[Jeff Hemmingway]

I'd like to change my thermostat to a programmable model that will have sepoerate COOL & HEAT programs. I had this type when I was a northener. I can't get started because I can't seem to figure out how to get the exisitng Carrier thermostat off the wall. Does anyone know the proper way to get the Carrier themostat off the wall?

[l2ridehd]

The outside cover snaps off and then remove the 3 screws that hold it to the wall. Disconect the wires and install the new one.

[BowleesCreekYachtClub]

Have you considered one of the wireless thermostats like Venstar. They cost a bit more but you can move the controller around and change the temperature from anywhere in the house. For example, when you go to bed put it in the bedroom, set the temperature and it will keep the bedroom temperature where you want it - not the living room temperature.

[golfnut]

sounds interesting bowlees, do they have a website....gn

[BowleesCreekYachtClub]

Here's what you need - but I have no idea if it is the cheapest place to buy it or if there are other manufacturers of similar equipment. Oops - won't let me post a link - but you are looking for the Venstar-T1100RF/REC. Good luck.

[NJblue]

I was thinking about installing a programmable thermostat but I have one question. I was told by the technician who did the walk through for my house that the heating is done in two stages: if the required temperature is no more than 2 degrees from the current temperature, just the heat pump kicks in. If the delta is greater than 2 degrees, pure resistance heating is used.

Since I imagine that resistance heating is considerably more costly than the heat pump, if you set the temp back at night such that it is more than 2 degrees cooler than the daytime temperature (which would make sense or else why bother with a programmable thermostat), it would seem that the savings achieved at night could be quickly lost when the resistance heating kicks on in the morning.

I suppose if your thermostat had enough settings you could bring the temperature up 2 degrees at a time for half an hour or so for each setting, but that seems kind of like a kluge. Are there any thermostats that do this automatically - i.e., recognize that the temperature is programmed to go from night time setting to daytime setting and then gradually bring the temp up without resorting to resistance heat?

[golfnut]

njblue, i think u must be in an all electric area, i do not have a heat pump where i live....gn