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

FreeBSD

[Karma Farmer]

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.

Well, it's clear that you've alredy found a solution, and now you're just searching for a problem to solve with it.

However, I really think you should step back and thought about the problem you're trying to solve. If you weren't so hung up on the technology, you'd realize that a thermostat running the X Window System would probably work just as well.

Yes, it's clear to me that your thermostat should run FreeBSD.