I have added a new device for my Geothermal HVAC monitoring system. I had ordered an HVAC8S device from ourcoolhouse.com that will monitor the HVAC calls from the thermostat.

This addition was prompted by the thermostat not operating correctly. This past winter the Humidifier was not working, see previous posts in this blog. But what was also not working was the 2nd stage call from the thermostat. That meant that instead of a multi-stage heat pump / air handler system, this last winter my system was operating as a single stage installation. This undoubtedly has cost me more in electicity this last winter.

The HVAC8S is intalled and operating. I have not yet added this new data into my real-time monitoring page. I now have the ability to track the daily run time, monthly run time, and current status (on/off) of the Fan, Stage1, Stage2, and Auxiliary/Emergency Heat. I already have Auxiliary/Emergency Heat monitoring on my monitoring page but that is ok.

I will be updating the blog when this new data is being displayed on the real-time monitoring page.

Well, after months of the Humidifier not working, it has finally been fixed. Originally it was thought to be a problem with the humidistat. I then called in an HVAC professional, since my installer kept blowing me off. After that visit it was determined that the problem was with the WaterFurnace thermostat. The humidifier worked when given 24 volts AC. The problem was in the thermostat in which 24vAC was not being sent. This was also verified by switching the fan setting from automatic to manual. What was expected was 24vAC would be detected on the fan call (Common and green wires). There was no voltage being sent.

Also noticed during the winter that the air handler fan was not working in second stage. It was noticeable when the fan kicked into high operation. I did not notice that this winter.

After the Tech from Optimal Energy ( Optimal Energy LLC ) replaced the thermostat with a newer WaterFurnace thermostat, all operated as it should. I had him check the rest of the system for proper performance. What was found was that my ground loop pressure was low as well. Now with these problems resolved, my HVAC system should be good to go.