Controlling Heating/Cooling on a Complex Schedule?

Controlio asks: "I've just replaced my furnace, air conditioner, and humidifier last week, in a house that I am rebuilding almost completely from the studs. With the outrageous cost of heating oil, I looked at saving some money by installing a programmable thermostat. However, my work schedule is too complex for most programmable thermostats. The one benefit I have is knowing my schedule a month or two in advance. So, the most practical option seems to have some sort of computer-controlled system that can accept calendar-based setpoints. This would also allow me the opportunity to VNC to the computer from work and change the schedule, in case of last-minute scheduling changes. The ideal solution would be able to control the heat and air conditioner, plus have the ability to do humidity setpoints (though it's not required). Also a system that could control two furnaces would be beneficial, since I plan on installing a heater in my garage this year. Does anyone know any hardware and software combination available to accomplish this?"

Comments

To err is human, to really F up requires acomputer

[spineboy]

A colleague of mine just rebuilt his house, and his wife wanted heated bathroom tiles, even though we're in L.A. and "cold" weather is like 60F (15 Cel). Anyway they installed a brand new fancy thermostat for both the house and the bathroom. As it turns out, the two systems "fought" each other - the house wanted to cool, and the bathroom floor wanted to heat.

End result was a $1500 ONE MONTH electricity bill.

I'll tell you later about the large sized gas stove requiring a commercial grade Halon fire exstinguisher system. HA HA HA.