Absolutely every one of us loves comfort and coziness around us. One of the most important parameters, which has the most direct impact on the health and well-being of any person, is the temperature in the room in which he is located.
A few years ago, it was quite problematic to regulate the air temperature in an apartment or house, but today, thanks to a device called a programmable temperature controller, this task has been greatly simplified. In this article we will consider this device in detail and find out all its features.
Security guarantor
It is no secret that very often in the cold season fires occur due to the heating devices turned on for a long time and left unattended. In addition, these units are not very convenient in operation, since they must be periodically turned off and on, depending on the degree of heating of the air in the room. However, this problem is easily solved if you use a programmable thermostat.
Range of use
This device allows the user to automatically control almost all types of existing heaters, which, in turn, are located in a residential or warehouse, garage, hangar. A room thermostat allows a person to feel comfortable even in rooms with poor or completely absent ventilation, since heaters under the control of the thermal unit do not dry the air at all.
Varieties
The described controllers allow you to fully change the intensity of the heating elements and significantly change their mode. Thermostats are divided into three main groups:
- Electronic.
- Electromechanical.
- Mechanical.
Electronic device
At the heart of its design are three main elements, namely:
- Sensor for detecting air temperature.
- Microprocessor (processes and transmits a signal).
- Key (provides control switching).
A room thermostat of this type allows you to control the entire heating system of the house or to regulate the operation of air conditioners and other systems that are responsible for maintaining the required microclimate in the room. The device is recommended to be installed so that it is not exposed to drafts, which, in turn, can significantly impair the operation of the thermostat.
The technical characteristics of such a device (regardless of the manufacturer) are as follows:
- Adjustable temperature range: from 0 (or +5) to 40 degrees Celsius.
- Measurement accuracy indicator: +/- 1 degree.
- Operating voltage: 85 to 250 V.
- The power consumption is less than 1 W.
- Light weight: 150-200 grams.
Mechanical instances
Such a programmable thermostat has one distinguishing feature: in 90% of cases it is attached to the wall. Moreover, according to the installation principle, it is divided into an invoice and mortise version, which allows you to use it in conjunction with both internal electrical wiring and external. By its dimensions, the device does not exceed the size of the room switch and therefore organically fits into any design. The unit is controlled by a knob that sets the desired temperature level, and the on / off button of the regulator itself.
Thermostat for underfloor heating with a sensor of this type is often endowed with the following technical characteristics:
- Hysteresis value: +/- 0.5 degrees.
- Operating voltage: 180-250 V.
- Maximum allowable current: 16 A.
- Maximum load: 3.5 kW.
- Measured temperatures: from -30 to +40 degrees Celsius.
At the same time, a warm floor, the temperature of which will be controlled by this regulator, will be able to work together with it for at least six years, or 100,000 cycles.
Programmable models
Just an ideal option for those who want to not only regulate the temperature in the room, but also to set a certain cycle of its changes. The programmable temperature controller is the most modern and convenient unit for controlling microclimatic indicators. With it, you can set the heating program, which will be designed not only for several days, but also for weeks. Moreover, during the day the room temperature can also be changed sequentially, as required by the user. It is these devices that the Smart Home systems are equipped with.
The programmable thermostat for the heating system and working together with infrared heating machines allows its trouble-free operation with a total power of devices not exceeding 3.5 kW. If the load exceeds the specified value, then in this case a special magnetic starter should be installed in the circuit , which will redistribute the load as evenly as possible between all elements of the heating network, which may well include a warm floor. The temperature of the air or floor can be regulated within + 5 / +40 degrees Celsius. Thermoregulators of this plan allow programming of four (and sometimes six) cycles per day. Often the device is provided with an anti-freeze function and requires an autonomous low-voltage electric power supply for normal operation.
Rules and brief instructions
In order for a convector with a temperature regulator to clearly perform its functions, the latter (in case of wall installation) must have free space around it (at least 100 mm from all sides) to ensure full, normal air circulation in order to minimize distortion of the recorded data. In addition, it is not allowed to place the thermostat on a wall that borders a non-heated room (for example, a garage). It is also important to seal the cable inlet to eliminate air movement that could interfere with the sensor.
Conclusion
Temperature regulators of heating systems and heaters (including a convector with a temperature regulator) is a very profitable solution that can greatly simplify the life of each of us, and especially those people who live in fairly cold regions. The device allows for significant savings in electricity and gas, which significantly reduces the total amount of utility bills. When choosing a temperature regulator, it is worth giving preference to brands of well-known manufacturers, because this device is an integral part of a rather complex technical system. If it is not of too high quality or defective, then this can ultimately cause an emergency and completely eliminate the savings in invested in it.
The choice of a specific temperature regulator model should be justified. It is necessary to take into account the number of heaters available, as well as their technical features. In cases where the knowledge of the person planning to purchase a temperature controller is not enough to perform an accurate calculation and selection of the described device, it is necessary to involve specialists in power supply and heating, but in no case should you choose the temperature controller yourself according to personal preferences. The main thing is to correctly connect the device - and it will serve you for many years.