When the anticipator on a thermostat is turned to increase, what happens to the burner run time?

When the anticipator on a thermostat is adjusted to increase, it modifies how the heating system responds to the temperature changes within the space being conditioned. An anticipator works by predicting the need for heating based on the current temperature and the desired setpoint.

When the anticipator is set to a higher setting, it effectively tells the thermostat to allow the heating system (in this case, the burner) to operate for a longer time before shutting off. This is because the anticipator delays the turning-off command, allowing the system to reach and slightly overshoot the desired temperature. As a result, the burner run time is extended, leading to longer operation periods.

This adjustment can enhance comfort by preventing short cycling of the burner, which happens when the system turns on and off too frequently, often leading to fluctuating temperatures. In this context, the increase in anticipator setting directly correlates with longer burner run times as the system aims to maintain a more stable temperature within the environment.