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From: okie@ihuxi.UUCP (B.K. Cobb)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Want info on smart house thermostats
Message-ID: <1157@ihuxi.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 31-Jan-85 09:15:09 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxi.1157
Posted: Thu Jan 31 09:15:09 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 2-Feb-85 00:23:32 EST
References: <495@cyb-eng.UUCP>, <454@topaz.ARPA>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 27

I went for something less than a "smart" thermostat --
I use a set-back control called the Autostat, made by
First Alert (the people that gave Cannon a new lease on
life).  It's simplistic in its approach -- you can change
temperatures 4 times a day Monday-Friday, twice each on
Saturday and Sunday.  Since I'm not home during most of
the day, it does a good enough job for my needs.

The Autostat is basically a timer with a motorized drive
that moves your temperature control back and forth -- so
there's no wiring into the thermostat. (you get used to
the noise pretty quickly, and since it only happens 2-4
times a day, it's a moot point). I set it to warm up the
apartment about 15 minutes before I get up (68 degrees)
and then to set the temperature back just before I leave
for work (60 degrees).  It brings the temperature up
again just before I get home from work, and brings it
back down around 11 p.m.  Like I said, simplistic -- but
it did drop my heating bills about 20% these last couple
of months.

I'm sure there are some smarter thermostat controls
around, but for the price ($35), it's not a bad compromise.
It's already paid for itself.

B.K.Cobb
ihnp4!ihuxi!okie