Each of us has heard about the concept of “smart home”. Its main idea is that all the processes associated with the creation and maintenance of comfortable living conditions are controlled by a “virtual butler” - artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, many people can’t afford to remodel their house. However, if you are fascinated by the idea of transforming your home, you can use simpler, but no less effective, and most importantly, inexpensive devices.
In this article, we will tell you how you can automate the temperature control in an apartment, office, using only a thermostat in a socket for domestic heaters. With him, the problem of maintaining comfortable conditions will forever be a thing of the past.
Device and principle of operation
Externally, thermostats are portable sockets with built-in plugs. On the case there is a small LCD display and a control panel of several buttons. The main device is either an electromagnetic relay with a temperature sensor or a bimetal plate. In any case, the principle of operation of the device remains the same: when a certain temperature is reached, the device either opens or closes the electrical circuit.
The temperature controller in the socket for domestic heaters, equipped with a temperature sensor, is more accurate. In it, the electromagnetic relay focuses on the readings of the temperature sensor. In devices with a bimetallic plate, the opening of the electric circuit occurs as a result of the expansion of the metal. The accuracy of such a device is an order of magnitude lower than the second group of devices.
Types of temperature regulators
Most often, devices are classified according to the installation method. According to this feature, the electronic temperature controller may be portable or stationary. Portable devices have gained great fame among consumers, because they do not require special skills when connecting. To put such a device into operation, just plug it into a power outlet, set the required temperature and connect a heater to it.
Stationary thermostats are built into the wall and connected to the supply wire. Their main disadvantage is a difficult installation. It may be necessary to call electricians for installation. However, they do not stand out from the interior and are more durable.
Temperature regulators can be with a remote or integrated sensor. In the first case, the sensor is located on a remote cable up to 10 meters long. This solution will be convenient for regulating the temperature in the children's room. Instruments with built-in thermometers are more compact and mobile.
Management methods
Some types of thermostats can be used to control lighting fixtures, air conditioners and other household appliances - it all depends on the control mechanism. According to this feature, devices can be:
- Electronic. The electronic temperature controller has a button control panel with a built-in chip. As a rule, such a device during operation can focus not only on temperature, but also on time and humidity.
- Mechanical. Their main working element is a bimetallic plate, temperature control is carried out by a lever or a ribbed wheel.
- GSM-controlled. Devices of this category can be controlled by SMS messages or short calls to the number assigned to the temperature controller.
- Wi-fi adjustable. These devices can be combined into a single home network and controlled centrally from a PC. The main condition for their connection is the presence of a wireless access point in the house.
The more complex the control technology, the higher the price for the thermostat. The most expensive are combined devices that obey both Wi-Fi signals and SMS messages.
What to choose when choosing
Only responsibly approaching the choice of thermostat, you will not only create the optimal microclimate, but also increase the level of security in the house. The first thing to consider when choosing a thermostat in a socket for domestic heaters is the power of the device. It is indicated on the back of the controller and it is better that it is 30% more than the power of the heater itself.
The second important parameter is the degree of protection. Conventional devices are marked as IP20 - not protected from water and high humidity. They can be installed in all rooms except the bathroom, toilet and kitchen. For rooms with a high level of humidity, the degree of protection should not be lower than IP44.
Heaters with thermostat
It is not so difficult to find heaters with a thermostat on the market. The price of such devices is slightly higher than conventional devices, and built-in controllers make them more convenient and functional. But not everything is so simple, and if you have a choice, it is better to take a socket with a temperature sensor.
Firstly, you can use it to control several devices at the same time, for example, through a splitter (the main thing is to choose the right power). Secondly, mobile thermostats analyze the temperature of the air, not the heater. This simplifies their adjustment, and also allows you to finely adjust the temperature in the house.
The cost of sockets with a temperature controller
The cost of the controller is significantly affected by two factors. This is the presence of additional functions and the manufacturing company. In the first case, the more functions will be incorporated, the higher the price will be for the thermostat. So, the average cost of mechanical models is within 1200 rubles, but copies with Wi-Fi control cost about 2000 rubles.
Significant savings can be made if you choose domestic devices. The currently popular companies Eratherm, Sardo, Devolt, Tessla offer their products at a price of 1800-2000 rubles per copy. But the Russian company ELRA asks for a thermostat in the socket for domestic heaters only 1,500-1,600 rubles. Moreover, the quality of the devices is at the same level.