Problem: Looking for a better thermostat solution. Wanted something that I could have auto-adjust through out the day and week. I also wanted something that I could down the line possible control via a computer, for some future projects.
Solution: Found a pretty fantsy looking thremostat with 7 day, 4 per day changes. It is even has a primative touch screen on it. It is a Hunter 44860, picked it up at Lowe's for about $67. As for the computer control, unfortunately choices are pretty limited here for hardware stores. They aren't that techy I guess. But it will do what I desprately need.
WARNING: Follow the instructions that come with the unit, I am only showing an over view of what I did.
To start out I needed to shut down on the thermostat and also power off the furnance and the A/C. For me it was a light switch looking thing on the side of the furnace and I already powered down my A/C for the winter. Once that was done I started to dismantle the thermostat, the new unit had some labels I could use to lable the wires as I disconnected them. Even though, as you can see, mine was pretty simple, but figure I was better safe than sorry.
After disconnecting the wires and labeling them. I was able to remove the rest of the thermostat. The new unit had two pieces, a base plate with the wire hookups and the main electronics. I went to put the base plate on and turns out I needed another hole so I marked the spot for the new hole and drilled it out.
For my walls they are plaster so I put in the screw anchors that came with the unit to help keep the screws from slipping out. From here I hooked up my 4 of 5(5th wasn't used on the original unit either) wires to the base plate and mounted it to the wall. I next I added the batteries that are needed to run the display, and put on the main electronics. After that I went and turn the power back on for everything else. From there I programmed the unit to have 4 per day and most of the rest was factory settings. From what I have seen so far it seems to be working and all seems to be good.
Result: To be seen, hope to know more in about 3 months...To Be Continued....