ISY994i + Heat Pump

[Jason Miller]

For the past year I've been trying to figure out what to do. I want a thermostat to run off my ISY. So, I can have it adjust based on programs, etc.

 

It's my understanding the Insteon Thermostats do't work on heat pumps.

 

I like the Venstart T5800 (http://www.smarthome.com/venstar-t5800-colortouch-multi-functional-programmable-touch-screen-thermostat.html?p=2#reviews)

 

And told I must get this to go with it: http://www.smarthome.com/venstar-acc0454-skyport-wi-fi-key-for-colortouch-thermostats.html

 

I want to:

 

1. Program it 100% from ISY

2. Control remotely via mobilinc

3. Use on programs

 

Could the Venstar work?

 

I've read a lot of bad reviews about it .. 

 

Just looking for input.

[stusviews]

The add-on for the thermostat you linked to is a Wi-Fi adapter. It is not an Insteon device. Insteon compatible Venstar heat-pump compatible thermostats are the T1700, T1800, and T1900. You will also need the Insteon thermostat adapter.

[Jason Miller]

The add-on for the thermostat you linked to is a Wi-Fi adapter. It is not an Insteon device. Insteon compatible Venstar heat-pump compatible thermostats are the T1700, T1800, and T1900. You will also need the Insteon thermostat adapter.

 

This is the adapter, I assume: http://www.smarthome.com/thermostat-adapter-insteon-2441v-and-totaline-venstar-compatible.html

 

Any experience with it? Are they easy to hookup?

[stusviews]

Yes, I used them in each zone until I updated to the Insteon branded thermostat. The upgrade was exclusively for appearance. The Venstar has a host of features that the Insteon thermostat doesn't.

 

Do you have at least 5-wire at your current thermostat?

[Jason Miller]

Yes, I used them in each zone until I updated to the Insteon branded thermostat. The upgrade was exclusively for appearance. The Venstar has a host of features that the Insteon thermostat doesn't.

 

Do you have at least 5-wire at your current thermostat?

 

Going to look at wires tomorrow and will probably seek advice.

Is it true the Insteon's don't work on heat pumps?

[stusviews]

Describe what you find. Include specifics about your current thermostat.

 

It's true. The Insteon branded thermostat does not work with heat pumps. It's missing terminals (O/B) and the corresponding circuitry.

[saphotoexpress]

I've got 2 heat pump systems so I bought 2 of the Venstar T1900 with insteon modules and humidity modules.  They work great and all of the info is displayed in MobileLinc.  The only thing I couldn't do though the admin console was access the 7 day program functions that are built into the unit.  I created programs in the admin console so that my ISY runs it instead of the built in 7 day program.  Yes, I know, I could just walk up to the units and create a 7 day program by pushing the buttons on the thermostat, but what fun would that be and I could do that with any thermostat

[stusviews]

An advantage of using the built-in program capability is that is doesn't use any programming space (ISY memory). And the program will continue to function even if the ISY (or PLM) doesn't. An advantage of using the ISY is that you can create special occasion or scheduled programs or anything at the push of a button. I use a combination of both.

[Rick Sink]

An advantage of using the built-in program capability is that is doesn't use any programming space (ISY memory). And the program will continue to function even if the ISY (or PLM) doesn't. An advantage of using the ISY is that you can create special occasion or scheduled programs or anything at the push of a button. I use a combination of both.

Can the ISY control the Aux heat strips through this thermostat? I want to be able to disable the heat strips, but still leave the compressor on during some heating periods. I am on a time-of-use KW demand schedule with my local utility. Sometimes in the winter on-peak periods the heat pump Aux heat will come on and that really makes the KW skyrocket, and I take a hit on my bill. I'd like to disable the Aux heat strips until the off-peak period, but I don't want to shut down the compressor and lose all heating capability. My apologies if you are not familiar with time-of-use rates and this sounds like gobbledygook.

 

Thanks,

Rick