Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-27-2013, 02:55 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Oregonbound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 224
Hi all. We are first time RV'ers (Redwood 36FL) and are having a hard time figuring out how to keep the temperature regulated in the RV. We did not receive a manual for the thermostats and haven't been able to find it online. As far as I know, we have two AC units but apparently, we also have a Heat Pump - which I am not familiar with at all. We have 2 thermostats. One is labeled RVComfort.HP and the other RVComfort.AC Coleman Mack (both are black and digital). For the Heat Pump (HP) thermostat in kitchen there are 3 switches - one for "Auto" and "On", another for "cool"/"off"/"gas heat"/"electric heat" and the third for fan "low" and "hi". The Living room thermostat is labeled as AC with 3 switches - one for "Auto"/"On", another for "Cool"/"Off, and the third for fan "Off"/"On".

I understand how to the set temp on thermostats but would really appreciate someone explaining how the the heating/cooling system works generally and how folks would suggest setting the thermostats to provide the most energy efficient regulated indoor temp (i.e. having the heat pump as the primary heat/cooling source). Is there a way to set it up so that the system automatically maintains a somewhat constant indoor temp e.g.) the heating and cooling kicks in automatically.

Thanks all. Edited by: Oregonbound
Oregonbound is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-27-2013, 04:32 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
KenM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 104


The heat pump is on the thermostat in the kitchen. To run the heat pump use "electric heat".The heat pump will only work down to around 40 degrees, after that the thermostat will automatically switch over to gas heat. We normally use the heat pump when ever possible.

The "Auto and On" is for the circulation fan in the unit. If it set to "On", the fan will run continuously if there is a call for heating or cooling or not. In "Auto" the fan will only run when there is a call for heating or cooling.

The"Hi & Low" are for the fan circulation speeds.
__________________
2013 31SL Full Body Paint, 12CF Fridge, Dual pane windows, Genny,Custom sound system & Upgraded TV's 2010 Ram 2500 CTD QCSRW
KenM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-27-2013, 04:35 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Grandpa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 304
Well, here's one opinion... It took us months to get it right. We have the same set up withone heat pump for the living area of our 36RL. We leave the heater on 'electric' most of the time because the heat pump is only effective until the temperature reaches around 40 degrees outside. If the temp drops below 40 the gas heat kicks in to suppliment the heatpump. We keep the fan set on Hi so the air circulation is maximized.

In the hot months, we use both AC's running full blast! We ordered the double pane windows on our 36RL which really helps insulate from the Texas heat and humidity outside.

Basically, you use the thermostats like you would at home but finding your comfortable balance may take a little trial and error.
__________________
Grandpa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-27-2013, 05:01 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
atom ant's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 7,101
We opted for 2 heat pumps here in Colorado. Love them.

As said above, if the heat pump doesn't keep up, eventually the furnace comes on, regardless of which heat position the switch is in.

Interestingly enough, I have learned 2 things that could impact you!

1) Shut them off going down the road. Forgot to shut off the living area heat pump when we hitched up. Stopped at a truck stop about 6 hours later and heard the furnace running. It started automatically when it realized no heat pump because no AC.

2) Decide who, between you and the spouse, is going to be in charge
of the thermostats. We created the most inefficient delta possible because when I found the living room heat pump on trying to offset the bedroom AC that was also running full blast.
__________________
Brad & Dory - Lone Tree, CO
CURRENT - 2013 Itasca Meridian 42E/2013 Wrangler 4dr Sahara
SOLD - 2014 Redwood 36RL/2014 F350 DRW
atom ant is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-27-2013, 06:12 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
rcflame's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 619
There is no way that you can set a temp. and have it automatically switch from heat to cool. You have to switch from one to the other on the thermostat.
__________________
Roger & Cheryl Full Time since 2002, RVing since 1975 2008 Chevy 3500 Crew Cab Dually, 2012 RW 36RL
rcflame is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-27-2013, 06:38 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Adamsvr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 596
Well that's not completely accurate. Agree that the thermostats that Redwood installs have to be switched manually between heating and cooling; however, Honeywell, as well as a number of other manufacturers do have thermostats that allow you to set a tempeture and switch automatically between heat and cooling.

Adamsvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-27-2013, 11:14 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Oregonbound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 224
Thanks very much for the clarity. Our dealer I thought said it would automatically switch between heating and cooling (which would be ideal here in Montana where it can be 90 during the day and 50 at night. Guess I'll just have to spend a few seconds at the thermostat each am and pm.
Oregonbound is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-27-2013, 11:16 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Oregonbound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 224
Thanks Adamsvr...will look into it.
Oregonbound is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2013, 09:57 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
atom ant's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 7,101
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adamsvr
Well that's not completely accurate. Agree that the thermostats that Redwood installs have to be switched manually between heating and cooling; however, Honeywell, as well as a number of other manufacturers do have thermostats that allow you to set a tempeture and switch automatically between heat and cooling.
I looked at doing that, but I couldn't find any that would allow for the 2-sp AC. I would just have to go to high.
__________________
Brad & Dory - Lone Tree, CO
CURRENT - 2013 Itasca Meridian 42E/2013 Wrangler 4dr Sahara
SOLD - 2014 Redwood 36RL/2014 F350 DRW
atom ant is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2013, 10:56 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
Adamsvr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 596
Atom Ant, maybe these instructions might help:

http://yarchive.net/car/rv/rv_thermostat_rewire.html
Adamsvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2013, 03:32 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
rcflame's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 619
I agree there are many different thermostats out there that perform differently. The only problem is finding one that will work the way you want it to, and be compatible with your system and wiring. Our Carriage had a Carrier heat pump which was operated with a remote control. The only other control was an emergency button on the unit that would engage it, but you had no settings.
__________________
Roger & Cheryl Full Time since 2002, RVing since 1975 2008 Chevy 3500 Crew Cab Dually, 2012 RW 36RL
rcflame is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-28-2013, 11:06 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Oregonbound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 224
Another basic but important question - Do the 2 thermostats control 1 AC unit each, do they both control both AC units, or does only one control both units. Thanks again.
Oregonbound is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2013, 08:11 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 555
We have a 36rl and the control for the living room is just right of the entry door on the staircase wall. It controls the rear air for both heat pump and a/c and is the main control for the floor heat in the entire coach. The bedroom control in the hall just inside the bedroom door controls the front a/c for cooling only on our coach…no heat pump. Hope this helps. I will say this, if you are in the coachs entry area the location of both a/cs make it sound like they are both on. It's hard to tell by the sound. Hope this helps
__________________
Jay and Linda
2013 36RL
Tobys Home is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2013, 10:41 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
Oregonbound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 224
It does, thanks Toby. I suspect it is the same in ours even with the FL floor plan
Oregonbound is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2013, 04:21 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Oriana's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,257


In the FL, the thermostat in the Living Room controls the forward A/C unit and the thermostat in the kitchen controls the rear A/C + heat pump.
__________________

Andy & Judi, Canine Companions Duke & Kona
2012 F350 Lariat CC SRW Airlift 5000 |2013 RW 36FL Winegard Trav'ler
Travel Blog: www.andyandjudi.com
Oriana is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-30-2013, 11:56 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
atom ant's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 7,101
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adamsvr
Atom Ant, maybe these instructions might help:

http://yarchive.net/car/rv/rv_thermostat_rewire.html
Thanks Adamsvr. I read through this, and still not sure if you loose the option for a 2 speed fan or not. It mentions it upfront, but then I don't see it mentioned again.
__________________
Brad & Dory - Lone Tree, CO
CURRENT - 2013 Itasca Meridian 42E/2013 Wrangler 4dr Sahara
SOLD - 2014 Redwood 36RL/2014 F350 DRW
atom ant is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Redwood RV or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:47 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×