Programmer or timeswitch

[PaulAH]

Two questions for you geniuses

1. What's the difference between a programmer and a timeswitch? They both look much the same to me although the manufacturers list them separately.

2. Which is better for controlling CH and HW: one 3-port valve or two 2-port valves?

Thanks
Paul

 

[weargas]

a programmer does ch and hw
a timer doesn't give you 2 choices

 

[oilman]

I'd use two 2-port valves.

While we're going for gadgets, are you going to fit a programmable thermostat?

 

[PaulAH]

All is clear. Thanks, Weargas.

Now, Oilman, there's a question. The whole business of programmable-this and timeswitch-that is a nightmare (and I speak as one with a degree in electronics).

Theory: They are far too complicated. One study showed that 99.7% of features in Microsoft Word go unused by your average RSA qualified typist. Most people can't work a video recorder unless out of desperation. Heating engineers report that many householders wind their TRVs up to max. An aunt of mine had a new central system installed and said it was lovely - "so hot that I have to open the windows."

That's the way of the world. It would be interesting to know how many people have 5/2, multi-zone, 10 channel, six-times-a-day programmers and just slam it on full when it gets cold.

One manufacturer sells a programmer "for people who demand lifestyle choices". *******s. Those who want lifestyle choice are the least likely to sit there with a manual running through a sequence on a poxy little LCD display until thay have to hold down button A for five seconds while dipping button B to crank up a digital readout to their perfect lifestyle setting at 1am on a Wednesday.

Back to the question. The plan is this:

All rads on one circuit, fitted with TRVs where appropriate.
Thermostat in the hall to kill CH when house is warm.
Timer to activate the system morning and evening.
Manual over-ride for odd occasions when we're at home during the day, esp weekends.
Conservatory under separate control but plumbed into house rad feed. Motorised valve on that circuit triggered by thermostat.
No batteries, thank you.
Two 2-port valves because Oilman says so.
So what's the best kit?

Love y'all

 

[PaulAH]

That's clever. I typed a word that rhymes with rowlocks and it appears above as ****

A supplementary: Both thermostats should display the ambient temp.

 

[weargas]

That's clever. I typed a word that rhymes with rowlocks and it appears above as ****

must be a swearing filter. Billy Connolly say's "swearing, nobody likes it but everybody does it" I ask you how many minors will be coming on here for DIY advise? I see no harm in mild profanity. I wonder if there's a way around the filter?
b ******

 

[gmkay]

Just a follow on from the comment made by PaulAH regarding the small displays on most programmable thermostats.

This may be true of most of them on the market, except the new Heatmiser PRT. Take a look here This thermostat has probably the largest display I have seen on the market and offers a really cool blue back light!

Cheers then
Martyn

 

[oilman]

Theory: They are far too complicated. One study showed that 99.7% of features in Microsoft Word go unused by your average RSA qualified typist. Most people can't work a video recorder unless out of desperation. Heating engineers report that many householders wind their TRVs up to max. An aunt of mine had a new central system installed and said it was lovely - "so hot that I have to open the windows."



That's the way of the world. It would be interesting to know how many people have 5/2, multi-zone, 10 channel, six-times-a-day programmers and just slam it on full when it gets cold.

Some irrelevancies here I think. The programmable thermostat is a fairly simple device, and they usually come programmed with the settings suitable for most people. All you have to do is set the clock. (unless you need something simpler like an egg timer )

 

[PaulAH]

True, Oilman. I've just bought a Danfoss FP715 and the programming sequences look well thought-out. But Auntie can barely grasp the idea of a thermostat. My point was a general one, that increased complexity does not necessarily bring improved efficiency.

Sorry about the irrelevances. I am one.

Going by our last oil bill, I may well be using your egg timer in future. Heating on for four minutes - the perfect money-saver.