What is the feature on a Programmable thermostat that will prohibit my tenant from overdoing it on the heat?

Question

Can any one recommend what I should be looking for in a Programmable thermostat for an apartment that I am renting?

Answer 1

if the heat is included in the rent why stop your tenant from using what is his or hers in the first place that's why they pay you your rent for the heat to be included.

Answer 2

Many models have keypad lockout capability, Accustat makes a model that takes a glass vial (thermometer) that is non adjustable.  I'd try a Totaline, ....can't remember the model #, but they're pretty cheap, around $40, and they offer keypad lockout, which will work until the tenant goes online and finds out how to disable the lockout.....As I think about it, the best bet may be to use a thermostat with a remote temperature sensor.   Put the keypad where only you can access it, having only the sensor in the apartment....that'd be a surefire way to prevent tampering, but would require running a bit of new thermostat cable, shouldn't be a big deal.  Talk to a local HVAC supply house and ask what they have, and how much.  You should be able to get away with less than $150 for a thermostat and remote sensor, plus installation.  If you're handy, you can easily do it yourself.  As a former landlord myself, I feel your pain.   Hope this helps.

20+ yrs HVAC tech.

Answer 3

You can get a commercial one equivalent to what you see in hotels. It has a limited range and a little pointer without any numbers for the tenant to look at. If the tenant is cold he can turn the pointer toward hotter but can never just say "I don't like 68 so I will turn it to 75" because of the lack of numbers.

Answer 4

Look for one that is lockable, or pre-set for a specific temperature range.