Today, "warm floor" is one of the most popular and relevant engineering systems that perform both the main and additional role of space heating. There are different types of underfloor heating installed under different types of floor coverings, which, if a certain temperature regime is not observed, can be deformed. The use of a temperature controller for underfloor heating eliminates these risks. It performs a control function of the system performance, preventing it from overheating. In addition, this device supports the set temperature in the room.
What is a floor heating thermostat?
Temperature controller (thermostat, thermostat) - a special device that performs the functions of monitoring and regulating the temperature of the "warm floor" system. Functioningthe regulator is carried out with the help of a sensor, equipped in the structural system. It sends a certain impulse to the thermostat about the temperature level. Depending on the temperature indicator, the thermostat performs an on/off control function.
The principle of operation of the device
The main purpose of its functioning is to respond in a timely manner to a change in the set temperature, by performing the “turn on / off” option of 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 index.
The principle of operation is almost the same for all types of devices. Each of them is equipped with a certain type of sensor. It can be both built-in and remote thermoelement. Its function is to transmit information about the temperature of the floor heating system directly to the thermostat. The regulator analyzes the received data and performs the necessary operation.
Features of classification of underfloor heating thermostats
Regulators are divided according to some technical indicators:
- Control type. 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 toindicator of the maximum load of the regulator. This indicator can be: from 3 to 3.5 kW.
- Sensor type.
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, which carries out the process of closing contacts in the system of heating elements, while it is in a cold position. In the event 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 performed in manual mode using the rotary knob located on the body of the product. Some mechanical underfloor temperature controllers are equipped with an on/off switch. This option must be performed manually.
This model of the device is the most suitable option for a bathroom, shower room, bathroom. It differs from other types in the following properties:
- easy way to manage;
- high level of resistance to voltage drops;
- affordable price.
The disadvantage is the lack of energy savings.
Electronic thermostat
Appearance of the device: the case is small in size, almost corresponds to the parameters of switches or sockets, equipped with a smalldigital screen and several function buttons.
The structure of the electronic device includes: a control chip, a sensor. Using the buttons (arrow up / down or plus / minus sign) or the touch screen, the set temperature mode is set. The digital screen displays the data of the underfloor heating system at the current moment, as well as certain symbols, if the device detects a certain malfunction in the floor system.
Many models of this type are equipped with a "child protection" function. Floor heating is controlled automatically. They are produced in three types, differing in the method of installation:
- arrangement in the plane of the wall;
- mounted on a DIN rail in an electrical panel;
- wall mounted.
Using an electronic temperature controller for underfloor heating can significantly reduce electricity consumption, the minimum figure is 30%.
Programmable Device
Programmers differ from other types of floor heating temperature controllers in their functional qualities. Using the software, you can set the necessary modes of operation of the heating system for a certain period (day, several days, a week). Some models of programmers have two sensors for the underfloor temperature controller. 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 inin the event that the "warm floor" performs the task of the main heating in housing construction. The product is produced in two types, differing in the number of service channels:
- One channel - carry out the functions of controlling and maintaining the set temperature in space, without dividing into zones.
- Multiple channels - performs the division of one space into several service areas, setting certain parameters for each of them. Adjusting these controls is not at all easy, as it requires professional skills.
The case has a screen and several keys that provide certain options:
- regulating the heating temperature of the system, taking into account the time of day;
- monitoring the indicators of the floor heating system;
- regulation based on room temperature.
The use of such water floor heating temperature controllers can significantly reduce electricity 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.
Temperature controller location
The quality of the device is directly dependent on the installation location. According to the instructions, the temperature controller of the warm floor should be mounted away from heating devices. This will eliminate malfunctions and incorrect readings. Distancefrom the floor to the place of arrangement 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 borne in mind that there should be no direct hit of ultraviolet rays and drafts on the device, since these nuances negatively affect its operation.
Characteristic features and types of sensors
The performance of the floor heating system is directly dependent on the quality of the sensor. It can be equipped both in the plane of the regulator and at a distance from it. They are divided into several types, differing in their purpose:
- Measuring 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 main requirements determining the installation site is natural air circulation 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 where there is no obstruction between it and the heated floor.
- Contact method for determining the floor temperature indicator. The measuring elements that perform this action are located at the end of a long wire. The part of the wire where the sensor is fixed is placed in a special long corrugated pipe, which is located underfloor screed, and the other is connected directly to the temperature controller of the warm floor. This method of placing the sensor makes it possible to easily replace a failed meter.
Main selection criteria
When choosing a room temperature controller for underfloor heating, you should consider both its technical characteristics and some parameters:
- heated area indicator;
- maximum power of the underfloor heating structural system;
- wiring arrangement method (hidden or open);
- Indicator of the total power of underfloor heating, formed in one channel of the regulator;
- required number of channels that perform the operation of the device;
- product design.
Preliminary determination of the required power of the regulator
Having chosen the regulator you like by design, you should be sure that it fits your heating system. The main indicator is its power. Its value must not be lower than the capacity of the floor heating system. Therefore, before visiting a trading company, you should clarify the 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 the data:
- heated area;
- power indicator of the "warm floor" system; when using the floor as the main source of heating, only one will be indicatedpower data, and additional heating its other values.
The size of the heated area of the room is multiplied by the power indicator of the warm floor, depending on its purpose. The final value is the required power.
Having determined this characteristic, we will accordingly find out the minimum indicators that the water temperature controller for underfloor heating must comply with.
Selection Tips
When choosing a thermostat, experts recommend taking into account some of the nuances:
- Rated power indicator
- It is advisable to choose the same manufacturer for the thermostat and sensor.
- In case 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 a barrier to water penetration.
- In wooden housing construction, only wall-mounted floor temperature controllers are installed.
- The presence of the option to block the device, which will prevent unauthorized access tosettings. This is very important if there are small children in the house.
- Devices are available in a variety of color tones, which allows you to choose according to the interior of the room.
Conclusion
The thermostat for the floor heating system is a necessary device that allows you to adjust the temperature. More modern models are able to track the operating parameters themselves, in addition, they do not consume a large amount of electricity. It is worth choosing a regulator not only by technical indicators, but also by design, installation method, additional functionality.
