One More Week To Sign Up For Our Bulk Thermostat Installation Project! The deadline is Friday April 15th, at 5pm. After April 15th, we will place our order for thermostats, and once we have a delivery date, Dunning Electrical will start calling those who signed up to schedule installation.

UPDATED – April 8th, 2016 – We have reached 100 orders, so the price of the thermostats will be $75 each.

If you have not yet read our FAQ (below), please take the time to do so. Those owners who placed an order the first week, should be aware there is now an option to add a sensor that will tell the Tstat whether the building is in heating or cooling mode. This can be very helpful especially in the Spring and Fall when we frequently switch back and forth between heating and cooling.

The cost to add on this sensor is $56 per thermostat.

UPDATED – April 4th, 2016, with FAQ (frequently asked questions), scroll below.

FROM March 25, 2016 – We are pleased to announce, in partnership with Dunning Electrical Services, Inc., our Bulk Thermostat Installation Program is ready to get underway.

The purpose of this program is to make it easier and less expensive for owners to install digital thermostats. This increases the ease and convenience of controlling your heating and cooling units, and reduces energy costs. Here are the basic details:

The program will use the “Honeywelll Fan Coil Thermostat Model #TB6575A1000” (above). Base specifications are below – these are straight from the manufacturer so some details are not relevant to Park Tower. You can ‘Google’ for more (Click Here), or request a specification sheet by e-mailing the office. The thermostat will cost $75-$90 depending on the number of owners who participate.

For New Thermostats installed on the wall adjacent to HVAC unit:

All Window Convector Units, Labor $320, Material $75-90

TOTAL: $395 to $410 per location

2 Bedroom Living Room Units, Labor $189, Material $75-90

TOTAL: $264 to $279

To Replace Existing Thermostats:

Existing “line voltage” Tstats, Labor $95, Material $85-100

TOTAL: $180 to $195 per location

($10 added for a back plate to be put over old tstat electrical box.)

Existing “low voltage” Tstats, Labor $320, Material $75-90

TOTAL: $395 to $410 per location

If we get at least 100 installs scheduled, the thermostat will be the lower price, $75. Park Tower will charge owners’ accounts for the thermostats. Dunning Electrical will invoice owners directly for the labor.

To participate in this program, owners must sign up with the office by Friday April 15th at 5pm. You can call the office, 773-769-3250, e-mail parktowercondo@dkcondo.com, or stop by. We need your name, unit # and the best phone number for Dunning Electrical’s team to contact you. Once we have our list April 15th, we will order the thermostats. After that time, Dunning will contact owners to set up the appointment for the install.

On a case by case basis, Dunning may agree to install a different type of thermostat. There may be an extra charge. When you sign up with the office, please indicate whether you want the Honeywell or have another Tstat in mind. We will coordinate with Dunning so you know in advance any extra cost to expect.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:           Is this program Optional?

A:            Completely. It is entirely up to individual owners whether to participate.

Q:           Why did we choose this particular thermostat?

A:            There are two reasons. First, we were aware this model had been installed in a couple units. We were able to have a look, and talk to the owner about them and they were happy with it. Second, this type of thermostat is completely compatible with the type of fan coil convectors and HVAC system PT has.

Q:           I signed up – when will installations begin?

A:            After April 15th, we will place the bulk order for thermostats. Dunning Electrical will start calling Owners once we have a delivery date confirmed. Their goal is installation within 30 days of the delivery date.

Q:           Where will the thermostat be installed?

A:            *For window convectors, the standard location may vary somewhat from unit to unit. But, they will use the primary power line running to the convector. On the wall adjacent to the convector, look for the the closest power outlet. In most cases, about 5 or 6 feet away from the window. The t-stat will be tied into that line about 5 feet up from the floor. Again, this may vary from unit to unit. *Case by case, this line may have a second outlet further in along that wall, above which the thermostat may be installed.

For the 2 Bedroom Living Room units, it will be on the wall in the living room, immediately behind your kitchen pantry, about 5 feet up from the floor.

Q:           Can I choose my own location for the thermostat?

A:            Yes. But additional materials and work means more dollars. We can arrange an appointment with Dunning Electrical so they can visit your unit and give you a revised estimate.

IMPORTANT – The installation portion of this program is going to be between owners and Dunning Electrical, so you can work out whatever additional details or work you may want with them directly.

Q:           Will the wiring be recessed or exposed, or in a wall mount molding?

A:            The wiring will be recessed inside the wall. The conduit that runs power to the convectors can be used as a raceway inside the wall.

Q:           If I want several thermostats installed, can I get reduced rate?

A:            No. We asked for bids from three contractors familiar with Park Tower. Dunning was the lowest bidder AND we negotiated a bulk rate with them below their original bid. They gave us a number assuming they will get at least 50 orders. So the numbers we have are the base rate per thermostat.

Q:           What settings will I have available with this thermostat?

A:            You will be able to set it at Heating or Cooling (depending on PT), and High, Medium or Low fan settings.

Q:           Will it sense whether the building is providing in heating or cooling?

A:            This feature is available – a wire can be run to the water pipes so the thermostat can sense whether we are in heat or cooling mode. It requires extra wiring and a sensor – the total to add this is $56/tstat.

Q:           Is there a warranty?

A:            Yes. 2 years on the thermostat so long as you register it. And Dunning provides 1 year for labor.

Q:           Can I have one thermostat to control multiple convectors?

A:            It is possible, but we advise against it for a variety of reasons. First, the fans will be running in separate  locations to achieve the temperature you set at the location the thermostat is in. This would be very inefficient, and actually could be worthless in some rooms. But mostly, after you consider the additional materials that will be needed, it is likely less expensive to do separate thermostats.

Q:           How much energy will this save?

A:           This is a great question, and I am sorry to say it’s almost impossible to answer. Researching online, including literature we read from the Department of Energy, there are general estimates of 10-15%. But there are so many variables we just can’t hang our hats on any meaningful figure.

For owners consideration I would ask, how often do you leave your fans running at night when you sleep? How often do you get up to shut them off or turn them back on, or do you live with the discomfort when it gets too warm or too cool. AND, how often do you leave your fan on, so it is warm or cool when you return from work or shopping?

FOR RESIDENTS – A thermostat will shut your fan off when it reaches the desired temperature in your  space. So, just for one example, when you go grocery shopping, if you typically leave your heat on in the  dead of winter, with a thermostat it may not be running 100% of the time. We cannot figure how many dollars residents will save, but you will be saving based on the net amount of time the fan no longer runs.

FOR OWNERS ASSESSMENTS – The effect of thermostats being installed would mean a net savings of natural gas in the winter, electricity in the summer, and water year round. The lower the number of fans on, the less energy we are using to modify the temperature of the water in the fan coils. And why water? The system relies on water year round, but especially in the summer for the cooling tower.

Q:           Can I get a “Nest” or other type of Smart Thermostat?

A:            The Good News? Yes you can. But to be sure, try to send us what information you can in advance. Tell us the type of Smart thermostat, model and specifications. The Bad News? Many of the features you get such a thermostat for will not be compatible or operational with our system. In most cases you will only be able to turn your fan on and off, and will have to go to the convector to set the fan speed. ALSO, the installation will cost more as additional parts and materials will be necessary for wiring including relays   and transformers. Dunning estimates $125 additional per thermostat.

Q:           Can I go to Home Depot and pick out my own Thermostat?

A:            Same answer as above. Including the additional cost. Get us the information and we will look into it.

IMPORTANT – If you really want to get your own thermostat, do your homework first. Forward us what you are looking at, and any specifications you can provide before you spend money. Keep in mind, PT has “fan coil” convectors, and need “line voltage” wiring to be fully functional. Not all thermostats are compatible with this type of system (despite what the sales agent at Home Depot may try to convince you of). Other thermostats may work, but not the way they are intended. J

Q:           Can I call Dunning Electrical directly and discuss my install with them?

A:            Yes, you can. And they are willing to make appointments with residents to take a closer look at the location, and answer questions about the process. We do request you share questions with management as the responses may help us and other owners. Also, please have patience. If they get a rush of e-mails and phone calls from Park Tower, it could take some time for them to get back to everyone.

Dunning Electrical Services

Our Service Rep: Ray Busljeta

E-mail: r.busljeta@dunninges.com

Phone: 773-282-3330

Click on Picture For Specifications: