Need Some HVAC clarification

[c5er]

I searched around the site but didnt find a clear answer, or did a poor search, but i am on the start of a new house.

The new house will have a 2 stage burner variable blower speed furnace with 3 zones (basement, main, upstairs).

I would like the thermostats to be able to control the areas they are in so they are independent of a seperate computer/software to maintain the house. However I would like to be able to remotely modify the thermostat settings at any point.

I have, on the way, an elk m1 Gold w/ ethernet interface, z-wave interface and serial expansion.

Whats the most cost effective way to control the hvac?

 

[jlehnert]

Since you are getting the M1, it sounds like you're most of the way there already.

Almost all the "remote control" thermostats will work as normal programmable thermostats if disconnected from the control system, so they fit your requirements to work independent of the controller. From your description, it sounds like you will have three stats going into a zone controller, which then connects to the furnace. Normally, the stats for this type of system are plain heat/cool stats, such as the HAI RC80. Double check that this is the case on your system, and if so, just pick one of the many stats supported by the M1 and you're good to go.

 

[ysualum]

I've been planning my system too which is similar, except three 2 stage variable speed furnaces w/ 9 total zones. One thing you'll have trouble finding is a two stage zone controller. The RCS ones are for single stage only. I am using a Honeywell two stage zone controller (http://www.alpinehomeair.com/viewproduct.cfm?productID=453059016) like this and using the Omnistat2 thermostats. Not sure if those are controllable by the M1. Any stat should work with this controller though. I'm going to be using an Omnipro.

You'll need to make sure there is a pressure damper installed as well so that the furnace doesn't overwork in case two zones are closed.