Background:
Currently I am running CQC as an entertainment and lighting controller but am ready to jump into temperature control and security.
My furnace is on its last legs and with the advent of the tax break, I'd like to replace it. Considering this is upcoming I thought it was a logical time to invest in Thermostats and replace my 1974 vintage analog units. My eventual goal will be to integrate with an Omni or an Elk and potentially if there are large differences in the thermostat and zone control possibilities this could lead me to choose the panel that integrates the best.
Along with my furnace I have a zone controller. It is an old Temp Troll unit that isn't effectively installed and doesn't work. The furnace, thermostat and zone controller install will all come together. Followed by a security panel install.
After some exhaustive searching on the site, I still have some open questions these are:
1) Do I need to pull wires for using the above thermostats. It seems to me from perusing install manuals that I will need both the current wiring (for power) and a Cat5, but in neither install manual is this made clear. Obviously being a remodel it would be better if the thermostat only required power and a 2 wire RS-485 as I wouldn't have to figure out how to fish wires to my thermostat install locations.
2) Zone controllers: currently I have an electrically actuated system. A local furnace installer has recommended installing the Arzel pneumatic ones. These are expensive, but he claims they work really well. Is this a logical solution or are there potentially equal solutions that are more cost effective? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
3) Do either of the systems allow me to not need the zone controller from Arzel (or other)? ie can I control the whole furnace and zone system with only the thermostat and security panel. If so is this a logical method of control or what has worked best for the rest of you?
4) Any logical arguments to make me lean towards the Omni or the Elk based on HVAC control would be helpful as well.
--I have a dual stage furnace, 3 zones (6 dampers), and most likely in the next few years will also install a heat pump so my choice must be flexible enough to control it all. A 4th zone may be added in the future, but it also might just be a damper addition to one of the other zones.
Currently I am running CQC as an entertainment and lighting controller but am ready to jump into temperature control and security.
My furnace is on its last legs and with the advent of the tax break, I'd like to replace it. Considering this is upcoming I thought it was a logical time to invest in Thermostats and replace my 1974 vintage analog units. My eventual goal will be to integrate with an Omni or an Elk and potentially if there are large differences in the thermostat and zone control possibilities this could lead me to choose the panel that integrates the best.
Along with my furnace I have a zone controller. It is an old Temp Troll unit that isn't effectively installed and doesn't work. The furnace, thermostat and zone controller install will all come together. Followed by a security panel install.
After some exhaustive searching on the site, I still have some open questions these are:
1) Do I need to pull wires for using the above thermostats. It seems to me from perusing install manuals that I will need both the current wiring (for power) and a Cat5, but in neither install manual is this made clear. Obviously being a remodel it would be better if the thermostat only required power and a 2 wire RS-485 as I wouldn't have to figure out how to fish wires to my thermostat install locations.
2) Zone controllers: currently I have an electrically actuated system. A local furnace installer has recommended installing the Arzel pneumatic ones. These are expensive, but he claims they work really well. Is this a logical solution or are there potentially equal solutions that are more cost effective? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
3) Do either of the systems allow me to not need the zone controller from Arzel (or other)? ie can I control the whole furnace and zone system with only the thermostat and security panel. If so is this a logical method of control or what has worked best for the rest of you?
4) Any logical arguments to make me lean towards the Omni or the Elk based on HVAC control would be helpful as well.
--I have a dual stage furnace, 3 zones (6 dampers), and most likely in the next few years will also install a heat pump so my choice must be flexible enough to control it all. A 4th zone may be added in the future, but it also might just be a damper addition to one of the other zones.