There are many types of heating and cooling systems found in residential and commercial settings. Use the information in this article to help identify your system type and what Insteon devices can be used for control.
Window Units
Window Air Conditioning Systems are typically installed in an open window and usually connect to power with a 110V or possibly 220V power cord. As these systems usually have an integrated thermostat, they are incompatible with Insteon Thermostat.
If your system resumes cooling or heating after being disconnected from power, you may be able to control it with an Insteon On/Off Module and Wireless Thermostat.
Mini-Split (Ductless) Systems
Mini-Split or ductless systems place one or several indoor units in your home that connect to an outdoor compressor. These systems usually operate as a heat pump.
Most mini-split systems are usually supplied with a proprietary, integrated thermostat and as such, are incompatible with Insteon Thermostat. If your system offers an adapter to connect 3rd-party 24V thermostats, it may be compatible with Insteon Thermostat for Heat Pumps.
Central Air Conditioning
Most standard central air conditioning systems consist of an indoor air handler and furnace as well as an outdoor compressor. Small vent registers are located throughout the home with ducting returning to the central air handler.
- Insteon Thermostat is compatible with the majority of central air conditioning systems that have one or two cooling stages and one or two heating stages.
- Insteon Thermostat for Heat Pumps is compatible with the majority of heat pump systems including those with auxiliary or emergency heat.
As these systems can vary greatly, it is best to inspect the wires connected to your existing thermostat.
Conventional Central System
- Look for a white wire connected to W or W1 on your existing thermostat
- Look for a yellow wire connected to Y or Y1 on your existing thermostat
Heat Pump System
- Look for a brown or orange wire connected to O/B, W or W1
- If you have wires connected to terminals labeled E or AUX and those terminals do not have any additional labels, you likely have a heat pump
- If your home is "all electric" and lacks utilities for gas or propane and you have a central heating and cooling system, you likely have a heat pump
- If your home uses a geothermal system, you likely have a heat pump
The colors of wires in your home may vary. If you are still uncertain, search for the brand and model number of the large condenser unit outside on the internet.
Portable Units
Portable units can be moved from room to room and usually connect to power with a 110V or possibly 220V power cord. As these systems usually have an integrated thermostat, they are incompatible with Insteon Thermostat.
If your system resumes cooling or heating after being disconnected from power, you may be able to control it with an Insteon On/Off Module and Wireless Thermostat.
Millivolt Heaters
Direct-vent millivolt heaters are usually older single-room systems that are controlled by a 2-wire or battery-powered thermostat. Some are large and mounted on a wall, others may be integrated into a floor register. Examining the thermostat, you should find only a red and white wire.
As these systems do not supply power, they are incompatible with Insteon Thermostat without additional products.
You may be able to control this type of heating system with Insteon:
- You may be able to control this system with an Insteon Thermostat and Venstar ACC0436 2-Wire Kit
- You may be able to control this system with an Insteon I/O Module and Wireless Thermostat.
Electric Baseboard Heaters and Line Voltage Systems
Electric baseboard heaters are usually long and shallow metal enclosures located along the baseboard throughout rooms in your home, controlled by a thermostat or wall switch located in the same room. Some line voltage systems may also be enclosed in a wall vent with a blower fan.
Examining the thermostat, you should find thick wires connected with wire nuts. You may also see labels warning 110V, 220V, or high voltage.
These systems are not compatible with Insteon Thermostat but may be controllable using other Insteon devices.
If the heater load is less than 17A, you may be able to control this heater with an Insteon On/Off Switch and Wireless Thermostat.