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remote thermostat

inspkerr
inspkerr Member Posts: 23
Hi All , Looking for a product to start my boiler remotely with a land line , looked at one by freeze alarm but i don't want it calling long distance every time the cabin drops below 20 degrees , any suggestions ?

Comments

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,590
    Is a thermostat too simple?
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,042
    If the inside of the cabin dropped below 20 degrees, LD calls would seem to be a minor expense compared to frozen systems.
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 5,804
    How would you go about starting a boiler with a phone if there was a low temp alert? If there was a low temp alert, the boiler tried to start but didn't and would need service. 
  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,506
    I think this is a good case for a wifi thermostat. Curious why you pick 20° and not a safer temp. Unless the boiler has glycol and the domestic water (and water heater) is off and drained.
    steve
  • inspkerr
    inspkerr Member Posts: 23
    Thanks all , cabin will be totally winterized , I don't care if it freezes , all I want to do is start the boiler and warm the place up before I arrive looking for a cheap option , I'll check wi-fi
  • Zman
    Zman Member Posts: 7,561
    edited October 2020
    A Wifi t-stat will work well if all you want to do is turn up the heat.
    A little z-wave system like MiCasa Verde is a cheap solution for all of your remote needs https://getvera.com/blogs/our-blog/mi-casa-verde-unveils-five-home-automation-solution-packs.

    I have one on a property that will send notifications if it detects temp drop, motion, water on basement floor or the door opening when in away mode. You can also integrate cameras for no monthly charge. You can program a scene for a few lights that is random, actual dawn dusk, or motion based rather than a simple timer.
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"
    Albert Einstein
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 7,720
    edited October 2020
    What if you connected one of these
    https://www.amazon.com/Remote-PDU-Power-Switch-Controlled/dp/B01LYXSB5A
    to one of these
    https://www.supplyhouse.com/Packard-C230B-2-Pole-Contactor-120V-30-Amp?gclid=CjwKCAjww5r8BRB6EiwArcckCxH_QJlDBWKL01G5mbKm9WqE-vQY5rKG5QmjhTJFNreT-q3JkQnFMRoCyRcQAvD_BwE
    The run your burner switch parallel with the relay contacts.

    I recommend the relay because I'm not sure of the total Amp draw of your heater. If it is less than 8 amps you may not need the relay.
    Edward F Young. Retired HVAC ContractorSpecialized in Residential Oil Burner and Hydronics
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,590

    What if you connected one of these
    https://www.amazon.com/Remote-PDU-Power-Switch-Controlled/dp/B01LYXSB5A
    to one of these
    https://www.supplyhouse.com/Packard-C230B-2-Pole-Contactor-120V-30-Amp?gclid=CjwKCAjww5r8BRB6EiwArcckCxH_QJlDBWKL01G5mbKm9WqE-vQY5rKG5QmjhTJFNreT-q3JkQnFMRoCyRcQAvD_BwE
    The run your burner switch parallel with the relay contacts.

    I recommend the relay because I'm not sure of the total Amp draw of your heater. If it is less than 8 amps you may not need the relay.

    So you're in it for $100 to make something that's still completely manual.

    Doesn't seem even half as good as a cheap wifi thermostat. Assuming they have internet at the location.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    Zman
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 7,720
    edited October 2020
    Assuming they have internet they can do it with wifi. Assuming they don't have internet @inspkerr can do this. it's basic and uses a landline (assuming he has a landline since that was in OP)

    Besides, it seems that everyone has a better idea that uses other people's money. Why can I? All he asked for is an on-off switch that uses a landline. Duh! This was fairly inexpensive and does not require a rocket scientist to install it. A simple wifi thermostat is a better option IMO. Just turn off notifications so you don't get a text every time it gets below 40°F
    Edward F Young. Retired HVAC ContractorSpecialized in Residential Oil Burner and Hydronics
  • inspkerr
    inspkerr Member Posts: 23
    That's it , ! THANKS ED! This is exactly what I want to do , I think the 8 amps will start and run the boiler.