Outdoor temperature sensor for 2.5 ton Trane heat pump in FL?

[justkay]

Another question on this 2.5 Trane heat pump I will be getting.

I want to minimize the use of the aux heat & understand that using an outdoor sensor with the TCONTA802A thermostat will help in doing this. The contractor I had out here in Clearwater, FL the other day said they never install them down here for they are unnecessary.

Can I get some input on this?

[gary_g]

Another question on this 2.5 Trane heat pump I will be getting.

I want to minimize the use of the aux heat & understand that using an outdoor sensor with the TCONTA802A thermostat will help in doing this. The contractor I had out here in Clearwater, FL the other day said they never install them down here for they are unnecessary.

Can I get some input on this?


What is the coldest weather you get in Clearwater, FL?

Generally, aux heat will come on if you bump up the t-stat 2 degrees or more.

[tigerdunes]

justkay

not necessary and a total waste of money for such a mild winter climate. you would rarely if ever use it unless you plan on setback in heating mode.

spend the money on a good thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature assuming your air handler is var speed.

IMO

[dash]

Seldom installed here in Florida.

However if you setback at night you don't want the strip heat coming on during recovery.

Same goes anytime you raise the setting.

[beenthere]

As above. If you are going to use the thermostats set back features. then you want one.
If you are going to be adjusting the temp up and down manually, you should have one.
But, If you are going to set it and forget it, not required.

[justkay]

It usually does not get down to freezing here in the winter, but this January it got down to 30 several nights. I am told that in '79, it got down to 19 degrees.
I currently have a setback thermostat & like to turn the heat down at night. In the winter I set it at 68 for the day & 62 at night. I like it cooler for sleeping. Can I do this with a heat pump without triggering the aux heat?
Is it expensive to add an outdoor temp sensor?

[beenthere]

You want the sensor then.

Expensive depends on definition. And each individual application.

[dash]

Have it added when you have your annual check-up, to save a few dollars.