Thermostat for one pipe steam heat

Whitney_2

I installed a programmable thermostat when I bought my home, not knowing that steam heat prefers a manual thermostat. I have unusually high heating bills and can hear the boiler firing up multiple times during a cycle - as if it thinks it's done, then decides that it's not. I have decided that I need to change he thermostat back, but would like a recommendation on the best thermostat to purchase. I understand that the old mercury type models were the best, but do not know if these can still be purchased. Any guiadance is appreciated! Thanks

steamheatertoo

Programmable vs Non-programmable

Steam boilers have no clue nor care whether the call for heat is coming from a preprogrammed schedule vis-a-vis a programmable stat or from joe six-pack walking up and pressing buttons. You might have a pressuretrol or vapor stat issue, but most likely it's not the thermostat unless it's a L.V. problem with the stat wiring (even then, it's not an issue of programmable vs manual). Might be a bad stat (ie. malfunctioning). Is this a Home Depot special? At this point, you'd probably save money by calling in a qualified plumber if you've been experiencing inordinately high gas bills. Cheers.

JohnNY

Thermostats and steam

Steam heating systems work best when maintaining a single temperature.
Multiple temperatures and setback periods provide no significant savings as recovery burns right through the saved fuel rewarming the cold water in the boiler, the cold pipes and radiators in the system, then the cold furniture/walls/floors and air in the room.

I tell my clients that if it's a comfort issue, they just prefer a lower room temperature for sleeping, then go ahead and use a programmable thermostat, but don't expect lower fuel bills.

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JBee_3

tstat

Honeywell Vision-Pro 8000 Luv it. I keep it at 70 all the time.

David Efflandt_2

Is it a cheap or good thermostat?

It is common for a steam system to pressure cycle after it has been running for awhile, because higher pressure steam is less efficient, and it is not uncommon for people to cluelessly oversize boilers. You might want to order one or more of Dan's books (or "A Steamy Deal") from the Online Store here, so you understand how your system works.

As far as thermostats, all electronics are NOT equal. The programmable thermostat that came with my home could only be set for a 1 degree F temperature swing, but with radiators still throwing heat after it shut off, would overshoot 2-3 degrees. The resulting 3 to 4 degree swings were alternately too hot or too cold, and likely not very efficient.

So I installed a Honeywell programmable that I believe senses wall and air temperature so it can tell how fast the room is heating up, and tries to maintain the temperature within +/- half a degree.

I don't actually use setback because then it runs and pressure cycles for a longer time bringing the temperature back up. But since it maintains a more constant temperature, I am comfortable just setting it lower (on HOLD) and getting used to it.