This is *exactly* what I want...
I would like to see a retrofit HVAC system to perform zoned style heating and cooling.
- I believe this would require an X10 damper with a remote X10 temperature sensor, and they work with an X10 thermostat.
- Basically as the heat or a/c is running, the dampers will shut and if all dampers are shut then a signal is sent to the thermostat not to operate.
- As the different dampers open, the unit will signal the thermostat to switch on.
- I would like to add an external sensor to the thermostat, so if the a/c or heat is set to on, and if it is cooler or warmer outside an message is displayed to open windows.
- Later X10 can be incorprorated to open and close windows, depending on the weather.
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...let's just assume that I'm not willing to pay their prices (not too extreme an assumption really)...
I usually am a do-it yourselfer but I am new to X-10. I believe I am sufficiently geeky that once I try to learn more about X10 DIY I could master it eventually - plus I probably know some folks that could give me hands on tutorials if I know what to ask them...
KEY POINT! 
FIRST, you have to "
do your OWN homework" and READ, READ, READ SOME MORE...
...This is not the first time that I have been told that "you likely can do this with X10... " but I have yet to find a how-to on the subject - this puzzles me - certainly I (or rather nklght before me) am not the first person to want a temperature controlled damper or weather controlled windows.
Can someone give suggestions on how to start a project like this - either project?
FIRST, you have to "do your OWN homework" and READ, READ, READ SOME MORE...
...Just to be clear, here are the projects:
- 1. Vents on the HVAC with individual temperature sensors, they open when the room needs heating/cooling and close when the job is done. The heat and AC are then controlled by the dampers, if one is open heat or AC goes on, if all are closed heat or AC is off.
- 2. Windows controlled by temperature and weather - closed in bad weather or when the temperature outside would indicate you want them closed. If the weather is good, you want your house cooled down and the temp outside is cooler than inside they open, similar for heating the house.
- 3. A way to integrate these two systems (no point in running the AC if opening the windows will do the job)
Before I investigate too far into possibilities myself I need some encouragement from experts that this is something that can be done.[/size]
IMO, YEP...
...buying some parts, tinkering, and not figuring it out seems rather ill advised.
I disagree! 
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
Take a look at the recent work of
rms59 and his "
Automated Drapes".
Again, IMHO, if *YOU* take some initiative, buy some parts and tinker around a bit, I'm certain that fellow Members will pitch in with ideas and suggestions. But, if you want your fellow Members to DESIGN IT FOR YOU, ain't gonna happen...
...Last night I had the fan on all night and the AC working to cool the house down from the 80+ degrees it had reached during the day. This morning I got up and realized it was 60 outside - just have to open up the windows. It doesn't seem like this would be that hard to automate.
Over FORTY YEARS AGO, I, as a mere teen, always enjoyed visiting my uncle, who was the superintendent of a ?60 unit? apartment building. Back then, the boilers had an OUTSIDE sensor to disable HEAT when the outside temperature was above a certain number - NO COMPUTERS - all relays, mechanical timers, bi-metallic strips, etc...
...However since I've seen no replies to this wish you posted a year ago I'm assumiung that X10 is rather useless to me at the moment...
"ASS-U-ME" 
BTW, FYI, I don't spend a good half hour re-formatting several posts into a reply if I'm not offering assistance / ideas / encouragement... [Ask anyone!
]
UPDATE: I think this took me closer to an hour!
