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lynway · Jan 24, 2007, 04:21 PM

Please help. I installed a new programmable thermostat (Noma) to replace the old noma one we had.
It heats when asked and it cools when asked. The problem is that if the thermostat is set to 18.5 the furnace goes on as soon as it goes 18.3 and stops at 18.8, which maintains the house at the requested 18.5.
My husband seems to think that this consumes more oil than if it had a wider range because the furnace goes on only for a few minutes then stops but because it's winter it does that constantly.
Please let me know if he's right (I'll never tell!) or if I can finally get him to stop complaining about the new thermostat.

Lynda Davis

Nwptsailor · Jan 24, 2007, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by lynway

Please help. I installed a new programmable thermostat (Noma) to replace the old noma one we had.
It heats when asked and it cools when asked. The problem is that if the thermostat is set to 18.5 the furnace goes on as soon as it goes 18.3 and stops at 18.8, which maintains the house at the requested 18.5.
My husband seems to think that this consumes more oil than if it had a wider range because the furnace goes on only for a few minutes then stops but because it's winter it does that constantly.
Please let me know if he's right (I'll never tell!) or if I can finally get him to stop complaining about the new thermostat.

Lynda Davis

Usually there are other settings that control how fast the furnace responds to a signal to turn on. Read the literature in depth and look on the manufactures website for more info.

lynway · Jan 25, 2007, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by Nwptsailor

usually there are other settings that control how fast the furnace responds to a signal to turn on. Read the literature in depth and look on the manufactures website for more info.

I can't find the booklet that came with the darn thing and I really can't find the manufacturer's website. It's a NOMA Programmable 5+1+1 Thermostat bought at Canadian Tire. If anyone knows the Noma website address I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

Nwptsailor · Jan 25, 2007, 07:08 PM

Before you do anything else , look at the location of the thermostat. The unit should be isolated , so to speak , from the heating elements , be it radiator or air duct , whatever.
The thermostat should be able to get an average reading of the room without being directly influenced by heat supply. A thermostat too close will turn off and on too rapidly.
Step back , look and think , is it's location appropriate ?

Nwptsailor · Jan 25, 2007, 07:24 PM

Also , it will probably be easier to look on the manufacturers plate of your boiler/furnace/heating device , get their name and research and then call them. Ask for a thermostat reference and advise them you want to reduce cycling. You may have cycling choices at the heat generator( I'd trash the Noma & get a much better control unit )

T-Top · Jan 25, 2007, 07:45 PM

It sounds normal to me. If I'm looking at this right ? Its almost 1 degree change before on or off. I call that good. Doing what it should. Run time and off time can be adjusted by the heat anticipator on the thermostat.

NorthernHeat · Jan 26, 2007, 03:32 PM

Your husband is correct, the more a furnace short cycles the more inefficient it is. This is because each cycle heats up the furnace before it starts blowing that heat into the home. Sorry I can't help you with the thermostat, but most of them will allow you to change the CPH cycles per hour, or temperature differential.