Dual Thermostats for 1 Zone AC?
Hi all. Happy 4th.
I have a single zone central ac system (retrofit) that cools the whole house (2 floors). The system is controlled by a t-stat in the upstairs hall near the bedrooms.
This works great at night when we can control the temp in the bedrooms with the nearby t-stat. However, during daytime, it would be nice to have the system controlled according to the cooling needs of the first floor, where most of the action is.
Due to tree shading, exposures, closed window shades, etc., the upstairs stays pretty cool during the morning, while the exposed downstairs heats up from sun exposure.
My question: Is there a way to wire 2 thermostats to control the same system ,and switch between them as needed? Or is there a t-stat with a remote sensing unit (which could be moved) that transmits back to the base unit?
Any clever solutions out there?? Thanks.
Replies
Yes, you have several options.
If you use plain mechanical thermostats you can wire them in parallel. The warmest one will turn on the AC.
This might work with the electronic setback units, but there is enough difference between them to say for sure. But if you can find a pair that will work in this mode it would be great. Set the upstairs unit for say 80 during the day and the downstairs for 80 at night.
Or if you are unsure of that you can install a single pole double throw switch to between the two.
As far as the remote control thermostats look here.
http://smarthome.com/hvacmap.html
Don't know if any of them will meet your needs are not.
Another option to consider is to install a programmable stat up stairs and a "simple" stat down stairs. The times you are upstairs and use of the upstairs is very consistent and a program will take care of most of your needs. Downstairs, the use and need for cooling and/or heating can vary more, typically. Wire both directly to the unit control panel.