Today, the "warm floor" is one of the most popular and relevant engineering systems that perform both the primary and secondary roles of space heating. There are different types of underfloor heating installed under various types of floor coverings, which, if the temperature is not observed, can undergo deformation. The use of a temperature controller for underfloor heating eliminates these risks. It performs a control function of the system’s operability, preventing its overheating. In addition, this device supports the set temperature in the room.
What is a thermostat for underfloor heating?
The temperature controller (thermostat, temperature controller) is a special device that performs the functions of monitoring and regulating the temperature of the “warm floor” system. The functioning of the controller is carried out using a sensor, equipped in a structural system. It sends a certain impulse to the temperature controller about the temperature level. Depending on the temperature indicator, the thermostat performs the on / off control function.
The principle of operation of the device
The main purpose of its functioning is the timely response to changes in the set temperature, by performing the option “enable / disable” the heating element of the floor system. As a result of these actions, the structural heating system and air flows in the room will have a stable and constant temperature indicator.
The principle of operation is almost the same for all types of devices. Each of them is equipped with a specific type of sensor. It can be both built-in and remote thermocouple. Its function is to transmit information about the temperature of the floor heating system directly to the thermostat. The controller analyzes the received data and performs the necessary operation.
Features of the classification of thermostats for underfloor heating
Regulators are divided according to some technical indicators:
- Type of management. There are mechanical, electronic devices, as well as programmers.
- Installation methods. The device can be built into the plane of the wall, or mounted on its surface.
- Power indicator. The power of the underfloor heating system must correspond to the maximum load indicator of the regulator. This indicator can be: from 3 to 3.5 kW.
- A kind of sensor.
Mechanical (intuitive) device
This type of device is used to maintain the temperature in rooms with a small area. The intuitive device has a bimetallic plate that implements the process of closing contacts in the system of heating elements, while it is in the cold position. In the case of an increase in temperature, it changes its geometry by bending, which leads to the disconnection of the electrical circuit. This action helps to stop the heating of the system.
Temperature control is carried out in manual mode with the help of a rotary knob located on the body of the product. Some mechanical temperature controllers for underfloor heating are equipped with an on / off lever. This option is performed manually.
This model of the device is the most suitable option for the bathroom, shower, toilet. It differs from other types in such properties:
- easy way to manage;
- high level of resistance to voltage drops;
- affordable price.
The disadvantage is the lack of energy savings.
Electronic temperature controller
Appearance of the device: the case is small in size, practically corresponds to the parameters of switches or sockets, equipped with a small digital screen and several function buttons.
The structure of the electronic device includes: control chip, sensor. Using the buttons (up / down arrow or plus / minus sign) or touch display, the set temperature mode is set. On the digital screen, the current floor system data is displayed, as well as certain symbols, if the device detects a certain malfunction in the floor system.
Many models of this type are equipped with the "child protection" function. Regulation of floor heating occurs in automatic mode. They are produced in three types, differing by the installation method:
- arrangement in the plane of the wall;
- mounting on a DIN rail in an electrical panel;
- installation on the wall.
The use of an electronic temperature controller for water underfloor heating can significantly reduce electricity consumption, a minimum of 30%.
Programmable device
Programmers differ from other types of temperature controllers for underfloor heating by their functional qualities. Using the software, you can set the necessary operating modes of the heating system for a certain period (day, several days, week). Some models of programmers have two sensors for regulating the temperature of the warm floor. One of them controls the performance in the room, and the other in the installed heating system. The use of regulators with two temperature sensors is relevant if the "warm floor" performs the task of basic heating in house building. The product is available in two types, differing in the number of service channels:
- One channel - carry out the functions of monitoring and maintaining the set temperature in space, not dividing into zones.
- Multiple channels - performs the division of one space into several service areas, setting specific parameters for each of them. Performing the settings of these regulators is not at all a simple matter, as it requires professional skills.
On the case there is a screen and several keys that provide certain options:
- regulation of the heating temperature of the system taking into account the time of day;
- monitoring the performance of the floor heating system;
- regulation depending on the temperature in the room.
The use of such temperature controllers for underfloor heating can significantly reduce energy consumption. Savings can be at least 50%. Their cost is much higher than other types and depends on the number of options performed. Many of these models are equipped with additional options.
Location of thermostat
The quality functioning of the device is directly dependent on the installation location. According to the instructions, the temperature controller for the underfloor heating should be mounted away from heating appliances. This will eliminate malfunctions and incorrect readings. The distance from the floor to the place of installation should be at least 100 cm. The arrangement is carried out near the location of the outlet, where the process of connecting a warm floor with a temperature controller will be carried out. It should also be noted that there should not be a direct hit of ultraviolet rays and drafts on the device, since these nuances negatively affect its operation.
Characteristic features and varieties of sensors
The performance of the floor heating system is directly dependent on the quality of the sensor. It can be arranged both in the plane of the regulator and at a distance from it. They are divided into several types, distinguished by their purpose:
- Measure the air temperature in the room. Sensors that perform this task can be installed both in the thermostat and in the mobile unit. One of the basic requirements that determine the installation location is the natural circulation of air and its accessibility to the sensor.
- Determination of floor heating. The infrared sensor performs its function at a certain distance, at least 35 cm. It is installed inside the housing, as well as separately from the regulator. The measuring element can only be installed in a place where there is no barrier between it and the heated floor.
- Contact method for determining the temperature of the floor. Measuring elements that perform this action are arranged at the end of a long wire. The part of the wire where the sensor is fixed is laid in a special long corrugated pipe, which is located under the floor screed, and the other is connected directly to the temperature controller of the warm floor. This method of placing the sensor makes it possible without difficulty to replace a failed meter.
Key selection criteria
When choosing a room temperature controller for underfloor heating, one should take into account both its technical characteristics and some parameters:
- indicator of the heated area;
- the value of the maximum power of the structural system of warm floors;
- Wiring arrangement method (hidden or open);
- an indicator of the total power of warm floors, formed in one channel of the regulator;
- the required number of channels that perform the operation of the device;
- product design.
Preliminary determination of the required regulator power
When choosing a regulator you like by design, you should be sure that it fits your heating system. The main indicator is its power. Its value should not be lower than the power of the floor heating system. Therefore, before visiting a trading company should clarify the amount of power of the heated system. Such data can be found in the instructions. To correctly determine the indicator of the required power and the number of regulators, you should have data:
- the size of the heated area;
- power indicator of the “warm floor” system; when using the floor as the main source of heating, one power data will be indicated, and its additional values will show other values.
The value of the heated area of the room is multiplied by an indicator of the power of the warm floor, depending on its purpose. The final value is the required power.
Having determined this characteristic, we accordingly find out the minimum indicators that the water temperature controller for underfloor heating must correspond to.
Selection tips
Choosing a temperature regulator, experts recommend taking into account some nuances:
- Power rating
- The temperature regulator and sensor is desirable to choose one manufacturer.
- In the event of frequent voltage drops, mechanical types of devices are suitable, since electronic models can often fail. In any case, a warm floor without a temperature controller will be inconvenient to use.
- Programmers are the most suitable option for large heated areas. Their use can significantly reduce electricity consumption.
- Mechanical and electrical floor temperature controllers are the right choice for small areas.
- In spaces with high humidity, devices are equipped with the necessary protection, which is an obstacle to the penetration of water.
- In wooden houses, only wall-mounted temperature controllers for underfloor heating are installed.
- The presence of the option to lock the device, which will eliminate unauthorized access to the settings. This is very important if there are small children in the house.
- The devices are available in a variety of color tones, which allows you to make a choice in accordance with the interior of the room.
Conclusion
A temperature controller for a floor heating system is a necessary device that allows you to adjust the temperature regime. More modern models are able to track work parameters themselves, in addition, they do not consume a large amount of electricity. It’s worth choosing a regulator not only by technical indicators, but also by design, installation method, and additional functionality.