What is the factor on a Programmable thermostat that will prohibit my tenant from overdoing it on the warmness? Can any one recommend what I should be looking for in a...
Can any one recommend what I should be looking for in a Programmable thermostat for an apartment that I am renting?
Look for one that is lockable, or pre-set for a specific temperature gamut.
Many models have keypad lockout capability, Accustat make a model that takes a glass vial (thermometer) to be precise non adjustable. I'd try a Totaline, .can't remember the model #, but they're pretty cheap, around $40, and they offer keypad lockout, which will work until the tenant goes online and finds out how to disable the lockout..As I surmise about it, the best bet may be to use a thermostat with a remote warmth sensor. Put the keypad where only you can access it, have only the sensor in the apartment.that'd be a surefire means of access to prevent tampering, but would require running a bit of new thermostat cable, shouldn't be a big traffic. Talk to a local HVAC supply house and ask what they have, and how much. You should be able to procure away with less than $150 for a thermostat and remote sensor, plus installation. If you're handy, you can well do it yourself. As a former landlord myself, I feel your misery. Hope this helps.
20+ yrs HVAC tech. if the heat is included contained by the rent why stop your tenant from using what is his or hers in the first place that's why they pay you your rent for the steam to be included.
Answers: You can get a commercial one equivalent to what you see surrounded by hotels. It has a limited scope and a little pointer without any numbers for the tenant to look at. If the tenant is cold he can turn the pointer toward hotter but can never a short time ago say "I don't like 68 so I will turn it to 75" because of the removal of numbers.