Reducing heating costs in ski area buildings is dependent on several factors, one of which is control of the heat source—usually regulated by a thermostat. If there is unauthorized tampering with the thermostat it can be difficult to properly manage heat control for efficient useage. Using thermostats programmed to automatically increase or decrease temperature eliminates unneeded changes. These thermostats allow management to control temperatures more precisely without daily inspections, and manufacturers are claiming fuel savings from 9 to 30 percent on heating bills. Locking mechanisms to prevent thermostat alterations are also available.
The single setback thermostat can be programmed to lower and raise the temperature as much as 10°F once during a 24 hour period. Applications include buildings used only during scheduled block hours, such as administrative or ticket offices.
The dual setback model raises and lowers the thermostat, again up to 10°F, twice during 24 hour period. A base lodge thermostat could be regulated on the high scale in the early morning to warm the working space, reduced in the mid-morning as people and/or the sun generate warmth, raised for late afternoon and evening use, then lowered again after closing until the next cycle. This dual-set thermostat is also useful for hotel facilities, where temperatures could be lowered during the day when customers are skiing and again at night while they sleep.
Some types of thermostats come with a battery operated clock while others require wiring adaptions for the timing mechanisms. The setting range is generally from 54 to 86°F (12 to 30°C). The fuel saving thermostats range in price from $65 to $85 for the standard single and dual step varieties to $160 to $200 for the top-of-the-line models with solid state, push-button digital keyboard and readouts. A built-in heating/cooling sub-base is an optional component that manufacturers say can save up to 25 percent on cooling bills. Local heating suppliers can provide in-depth analysis and installation requirements.
