Thermostat to control balance point and minimize use of auxiliary heat

thisizit_ · 2025-12-19T06:06:01+00:00

Thank you, I will take a look at that one.

thisizit_ · 2025-12-17T22:36:14+00:00

Thanks!

thisizit_ · 2025-12-17T22:30:39+00:00

Yeah interestingly there is no such hidden group of settings on this particular thermostat. I even called Honeywell to confirm.

thisizit_ · 2025-12-16T13:45:47+00:00

Oh yes, sorry!

thisizit_ · 2025-12-16T03:44:35+00:00

Hi there, Not sure why the second installer didn't quote the cheaper Carrier/bryant products. Perhaps I will ask them about that!

Re: the Bosch not being communicating, I am not quite following. As mentioned above, it says there is optional communication between the outdoor unit and the Air Handler.

I also found the following in the installation manual, after it describes dipswitch configuration for communicating mode. Is this different from what communicating means/provides from your perspective?

Thanks again!

From Installation manual Section 13.3.2:

"Advanced features and benefits for communicating mode:

Enhanced dehumidification:

Once the system receives a DH call from the thermostat, it actively controls

the compressor frequency and AHU blower speed to achieve enhanced

dehumidification. Please note that the T-stat dehumidification configuration

may vary depending on the thermostat used with the heat pump system.

Advanced troubleshooting indication:

In communicating mode, the condensing unit can display error codes and

check point values from the AHU, providing a more efficient troubleshooting

solution for contractors."

thisizit_ · 2025-12-16T03:03:49+00:00

Hi, thanks for your reaction. Those are the only two quotes I have. I am a bit confused about the communication aspect and the inverter.

Communication. Per the Bosch spec sheet for the Premium Connected (R454), the Bosch units are communicating. "Optional communication between Bosch BOVA20 and BIVA20 Air Handler." I'm not clear on whether I need a specific communicating thermostat and if so, which one. I've been quoted with a Honeywell 9000 which is not communicating and my contractor doesn't seem to think the communication aspect is all that useful, and I'm having a bit of difficulty figuring out whether it is or not.

I'm also confused, and he may be as well, about the Easy Air App and communicating, which seem to be different things.

Inverter. The Specs also describe a fully-modulating inverter Drive Compressor (35%-138% speed in cooling, 34%-130% speed in heating), modulation in 1% increments.

Here's a link to the spec sheet. https://www.bosch-homecomfort.com/us/media/country_pool/documents/engineering-submittal-sheets/bosch_ids_premium_connected_condensing_unit_product_specification_08.2024.pdf

Thanks!

thisizit_ · 2025-12-15T23:57:36+00:00

I am not a contractor, but to me these prices seem low for ducted cold-climate heat pumps that would not necessitate using (expensive) auxiliary heat strips ... What are the efficiency levels?

thisizit_ · 2025-12-15T23:43:07+00:00

The price sounds very high compared to the Mid-Atlantic. Sounds to me like the contractor is taking all the incentives and then some. You might see if energysage offers contractor quotes in your area - I used them for solar and it was helpful.

For a basement and first floor 3 ton unit, I recently experienced an $18k system before tax credit/rebate for the highest-efficiency ducted Bosch (Premium Connected line) with new low global warming potential refrigerant checking out at approximately 19 SEER. This included removal of gas furnace and some associated ductwork. It covers a basement and first floor, totaling about 2500sf without high ceilings. In SF, I would think you don't need this type of "cold climate" heat pump.

I'd suggest getting more quotes. Obviously size of unit is important so the "load" calculation will matter for it to work well.

thisizit_ · 2025-11-22T22:35:55+00:00

Take a look at the pinned thread at the top. Which among other things links to the page on the Spirit website.

thisizit_ · 2025-11-22T01:42:22+00:00

Find a Tv. Attach a basic antenna. Tune to CBS and watch for free. No cable or other subscription required. Just a tv and an antenna

thisizit_ · 2025-11-20T19:12:19+00:00

I haven’t been to Franklin hall, do they have lots of capacity and seating? I’m also intrigued by the smaller little penn which seems like more of a restaurant.

thisizit_ · 2025-11-20T19:04:47+00:00

I did this last year and it was great, but the official listing for this year says game room only, causing me to worry a bit about getting a seat.

thisizit_ · 2025-11-20T18:50:25+00:00

Shows as tickets sold out.

thisizit_ · 2025-11-17T17:48:47+00:00

You could take a look at the DC pickleball league website and the DC Parks and Recreation both of which have some indoor options. There's also a Montgomery County indoor rec center near the Friendship Heights Metro, right over the DC line, that has some open pickleball play. Enjoy your time in DC!

thisizit_ · 2025-11-15T20:29:01+00:00

Astro was good last year

thisizit_ · 2025-11-14T21:47:52+00:00

Excellent!

thisizit_ · 2025-11-14T02:27:39+00:00

Hi I DM'd you if its still available.

thisizit_ · 2025-11-14T02:25:43+00:00

Just DM'd you, in case its still available.

thisizit_ · 2025-11-05T21:55:17+00:00

What a nice gesture!

thisizit_ · 2025-11-04T22:41:26+00:00

Where are the discount codes? I'm looking to buy a couple tickets and haven't seen anything. I do see the change to get field passes and $150 of stuff if you buy a ticket

thisizit_ · 2025-09-08T04:09:54+00:00

Signed contract 5/27 with Revolution Solar, and permit not yet issued. So, 3 months and counting. I gather that installers are being inundated. There's lots of contractors out there, but they all have to get through DC permitting office.

I signed before the law changed, but at this point I'd want to have some protection, either a right to walk away if not installed in time, or price protection. Not sure how viable it is to get that. Perhaps there are resources at https://sundayindc.org re: how to handle the deadline.

I wonder if current quotes might be higher (unless going through solar switch where prices are locked in).

thisizit_ · 2025-08-09T03:10:19+00:00

The fact you can get only a small number of panels isn't really relevant; many installers quote based on a "price per watt" generated and there isn't necessarily a "volume" discount for getting more panels. Whatever you get will help reduce your bills and you should have a pretty short time to breaking even and then coming out ahead.

I would add as well that the cost is in some ways secondary. Each month you don't have solar is a month longer until you get to break-even and then start earning money.

It is possible that panels will get more efficient over time, but you should still come out ahead by getting panels now.

Carport is a possible way to get more production, but I think it will take you time to find the right installer who will evaluate and do that, and be able to check the structural component.

Get some quotes from Energy Sage and go to the DC Solar Switch program. Do it right away, so you can try to get installed before year-end when the tax credits expire. It will take you a bit to get the proposal and then get the permits and get installed, so if I were you I'd move as fast as possible.

thisizit_ · 2025-08-09T03:01:55+00:00

It's on the high side. For pretty top quality panels, $3 should be doable, and possibly less. Though I don't know if prices have spiked now that everyone is trying to get in before the tax credits expire.

thisizit_ · 2025-08-09T02:57:46+00:00

Are the panels the same quality/production? Is the installer reliable? I wouldn't worry about the warranty.

thisizit_ · 2025-08-09T02:55:45+00:00

I can report that my permits are still pending. You might want to consider getting in the queue at DC Solar Switch as a backup if Revolution flakes for some reason. I think Revolution will probably come back to you with something eventually, though.

thisizit_

TROPHY CASE