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Daemonrealm t1_j58u78e wrote

Invest in a smart thermostat that can report if your emergency heat is kicking on (like an ecobee). Used that report to have my HVAC serviced and part replaced to correct an issue with it when I had no idea it was kicking on for such long times.

My ecobee has saved me about 23%+ comparing alike-external temp times with last year on monthly reporting.

Also get it linked to beestat for best reporting.

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upearlyRVA t1_j59ktv7 wrote

I got that warning back when it got really cold in December. Figured it was because it was really cold and that it was normal. Will keep an eye on next bill to be sure.

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Miss_Marna t1_j59wd78 wrote

I switched over to eco bee. Love it. I discovered during the artic blast my AUX was set at 35 degrees. I quickly changed that to 25 but at least it gave me a screen notification that AUX had been running. The reports are enlightening and if you connect it with Dominion, they reward you. Got a check for $35 from them a few weeks ago for letting them change my thermostat during peak times.

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Daemonrealm t1_j5aj2y2 wrote

I use 4 remote temp sensors in my home and found huge savings switching home mode (just downstairs temp control) and sleep mode (just my upstairs) in both heating and cooling.

The way it averages out temps when multiple remote temp sensors are used keeps my home the most even temp as well.

I also found out the thermostat was installed way way too close to the intake for my HVAC system. Just using a remote temp sensors saved a ton of overwork it was doing and short cycling that saved tons of $$$

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Charlesinrichmond t1_j5aw8p1 wrote

installation near the intake/return is generally considered good. But more sensors better

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Daemonrealm t1_j5b5oa2 wrote

You are correct. My home design however has a large (oversized for the home actually) system and the intake is in a small hallway near the front door (small amount of total air volume in that space).

When the system is on it pulls all the either heat or cold into that smaller hallway space which makes the thermostat on the wall miss read the rest of the house. Example. Temp gets push up or push down much more then the remaining of the house. This causes short cycling of the system as the air settles and the temp differential quickly changes. Kicking the system back on when it’s not needed for the rest of the home.

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Charlesinrichmond t1_j5ban1h wrote

interesting, it usually avoids that issue. But if your system is oversized that would be a complete issue.

You might be able to adjust airflow down a bit. Just don't go too far or the coils will freeze

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Daemonrealm t1_j5bqc1u wrote

True as well, my home has a giant 22 foot by ~18 foot window in it which makes it “unique” for hvac operations. Solar heating and cooling. Some drafting although the window is double sealed (a new window interior to it as it’s original steel and iron framed window from 1913, with all the original glass).

Looks great though and fills the home with a lot of light.

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Charlesinrichmond t1_j5kig48 wrote

ah, one of those. You can model that. Though they make life interesting. Usually more 70s houses have that

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Charlesinrichmond t1_j5avywi wrote

I have not dealt with ecobee, but have heard many good things about it. Much better than the Nest by all reports

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Whitney_Ashley OP t1_j59jh5t wrote

I replaced heating parts 1-2 years ago. So, it's not that.

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austramaus t1_j59waf9 wrote

Auxiliary or emergency heat is typically a setting in your thermostat. You can raise that threshold, so it won’t kick on or will kick on at a better temperature for your preference. All thermostats should have this if digital. Had to mess with this a lot when installing these due to high bill complaints.

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