HVAC Usage Log

[cactsbob]

Below is a description of a script that I have written & am using to keep track of HVAC usage through an RCS thermostat.

Please let me know if you use this script.

Thanks,

Required:
1. A RCS thermostat.
I have the serial version. But, I have a feeling any of the RCS thermostats
will work with the script. And, the script can probably be modified to work with other brands of
tstats.

2. Homeseer v2
This is a .net script & has to yous the .net framework. Of course it could be modified to work with HS1.x.


Installing the script.

1. Create two devices. The device names & a location have to agree with
the names for the script identifiers:
(see HVACLog.vb script
Private deviceLocation As String = "RCS Serial Thermostat "
Private todaysUsageDevice As String = "Today's HVAC Usage"
Private yesterdaysUsageDevice As String = "Yesterday's HVAC Usage"

2. Put the .gifs in the %HOMESEER%\html\images folder.

3. Put the HVACLog.vb script in the %HOMESEER%\scripts folder.

4. Create an event to run the script every minute.


What you have now.
I used "Today's HVAC Usage" & "Yesterday's HVAC Usage" for device names.

The "Today" device keeps a running total of the time in hours & minutes that the thermostat was
calling for the HVAC system. When the HVAC system is being called for the status line will
have a red font and a clock running icon. When the HVAC system is not being called for
the status line will have a green font & a clock sleeping icon. The last change column will
be updated accordingly.

The "Yesterday" device will show the total HVAC usage in hours & minuts that the HVAC was called
for on yesterday. The font will be blue & the icon with be a clock with a $ sign on the face.

All of the data is kept in a file in %HOMESEER%\config\HVAC.ini


Future.
I want to put code in the script to keep a running total cost in $'s based on the local KWH cost &
the rating of the HVAC system.