How to choose a thermostat (thermostat) for a warm floor and how to install it?
The operation of various climate systems is regulated by a special device that automatically maintains the air temperature set by a person in the room in automatic mode. The systems responsible for floor heating are no exception. Any thermostat for a warm floor ensures its comfortable operation without active human intervention. Perfect models minimize consumer involvement in controlling the functions of the warm floor. Automatic operation of these devices contributes to significant savings in thermal energy.
The simplest models of temperature controllers can only set the desired floor temperature, which will be maintained until a person turns off the system. More complex designs of models are able to carry out programmed heating during the day, taking into account the life cycle of the inhabitants of the house. At night, you can set a lower temperature level, as the intensity of use of rooms with underfloor heating is reduced. The same regime is suitable for the time interval when all family members are at work or in children's educational institutions. Accordingly, floor heating is enhanced in the morning and in the evening, when the whole family is assembled. Regulation of heating underfloor heating systems in institutions and enterprises is carried out in accordance with their operating modes.
Types of temperature regulators for the electrical system
Mechanical thermostats
Such devices require manual control of the temperature in the room. In this case, the user simply sets the wheel with temperature gradations located on the front panel of the device to the required level. In addition to the rotary controller, some models are equipped with an on / off button, as well as an LED operation indicator. Models of this type are the cheapest thermostats.
Digital thermostats
They are also designed to manually control the temperature of the underfloor heating system. The difference lies in the interface of the device, which consists of a digital screen and buttons that allow you to turn on / off the heating system, as well as adjust the temperature in the room. On the digital screen temperature indicators are displayed. Models are available with a cover that closes the buttons, which allows you to protect the device from curious children.
Programmable Temperature Controllers
These models already allow you to control the operation of the "warm floor" system in automatic mode. The device supports the programmed parameters at specified time periods. Thus, the user once having tuned the device, no longer interferes with the system. Some models of programmable thermostats are equipped with an adaptive function that allows devices to include preheating, so that by the specified time in the room the temperature corresponds to the set parameter. It is possible to lock the appliance for protection against children.
Touch thermostats
These devices are the most modern electronic controllers, which are equipped with large liquid crystal displays with bright backlight. Thanks to the convenient interface, they allow you to easily configure the system to the desired mode by pressing the touch buttons.Models are additionally protected from sudden changes in electricity and short-term outages. They are reliably protected from moisture penetration, therefore they are suitable for installation directly in rooms with high humidity.
Thermostats are also classified by the type of system control:
- Devices with an integrated air temperature sensor.
- Devices with a remote temperature control sensor.
- Devices with both variants of temperature control sensors - remote and built-in.
In addition, devices are available in various capacities. This parameter must be considered when choosing a thermostat. If underfloor heating is installed in rooms of a large area, then it is not possible to select the thermostat of the required power.
In this case, the room is divided into zones in which separately located thermostats are mounted. You can also use additional equipment in the form of a magnetic starter. This device protects the thermostat from possible overloads. Get it separately.
Where and how is the thermostat installed?
Manufacturers recommend installing these devices directly in the room in which the installation of underfloor heating is carried out. However, there is an exception to this rule: in rooms with high humidity, the underfloor heating controller is not allowed to be installed. He must be taken outside the premises. Although manufacturers produce devices that have a high class of protection against moisture. Such models of thermostats can be installed directly in bathrooms and other rooms with high humidity indicators.
In any case, the device is mounted in a convenient place for a person to approach. At the same time, they try to place the control device as close as possible to the wiring and the outlet. According to the installation method, thermostats are divided into three groups:
- overhead devices, that is, installation is carried out directly on the wall;
- built-in devices that are installed in a standard socket, with only a small part of the product housing protruding from the wall.
Underfloor heating systems are connected to the network only through thermostats. In this case, the electrical connection diagram, which is always applied by the manufacturer to the device, is respected.
During installation, a number of operations are performed, namely:
- Depending on the installation method, first mount a mounting box on the wall or hollow out a recess.
- The purchased temperature controller is installed in a box or mounted in a recess prepared in the wall.
- The temperature sensor is enclosed in a corrugated tube. It is placed under infrared thermal film or between the bending lines of the heating cable.
- The end of the tube is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from entering.
Water floor heating system control
Manual temperature control during operation of a water heated floor is ineffective, since from the moment of any manipulation the indicators will change only after 4-6 hours. For a water system, regulators are set very differently than with electric heating. This device controls the servo in the system, which controls the flow of warm water. The device is installed, usually at a height of 120 cm from the floor.
It is better to entrust the installation of warm floors to specialists who can competently calculate the power of the thermostat. They will choose the most suitable model in terms of function and cost, as well as conduct the connection in accordance with the attached scheme and the rules for performing electrical work. They will teach you how to use the device to maximize all the functions laid down by the manufacturer.
