You’d be surprised how many people have the same questions you do about Hunter thermostats. To help out, we’ve provided the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
1. How do I know which thermostat is right for my heating/cooling system? There are a wide variety of heating and cooling systems and no single thermostat will work with all of them.
In order to choose the right thermostat, you must know the following:
• Is it a heat pump or regular gas/electrical system?
• What type of fuel is used (e.g. gas, electric, oil, other)?
• What is the voltage (typically 24V, millivolt or line/main voltage)?
• Is there a description of the type of heating/cooling unit (e.g. zoned, hydronic, forced air, line voltage, etc.) in the owners' manual?
2. What are the average energy savings I can expect in summer and winter? Energy savings depend upon how a programmable thermostat is set. The savings can run as high as 33% of overall energy costs. The savings depend on the temperature that the unit is set back to and the length of time for the "setback" periods. Obviously, a setback of 10° saves more energy than one of 5°. Similarly, a ten-hour setback period saves more than a five-hour setback. Since a programmable thermostat can be used with only a single setting like a manual thermostat, the savings can be very small, coming only from the enhanced accuracy.
3. Is installation difficult? Can I do it myself or does it require a professional electrician? Installation takes the average person less than thirty minutes and does not require professional assistance.
There are five simple steps:
• Turn off the power to your heating and cooling equipment.
• Remove the top/cover of the existing thermostat.
• Label the wires coming from the wall and remove the base of the thermostat.
• Mount the base of the Hunter thermostat.
• Match and attach the labeled wires to the connectors and snap the cover in place.
See detailed installation instructions.
4. Is any potential danger created to my unit if installation is performed incorrectly? Normally, there is no danger for 24V or millivolt systems. However, if you are installing 24V heat pump thermostat, make sure the instructions regarding the common wire (usually blue or black) are followed carefully. Incorrectly connecting this wire may lead to damaging your 24V control transformer. The Hunter 44428 thermostat does not require a common wire, and therefore, is much easier to install than other models. Also, line voltage thermostats require greater care due to their 120V or 220V current.
5. What is the average life of mechanical thermostats; how does this compare with Hunter programmable thermostats? Both Hunter mechanical and programmable thermostats are designed to give years of service. Most thermostats are replaced due to either abuse (such as knocking it off the wall by accident) or to step up to an energy-saving programmable thermostat; therefore, there is no "average life".
6. What does computerized compatibility mean? Computerized compatibility means that the thermostat has been designed with a special switching circuit that makes the thermostat compatible with both new, high efficiency systems and older systems, including those systems which have millivolt controlled valves. All Hunter Just Right®, Set & $ave ®, Auto Temp®, and Auto$aver™ models have this feature.
7. What temperature span or range is available on each programmable thermostat? Can the range be adjusted? The Hunter line of thermostats is programmed to detect temperature from 32° to 99° Fahrenheit. Settings can be adjusted from 40° to 95°. Accuracy of the units is +/- 1°. The temperature span (on/off cycle) is factory adjusted to +/- 1°. Since it is a digital thermostat, no adjustment for anticipator is required.
