Energy prices are constantly rising, so for many, the issues of saving energy resources are extremely acute. Therefore, manufacturers are developing a huge amount of heating equipment that saves fuel. But buying such a unit will not be enough. To spend resources more rationally, you need a temperature controller or thermostat. This device will allow you to keep the set temperature in the room. There are thermostats not only for boilers, but also regulators for radiators, regulators for water, for soldering equipment. Consider the features and principle of operation of these devices.
Temperature controllers for heating equipment
To be able to control the level of energy consumption in heating equipment, they are equipped with heating temperature controllers. These devices enable more efficientconsume energy by turning off the boiler when the temperature in the room reaches the desired level pre-set by the user. There are regulators for electric boilers, gas and even for solid fuel. They produce regulators for convectors, as well as a variety of heaters.
To achieve economical operation of the heating boiler, the regulator will start the unit when the temperature of the heat carrier drops below the set one. The boiler will turn off when the set value is reached. This method will allow you to avoid increased consumption of gas or other fuels, when in some rooms the windows face the sunny side and in order to heat them, you need less heat energy than for other rooms.
Even if the temperature is lowered slightly, within one or two degrees, the level of energy consumption will decrease by four to six percent.
In addition, with the help of the temperature controller, you can select the operating mode of the boiler, in which the temperature regime in the absence of people or at night will be lower. This can result in significant savings. Electricity and gas consumption is reduced by 30 percent or more.
Therefore, if the boiler is not equipped with a built-in thermostat, you must definitely purchase it separately and install it. A small device can help solve the problem of energy overruns.
Varieties of thermostats for boilers
If you equip the heating unit with this device, thenit will be possible to maintain the climate with high precision. Elements control the operation of the heating system using actuators. Electromechanical and electronic temperature controllers can be distinguished. The mechanical thermostat is equipped with a button to turn it on or off. There is also a rotary knob for temperature setting.
Electronic instruments are more perfect, accurate and intuitive to operate. They allow you to regulate the daily temperature cycles. So, the boiler will automatically switch to the user-defined mode. Devices, depending on the model, can control the entire heating system, or individual heating units. The classification includes wired devices and wireless devices with remote control.
Mechanical thermostat features
These devices depend on the quality of the conductors, and must also have reliable protection against mechanical damage of various kinds. The quality of the signal that is fed to the controller greatly depends on this. During installation, there may be problems with masking the signal line.
Wireless devices
In the case of a wireless boiler temperature controller, the signal is transmitted via radio frequency. The device is equipped with two units:
- The first one is installed next to the boiler and connected to special terminals on the boiler.
- The second is installed indoors.
The blocks communicate with each other via a dedicated communication channel. The control unit hasdisplay and keypad for setting.
Digital and analog instruments
Depending on the level of automation, the wireless thermostat can be analog or digital. The latest equipment is built on the basis of microcircuits, due to which the device is able to fix and operate in several modes. Analog temperature controllers are controlled by a mechanical regulator connected to a rheostat.
Application and arrangement of mechanical thermostats
Most often, such devices are found in gas heating installations. This can be due to the fact that most boiler manufacturers make appliances that are compatible with mechanical regulators.
You can make a thermostat with your own hands. It will be no more difficult than the electronic temperature controller of a soldering iron on triacs or other elements.
The mechanical thermostat is arranged as follows. Inside it there is a special membrane, which is filled with a special gas. When the temperature deviates from the norm, the volume of gas inside the membrane changes. Its closing / opening mechanism of the boiler power systems is activated. This is the simplest, but widely applicable method of boiler control, when operation depends on the air temperature in the room, and not on the coolant.
With the help of a mechanical temperature controller, the user can set the desired temperature by turning the knob with divisions. It is connected to the membrane. The walls of the membrane approach or move away from the control contacts - this is how the temperature is adjustedthe mode in which the contact will connect or break.
Market Watch
Temperature controllers for residential premises from Siemens have proven themselves to be excellent. So, the RAA21, RAA31 models are distinguished by a wide range of settings. The equipment has a nice design and is installed like a light switch. At the same time, the integrity of the interior is not violated. As for the cost, the estimated price is about one and a half thousand rubles.
Advantages of electronic wireless thermostats
Programmable thermostats allow you to not only control the operation of the heating system. The control process is remote. You can set the operating mode not only on the temperature, but also on the time of day.
By purchasing such a solution, you can count on serious energy savings. If you buy an expensive device, then it can pay for itself within two seasons.
Most modern models can work according to the GSM standard. This means that the operation of the boiler can be controlled remotely using instant SMS messages. More advanced models allow you to control boilers even via the Internet. Manufacturers also develop applications for smartphones.
Baxi
One of the promising products can be distinguished - a thermostat from Baxi. The device allows you to adjust the temperature in different rooms. In addition, with this device, the most economical operation of the boiler is ensured. The cost of the device model AURATON 2030 RTH is approximately seven thousandrubles.
Thermostats for electric boilers
Electricity for the operation of heating equipment can also be saved with the help of thermostats. Even inexpensive models can save up to 30 percent of electricity. With the help of a thermostat, it is possible to exclude chaotic switching on and off of boilers. You can determine the optimal temperature regime, operate the boiler in a simplified mode and ensure complete safety of operation.
Solid fuel boilers and thermostats
The efficiency of this equipment depends on the volume of air that is supplied to the combustion chambers. A special damper is used to regulate the air. The more it is open, the more intense the combustion process will be. Accordingly, the coolant temperature will increase.
The temperature controller will allow you to change the position of the damper, thereby regulating the temperature of water or antifreeze in the heating system. When it increases, a special rod made of a special alloy begins to increase. Due to this, a lever is set in motion that changes the position of the damper.
Thermostats for radiators
As you know, the temperature in different rooms in the house cannot and should not be the same. In addition, it is not necessary to support one mode or another. For example, in the bedroom it is better to lower the temperature to 18 degrees. This will have the best effect on the quality of sleep.
The temperature controller on the radiator will allow you to create certain temperature conditions in differentrooms. Also, the device saves the resource of heating equipment and reduces the amount of consumption of consumables that are needed during maintenance. It is possible, without disconnecting the riser, to shut off the radiators in case of an accident.
There are three types of these devices:
- Mechanical, where the coolant supply is adjusted manually.
- Electronic devices that use a remote temperature controller sensor.
- Semi-electronic. Adjustment is carried out by a thermal head.
What is the best choice for a living space? Mechanical devices are characterized by low cost, ease of operation, clarity and reliability. During use, there is no need for additional electricity. Adjustment is carried out by changing the amount of coolant entering the heating system. This controls the heat dissipation of the radiator. This is an excellent air temperature controller.
Electronic regulators can be of two types: closed and open. The first units do not have the function of automatic temperature detection. They are configured manually. The temperature that will be maintained in the room is regulated.
Open models are programmed. For example, if you lower the temperature in the room by only a few degrees, the mode of operation may change. To trigger certain modes automatically, a timer is provided.
In conclusion
As you can see, thermostats are the necessary devices in the heatingsystem of a private house or apartment. They allow you to create the necessary microclimate in the living room and save energy or fuel. They must be installed in the heating system of the house and apartment. The water temperature regulator in the heating system will allow the owner not to overpay for energy resources. At the same time, the temperature in the living room will always be comfortable and stable.
