Con Edison's Central Air-Conditioning Program
Q: What is the Con Edison Central Air-Conditioning Program?
A: The Con Edison Central Air-Conditioning Program provides free thermostats to customers with central air-conditioning systems to help control the temperature in homes, religious organizations or businesses manually, over the Internet or mobile phone.
Thermostat Details
Q: Why is Con Edison giving away free thermostats?
A: The programmable thermostat is a helpful way to effectively manage electricity usage.
Q: Is there a monthly charge or hidden costs?
A: No.
Q: How many thermostats may I receive?
A: You will receive one thermostat for each separate control system.
Q: How long will it take to install the thermostat?
A: The thermostat can usually be installed within two hours.
Q: What are the dimensions of the thermostat?
A: The thermostat is 7.5 inches by 4.25 inches.
Q: What is the thin rectangular-shaped box with an antenna that is mounted to the air handler?
A: This is the communications I/O device. It provides for the two-way communication between your thermostat and the Internet. This equipment should not be moved or handled.
Q: Does the thermostat come with a warranty?
A: The Carrier thermostat comes with a one-year warranty.
Q: How does the programmable thermostat work?
A: The thermostat technology enables Con Edison to access your central air-conditioning unit by using a radio signal, similar to the one used in a digital paging system.
Q: Does the thermostat communication device use a telephone line or a computer line?
A: Con Edison uses a wireless two-way paging network to communicate with your thermostat. It does not require either a telephone or computer line. When you communicate with your thermostat over the Internet or your mobile phone, your instructions are carried over this two-way paging network as well.
Q: Does the thermostat control both the heating and cooling systems?
A: If you currently have a thermostat that controls both your heating and cooling systems, then your new Carrier thermostat may also be able to control both.
Q: Are damper systems eligible?
A: No.
Programming the Thermostat
Q: How do I program my new Carrier thermostat?
A: When your thermostat is installed it will be programmed according to your preferences. Detailed programming instructions are in the user's manual that came with your thermostat. You may also access your thermostat on our Web site at www.coned.com/cool by selecting the thermostat link. Once logged on, you can see what the current temperature is, change the temperature set point, review your current program or reprogram the thermostat. You can also log-on to http://www.mytstat.com/coned/logon.aspx from your mobile phone to program your thermostat.
Q: What if I don't want to use the programming feature?
A: Simply engage the "hold" feature and control your cooling levels by adjusting the set point. You can also adjust the set point on the Internet or mobile phone when you are away.
Q: What if the new Carrier thermostat makes me feel warmer or cooler than I did before?
A: There may be a slight difference in the temperature sensor between your old thermostat and your new one. You can change the temperature settings in the program or set point to suit your own comfort. For example, if you were comfortable with your central air conditioning set at 78 degrees during the summer, but feel cold with your new thermostat set at the same temperature, change the setting to 79 degrees and see how that feels. You will find the proper comfort setting you desire, with some minor adjustments.
Q: What if my air conditioning stops working?
A: If you have a problem and think it might be related to the thermostat, please call us toll free at 1-866-521-8600.
Power Curtailment Event
Q: How is a power curtailment event determined?
A: Participants in the program allow Con Edison to reduce the amount of electricity used by central air conditioners to help reduce the demand for energy. Con Edison or the New York State Independent System Operator (NYISO) determine when to initiate a power curtailment to customers. The NYISO is responsible for ensuring a safe and reliable electric transmission system for the people of New York State. For more information about NYISO, visit www.nyiso.com.
Q: Will Con Edison turn off my air conditioner?
A: No. We will only cycle the compressor on and off. Your fan will continue to operate and you may not even notice that your air conditioner has been adjusted.
Q: When will Con Edison adjust my air-conditioning?
A: Typically, the adjustment will not last longer than five hours. And you can override the adjustment if you need to.
Q: How will Con Edison adjust my air-conditioning system?
A: We will send a radio signal page to your thermostat to cycle your compressor off and on. Con Edison will not shut off your central air conditioner. Your fan will continue to operate so that air can continue to circulate, and you may not feel a temperature change.
Q: How will I know that my air conditioner has been adjusted?
A: The digital screen on the thermostat will read "curtailment." The thermostat screen will also count backward and will display the icon "time left," so that you will know how much time is left before your thermostat returns to its pre-set temperature.
Q: How warm will my place get?
A: You may not even notice that your air conditioner has been adjusted. At most, the temperature may increase three or more degrees. After the curtailment event, your temperature will quickly return to its set temperature.
Q: How do I override Con Edison's adjustment?
A: You simply use the temperature down adjustment button which is the lower of the two buttons located on the far bottom right of the thermostat. Press the down button until the curtailment message that appears on your thermostat disappears and you will no longer be under the Con Edison adjustment.
Receiving Your Thank-You Check
Q: When will I receive my thank-you check?
A: You will receive your $25 thank-you check by mail after your thermostat is installed.
Customer Service for the Thermostat
Q: After the thermostat is installed, who do I call if I have any service-related questions?
A: You may call 1-866-521-8600 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. If you require immediate assistance at any other time, call 1-866-691-0374.
Summer Pilot
Q: What is the summer pilot?
A: Summer pilot events will be scheduled on days Con Edison expects electricity usage to reach 96 percent or more of the capacity of our system. If you participate in all events you will receive $25 at the end of the summer.
Q: How will I know if I'm participating in a pilot event?
A: Con Edison will have a message on the Web site at www.coned.com/cool and a phone message at 1-866-521-8600.
Q: What happens to the summer pilot after 2011?
Con Edison will evaluate the success of the pilot in 2011, and (if proven cost effective) plan to offer it again in 2012.
Other Programs
Q: What other Con Edison programs can I participate in?
A: Con Edison also offers other ways to help you save money and energy. When you install energy-efficient lighting, cooling, or heating equipment in your home, you may be eligible to receive rebates and other incentives. For more information, call 1-877-870-6118 or visit www.coned.com/greenteam.
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