Lockable thermostat heat only

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Lockable thermostat heat only

David P.
Rental Property Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2021 · 32 posts · 7 votes

Hello, I have a 3 unit property, and I pay the heating on the property I do want to upgrade the thermostat before the colder weather which is recommended heat only I have radiant heat I looking for thermostat that I can lock the temperature tenants cannot raise the temperature.

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Nathan MillerPro Member
Property Manager · Grants Pass, OR · Member since 2009 · 429 posts · 202 votes
3y

It may not be OK with your state to restrict access to the thermostat.  Tenants have a right to a comfortable environment and their comfort level might not always match yours.  But you could get a thermostat where you can restrict the maximum highs and lows of the unit to make sure they don't exceed those thresholds.  A lot of thermostats do this, including the Nest stats I believe.

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  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y
    Aloha,

    Just get something like this:
    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Honeywell-Home-Thermostat-Lockbo...

    I would also suggest you get at least one of these, as you will likely be getting complaints about either too hot, or too cold, and you should get accurate data before spending money on subjective claims:

    https://www.amazon.com/Elitech-RC-5-Temperature-Reusable-Rec...
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  • Nathan MillerPro Member
    Property Manager · Grants Pass, OR · Member since 2009 · 429 posts · 202 votes
    3y

    It may not be OK with your state to restrict access to the thermostat.  Tenants have a right to a comfortable environment and their comfort level might not always match yours.  But you could get a thermostat where you can restrict the maximum highs and lows of the unit to make sure they don't exceed those thresholds.  A lot of thermostats do this, including the Nest stats I believe.

    1Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y

    I used an Ecobee smart thermostat. It can be connected to WiFi and monitored or controlled from anywhere. You can set limits on the high and low temp so tenants can't turn it up above 76 or whatever. It will also alert you if the temperate gets too high (possible fire) or too low (furnace goes out).

    If a Tenant leaves at 11am and the furnace is still set at 76, you can lower it remotely to save energy and leave it low until right before the next guest shows up. Lots of handy features.


    The DIY Landlord Book4.7243 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
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  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    3y

    @David P. we use landlordstat by chicago temperature control which has upper and lower limits. The downside is there is no vacation mode but you don't want that with radiators anyway. It isn't obvious that the temperature is controlled and most tenants don't ask.  

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  • Alecia LovelessPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    @David P. If you’re not familiar with radiant heat the best way to utilize it is to set it and forget it. If you raise it and lower it you will work your furnace to death and waste a ton of heating oil or whatever you use as an energy source.

    I had a radiant heat finished basement in Northern New Hampshire and the temperature drops down to -20 degrees in the winter. We found it was just most cost effective to set it at 70 degrees where we were the most comfortable and never adjust it.

    Several times over a 7 year timeframe our furnace went out and the temperature dropped to around 45 degrees and it would take about 4 days for it to warm back up to 70.

    Changing temperatures with radiant heat is not a quick process. You can’t just lower it 5 degrees when you go to work and expect it to warm back up 5 degrees quickly when you get home after work. It would take all night.

    If you can lock the thermostat it really won’t make much difference if you set it at 68 or 70 depending on you tenants preference. The biggest issue is raising it and lowering it so I think if you inform them how it works and come to an agreement on a temperature they should be fine with it locked. If they get slightly chilly they can use a blanket or a small space heater that they will pay the electricity for.

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  • Lorien Wolff
    Property Manager · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2022 · 138 posts · 87 votes
    3y

    David, I strongly second @Nathan Miller on this one.

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  • David P.
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2021 · 32 posts · 7 votes
    3y

    @Lorien Rollins will do look into

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