mon. Jan. 19, 2009 1:55 am

I use one for my AA130. When you set the temps you have to take into account the time it takes the unit to get the fire hot.

Matthaus · Post by **Matthaus** » Mon. Jan. 19, 2009 7:22 am

If you tweak your water temp up to 190*F you should have no issues with lag during change from the lower temp to the higher temp. Also the differential should be as low as possible. Also if you have a time of the day that domestic hot water use is high (and you have a coil on the EFM) then having the change in temp occur before or after that time will help as well.

WNY · Post by **WNY** » Mon. Jan. 19, 2009 7:29 am

Yes, I have one on my Keystoker, I normally keep at a constant temp, but for set back, make sure you have it start warming up at least an hour before you want the set temperature.

Black_And_Blue · Post by **Black_And_Blue** » Mon. Jan. 19, 2009 7:59 am

I recently switched from the standard bi-metal t-stat to the Home Cheapo rite-temp brand digital. The ease of adjusting the temp swing and never having to touch the settings once programmed is worth it. Having come from oil heat it was expected that the wake up temps would take some time so plan accordingly.

Matthaus · Post by **Matthaus** » Mon. Jan. 19, 2009 8:08 am

coal cracker has a boiler, I would anticipate no such delay in bringing the temps up. You hot air guys have to suffer with the benefits of same.

gregolma · Post by **gregolma** » Mon. Jan. 19, 2009 2:31 pm

I don't have the dhw set up right now, so I don't run the temp as high as 190, but I agree that it will allow for quicker warm ups.

Doesn't AA recommend a higher differential?

jmmazzy · Post by **jmmazzy** » Mon. Jan. 19, 2009 3:27 pm

coal cracker

I have a ahs-130 with the Tekmar controls with 8 programable thermostates plus DHW which is not set on priority. I keep the hi limit set at 180 and have not had any promblems. Also I installed the same boiler and controlls in my son's house and he has 9 prog. therm. plus 2 stage heating and DHW also, so go for it.

Mazzy

coal cracker · Post by **coal cracker** » Mon. Jan. 19, 2009 6:53 pm

Thanks guys.

All are good points and I will take them into account. I curently have my high side set at 190 with a diff. of 15 deg.

I'll let you all know how I make out.

Thanks again
Coal Cracker Out..