Fall and Winter are just around the corner, making it the perfect time to set up heating devices to automatically turn on when low temperatures are detected. Examples include space heaters, heat lamps, self-regulating heat tape, stock tank heaters, pond de-icers, engine-block heaters and more. Whether you want to prevent frozen pipes, protect pets from the cold, or simply wake up to a warm bathroom every morning, keep reading for three easy ideas …

Easy Plug-and-Play Cold Weather Automation

The easiest and fastest way to have space heaters, heat lamps and other heating devices turn on when low temperatures are detected is to plug them into a Thermo Cube. These modules plug into a standard 120VAC electrical outlet and automatically turn power on and off to any device plugged into it depending on air temperature. Thermo Cubes operate on fixed temperatures, with three weather ranges to choose from. For example, the 35°On/45°Off Thermo Cube (#7143) turns the device on when the temperature reaches 35°F. It will turn off again when the temperature reaches 45°. So if you have an area in the house that can cause problems when near-freezing temperatures take place, like laundry rooms, kitchens or any other rooms with water pipes, you can have a space heater turn on when temperatures dip below 35°F.

Activate a Device When Specific Temperatures are Met

Although ThermoCubes are incredibly easy to set up, they're also limited to pre-set ranges, which may or may not apply to your particular situation. But if you want the flexibility of being able to activate devices based on a specific temperature (within 32°F and 120°F), then we recommend using a TempLinc temperature sensor and an ApplianceLinc appliance module (you'll also need a Maxi Controller* for programming). Although set-up requires a few more steps, you'll have much more flexibility.

TempLinc {#1625}	ApplianceLinc (#2002SHL)	X10 Maxi Controller* (#4020)

*Maxi Controller required for programming the TempLinc and ApplianceLinc. Maxi Controller is not required if you have X10 home automation software or an existing intelligent controller.

Setting Up the TempLinc:

1. The TempLinc consists of two parts: a temperature sensor and a PowerLinc controller. First, mount the temperature sensor in the area where you want temperature readings to take place using the included double-sided tape. The sensor head can be mounted most anywhere, but the PowerLinc controller will need to be near an electrical outlet. We offer an extension cord to lengthen the distance between the two units, if necessary.
2. You'll also want to select an X10 address that you want the TempLinc to use. The address consists of a house code (a letter from A-P) and a unit code (a number from 1-16). It doesn't matter what X10 address you use, so long as it's not A1, which is the default setting and the one your neighbors are most likely to use if they get a similar system. For this example, we'll use D5.
3. Put the TempLinc into programming mode by plugging the PowerLinc controller into a 120V wall outlet.
4. Within one minute after plugging the PowerLinc into the wall, use the X10 Maxi Controller (or any other X10 transmitting method) to send the X10 address for the TempLinc three times in a row (D5, D5, D5).
5. Set the operating mode to Heating Mode. You do this by using the X10 Maxi Controller to send the signal for "D6".
6. Set the temperature set-point that you want to activate your space heater or heat lamp to activate. This number depends on your application. For example, if you want to turn on a space heater to prevent frozen pipes, you may want the set-point to be 40°. If you want tot turn on a space heater in the bathroom, you may want the set-point to be 60°. To program the set-point, use the X10 Maxi Controller to send the appropriate signal (determined in Table 2 of the Instruction Manual).
7. You've now completed the TempLinc set-up.

Setting Up the ApplianceLinc:

First, you have to set the ApplianceLinc's primary X10 address to be the exact same address as the TempLinc (D5 in this example). To do it, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the set button for five seconds.
2. Send the D5 X10 address from the Maxi Controller (or any other transmitter) within 30 seconds.
3. Send an ON signal from the Maxi Controller (or any other transmitter).
4. Next plug the ApplianceLinc into an outlet, and plug the space heater or heat lamp into the ApplianceLinc.
5. You've now completed the ApplianceLinc set-up.

Now when temperatures dip below the setpoint temperature, the TempLinc will send an ON signal to the ApplianceLinc, which in turn supplies power to the heating device. When temperatures raise above the setpoint temperature, the TempLinc will send an OFF signal to the ApplianceLinc, which will cut-off power to the heating device.

Responding to Conditional Situations

If you have needs that go beyond automatic on/off operation — like if you only want the automation to take place within specific hours or under other specific conditions — you'll need to use an intelligent controller or software, like the following:

Home Control Assistant (#1268)	HomeSeer (#1266)	Premise Software (#1410)

With one of the systems above, you would still need a TempLinc and ApplianceLinc. The difference is that the TempLinc will be used in the "Report on Change Mode" instead of the "Heating Mode." This basically makes the TempLinc act as a reporting mechanism, which alerts the intelligent controller or software. Then based on the conditions for which you programmed your intelligent controller, it will determine when a device turns on. Live Temperature Updates With TempLinc and SmarthomeLive, you can monitor the temperature on your Windows desktop and have SmarthomeLive send e-mails, pages or cell-phone text messages. Now if there's a problem involving your heating/cooling system, you can find out about it as soon as it starts, not after the damage has been done. For more solutions, visit our Solution of the Week Archive.