Electric Baseboard Thermostats (Big Temp Swings)

JJ_4

I have had the Hydrosil Temp-1-PTS on my silicon filled electric baseboard for 4 years. It is a proportional controller not an on-off thermostat. Works great. It is made by a Canadian company called Aube for Hydrosil. The identical Aube is a TH106.

Even if folks think that the silicon electric speel is bull...this controller works. It is spot-on within 1/2 degree and only uses the amps needed for the conditions. I see no reason why it couldn't be used on "regular" electric baseboard. And it's only $60.

http://www.hydrosil.com/thermos.htm

http://www.aubetech.com/products/produitsDetails.php?noProduit=4&noLangue=2

Hope this helps.

Mark_71

Electric Heat Thermostat help

Our electric baseboard heating system has thermostats in each room. My problem is the large temperature swings!
Are there any replacement thermostats that I could use that would be more sensitive, better quality, or more features that could maintain a room within a 5 degree temperature span or less. Programable would be nice too.

If I set it at say 65, I would like the room to be between 62 and 68, and not have swings of 10 degrees or more (which is what it feels like now). Currently we are using the 20 year old Honeywell thermostats that the house came with.

Pleas help

Mark

Ken_40

By installing...

relays, extremely sensitive 'stats could be installed that could hold +/- 2 degrees easily. However, the cost of the high amp contactors/relays that are required for EBB (electric baseboard), the transformer required to drive the low voltage 'stat(s) and the lack of room within the cabinet typicall requires a wire-mold type install - as well as serious $$$ to make it work and look decent; which, could run on the order of $300/room-EBB unit.

It may be possible to adjust the on/off "spread" inside the existing 'stats? But unlikely. Exact replacements might be an option and newer built-in 'stats would probably have adjustable 'spreads, but exact compatibility is unlikely, or may also be cost prohibitive.

Perhaps simply making sure all the EBB sheet metal is properly in place, properly secured and the dust bunnies removed would enhance 'stat response and sensivity?

10 degree spreads are no unheard of, but I'd look a bit closer. Dust bunnies and banged up cabinetry can fake out any 'stat from sensing actual output elements.



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John Starcher_4

I believe.....

...that Honeywell now offers a digital stat that is compatible with baseboard heat. Not sure of the model number, but I think it's part of the new "Pro" or "Focus" line. I'll try and research and post back here later.

Starch

John Starcher_4

Found it.

I went ahead and looked for it now. Easier than working on the quote I'm struggling with :-)

Line Volt Pro Stat

Mark_71

Stats are mounted on the wall.

The stats are located seperately from the baseboards and I believe are inline bimetal type that simply turn the power to the basebaords on and off, like a switch. I would think the only compatability issue would be if it is "single pole" or double, then voltage and amperage ratings.

You would think something better will come along to control these baseboards since they are as efficient or more so than propane $$ for $$ in my area.




Mark

John Starcher_4

Something has, Mark!

See my message above.

Starch

Ken_40

\"Starch\" found your solution.

but the notion that EBB is less expensive is only possible in certain very confined areas.

The cost per BTU of elecric is typically two to six times as expensive as gas or oil, unless you live near an all hydro or nuke town?

We're paying 15-cents per KW but only $2.58/gallon for # 2 oil, making electric almost three times as expensive - per BTU.

Yes, electric is 100% efficient and yes, oil is 85-95% efficient. But even so, it is still twice as expensive as anything else, at least here in the "normalcy" of northern Vermont.

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Mark_71

thanks for the help

Thanks!
I suspect our 1 year old daughter is disturbed by the heat surges at night, from the crappy thermostat in her room, which disturbs us as well.

Once you pointed me in the right direction, I noticed they also male a programable model that is only slightly more expensive:

Best price I found was here:
http://www.drillspot.com/products/152274/Line_Voltage_Thermostat



Yes, my calculations support yours, that oil is cheaper.
In my area, however, propane is over $3 per gallon, making it no better than electric. P.S. I am planning to burn coal this year in a automated stoker stove, and use the electric as suplemental.

Comparison calculator here:
http://www.forfuel.com/calc/oil.php

Mark_71

Variable Thermostat

I called them, and they said it was not compatible with other electric basebards. I agree with you that it "should" work. But I am not going to be ther first to try it. I ordered one of the Honeywell programables for $55, and will see how it goes.

MArk

JJ_4

If you called Hydrosil....

They are probably just trying to sell you their baseboard. I thought that one of my stats was faulty when first installed and they refered me to the manufacturer for warranty; which is Aube Technologies. It turned out the electrician didn't wire correctly.

If you go to these Aube web pages....they just refer to electric baseboard; not silicon or water filled baseboard. I still think it is the correct application...we used triacs all of the time when I was working in commercial temperature control. If Honeywell doesn't work out for you, then I would give Aube a shot.

http://www.aubetech.com/support/productTips.php?noLangue=2&noFiche=6

http://www.aubetech.com/support/faq.php?noLangue=2

Edit: Also check out this TH106 cut sheet (it is the same as the Temp-1-PTS):

http://www.aubetech.com/manuel/2/TH106.pdf

Good luck.

jfkj

TH-106 and PTS-1

Used these Stats in resistive baseboard and ceiling heat applications with no problems.

hydrosilmustangdude

I have had large temp swings on my plug-in hydrosil electric baseboard heaters also - I noticed when I commented to the company they said above the thermostat is an adjustment screw, and the two contacts should be parallel to each other. Trying to find a you tube video or something showing this. Other than that, I think installing the optional wall thermostat some distance away from the heater will help greatly, I am considering this as my contractor installed my new gas wall furnace - and it was red-tagged by SDG&E. Apparently he took the longer vent pipes needed for the gas unit with him, and used the old shorter vent pipes - which is not kosher with the newer gas wall furnace!

hot_rod

JJ_4 said:

If you called Hydrosil....

They are probably just trying to sell you their baseboard. I thought that one of my stats was faulty when first installed and they refered me to the manufacturer for warranty; which is Aube Technologies. It turned out the electrician didn't wire correctly.

If you go to these Aube web pages....they just refer to electric baseboard; not silicon or water filled baseboard. I still think it is the correct application...we used triacs all of the time when I was working in commercial temperature control. If Honeywell doesn't work out for you, then I would give Aube a shot.

http://www.aubetech.com/support/productTips.php?noLangue=2&noFiche=6

http://www.aubetech.com/support/faq.php?noLangue=2

Edit: Also check out this TH106 cut sheet (it is the same as the Temp-1-PTS):

http://www.aubetech.com/manuel/2/TH106.pdf

Good luck.

I think Honeywell owns Aube now? They have been making controls for the electric radiant companies for years, some nice control technology.