Temperature Control

Devices Available

Mini Split Heat Pumps (Heat or A/C) - Each of the three bedrooms and the basement have individual indoor units allowing you to set zone temperature control in these spaces. They are able to provide Heat OR A/C, so they are useful for all seasons. ***IMPORTANT NOTE: each of these indoor units are connected to same outdoor compressor, which means that all indoor units that are on must be on the same mode (A/C versus Heat mode). Each is controlled with a black thermostat controller in each bedroom which shows the current temperature and your set temperature. You toggle between Heat and A/C mode with the controller, too. These are infrared controllers that send a one-way signal, so it’s possible for the mini-split to not get the signal (not be actually set to what the controller says) if the space between controller and mini split is obstructed, much like a TV remote. If it isn’t responding as expected, move the controller and try again.
Gas Rinnai Heater (Heat only) – by the front door. Can set a desired temp range.
Gas Fireplace (Heat Only) – by the back door. On/off switch on upper right side. Please do not mess with gas lines or controls below or behind the fireplace. If you find the pilot light out for some reason, instructions to re-light are on a placard behind the fireplace. If you are not comfortable re-lighting, please ensure the gas line is closed (red switch turned perpendicular to the gas line) and notify the hosts.
Space Heater (Heat Only) – stored in basement closet and available if necessary. Please do not leave plugged in unattended.
Tower Fan (fan only) – stored in downstairs bedroom closet.

Summer

The average high temperature is around 78 degrees F in this part of Maine. You may find opening windows sufficient to keep cool. If not, the mini splits set to A/C mode are your best way to cool down. The bedrooms each have their own unit, but if you want to cool the living room/dining room/kitchen space, then turning on the bedroom units and keeping the bedroom doors open is effective.
The basement stays fairly cool all summer long, so you will not likely find yourself wanting to turn the A/C on down there (though available if desired with the mini split). You may find yourself, however, wanting it warmer. The catch is that if you turn the mini split to heat mode to warm it, you cannot also be running any of the bedrooms in A/C mode at the same time since they share the same outdoor compressor.

Winter

Remember, HEAT RISES! With the gas Rinnai heater, the gas fireplace, and/or the downstairs bedroom mini split available to warm the main floor, you may find your bedrooms upstairs to be a lot warmer when you go to bed, especially if you leave the doors open. The best way to minimize this is to keep the bedroom doors upstairs shut and the mini splits in each room set to the desired temperature. ***COMMON MISTAKE: If you try to lower the temp in the rooms at this point by simply setting a lower temp (while still in heat mode) nothing will happen because it is already as warm or warmer than your desired temperature. If you set ALL of the mini splits in the house to A/C mode (or off), you can then set a lower temperature. Opening the window for a few minutes may be an easier or faster way to cool off the room and then match your desired set temp rather than trying to turn the A/C on.
The basement will be chilly unless you turn on the mini split down there in heat mode.

Spring/Fall

During these times of year, you may find the temperature in the chalet just above or below your desired temp, perhaps changing through the day. As mentioned above, all mini splits must be set to the same mode (A/C versus Heat) if you want them to work