Set Backs

Steve_55

Are there any rules of thumb as to how many degrees a thermostat set-back could be lowered at night, before it causes problems/starts costing more to operate?

Alan(CaliforniaRadiant)Forbes

Setback

is there to reduce fuel costs and also for comfort; some people don't like it warm when they're in bed.

The lower the temperature you choose for setback, the longer it's going to take to bring it back up to 68* which is a function of the mass of your system. If you have radiant heating, slab-on-grade (high mass), it's going to take longer than Wamboard or thin slab (low mass).

I hope this makes sense and answered your question.

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Jackchips

Good question, Steve

and hopefully there will some good answers. We set our heat back to 60 at night because we like it cool. For all these years I've been under the, do I dare use the word--assumption-- that any BTU's not used are BTU's not paid for. I realize the system has pick up to return to normal but for those hours the system was 8 to 10 degress cooler must have some savings.

As far as problems there really shouldn't be any as long as none of your pipes are exposed to exterior drafts such as in outside wall risers or along the foundation sill.

Steve_55

What if there are some pipe exposed to exterior drafts ..

...... such as in outside wall risers or along the foundation sill.

Thank you for yoru response. I do think I have some pipe expsoed -- how might this impact the setback or problems with it.

Thanks

Jackchips

It's possible during

the set-back period that a draft on the pipe or a fitting will freeze at that location. Remember, your system will basically be off during the time it takes to go to the lower setting. All those areas must be enclosed or insulated.

A pipe that thaws will cost you way more than any savings.

Boilerpro

A simple soluiton to possibly freezing pipes

If you have a single zone system, rewire the circulator so it runs all the time. This way, if you have pipes in very cold spaces they will pick up heat from warmer spaces bcaue the water is moving constantly through them. constant circulation often offers other benefits like beter or easier to achieve heating balance and quieter operation. You may want to make sure the circulator is not too big, you don't want to use any more electricity than you need.

Boilerpro