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Do Energy Kinetics Ascent Boilers require special Thermostats?

Expenses1188
Expenses1188 Member Posts: 3
in Thermostats and Controls

I have a quote to install a Ascent boiler. The quote mentions "We install basic programmable thermostats. However they have to be programmable for the Energy Conservation code."

I have read through a older (2019) installation manual. There is no mention of this requirement. It seems my basic working newer model "undocumented battery powered" Honeywell Round thermostats would work fine.

Comments

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 11,264
    edited September 28

    Not that I know of. Thermostats are basically an on / off switch that will change from one to another based on the temperature in the room the thermostat is located. There are some models of high efficiency furnaces that employ communicating thermostats that will measure the temperature to 0.1°F and adjust vari-speed compressors and vari-input gas valves to change the appliance output based on very small temperatures changes based on real time temperature sampling. I do not believe that EK is using that technology as of my last experience with their equipment. But that is from many years ago. The latest info is available from the folks at EK like @Roger who is on this site regularly.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 26,515

    "However they have to be programmable for the Energy Conservation code".

    Has nothing to do with how the Energy Kinetics boiler operatres. At all. Or any other boiler. or type of heating system.

    However, someone somewhere has decided that if we all just install programmable thermostats we can save the world. Or something.

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • neilc
    neilc Member Posts: 3,060

    think we're confusing programmable and communicating,

    programmable, wake up, work(away), return, sleep(occ, unoc setbacks)

    communicating, proprietary boiler, airhandler, heatpumps variable speed voodoo science,

    known to beat dead horses
  • Robertw
    Robertw Member Posts: 64

    Good morning,

    The Energy Kinetics Ascent boiler can be controlled by a simple day night programable thermostat or with a Wi-Fi thermostat. Whichever suits you. We do not need special communicating thermostats.

    Robert W.

    Energy Kinetics

    EdTheHeaterManszwedj
  • GGross
    GGross Member Posts: 1,649

    Not sure for your region. In my region we are required by code, for new construction only, to install at least one programmable thermostat so a customer can program setbacks, they do not make us do this for radiant floor heating! (a rare common sense win for our code official)

    by programmable they are just referring to a thermostat that can have different setpoints based on the time of day, and the day of the week. they are not talking about some specialty communicating thermostat. they make very inexpensive programmable thermostats these days.

    it is possible that your contractor has this on their quotes by default, you should ask them if you can keep your old thermostat if you like it, I would imagine they typically change the thermostat out since they will be the ones getting the call if a faulty thermostat is on site when they install the boiler, which creates friction with the end user.

  • Expenses1188
    Expenses1188 Member Posts: 3

    Thanks for all replies! Could be referring to local code. I have have to find if there local regulations needing a set back thermostat. I read it as communication between thermostat and boiler control.

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 6,580
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1866329#Comment_1866329

    Install a set back but dont set it back!

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 14,599

    The energy code is the code book (or section of the residential code) that specifies things like minimum insulation levels and efficiencies of appliances.

  • Expenses1188
    Expenses1188 Member Posts: 3

    I have found it is state law that when a heater is installed new or replacement a set back thermostat is required.

    Thanks everyone!

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