Automation in the heating system allows you to more accurately control the temperature in heated rooms and save on fuel. By installing a thermostat for the heating boiler, the owner of the cottage increases the efficiency of the boiler equipment by 20–30% and greatly simplifies its maintenance.
We will talk about the types of thermostats used in practice, the rules for their location and connection features. The article we have proposed describes in detail the options and diagrams for connecting devices. Taking into account our advice, you can choose the device wisely and install it if desired.
Thermostat for heating boiler (thermostat): types, functions, prices
Given the rise in energy prices, the issue of energy saving is extremely pressing. That is why a large number of models of heating devices have been developed that are economical in fuel consumption. However, the equipment itself is not enough. A thermostat for a heating boiler (thermostat) will help you spend energy resources most efficiently, allowing you to control and maintain the set air temperature in a heated room.
Thermostats for boilers: photos, types of thermostats, operating principle, connection diagram.
Bottom line
A room thermostat is an indispensable element of the heating system, which allows you to accurately regulate the operation of the boiler and other heating devices. You can install and configure such equipment yourself. The main thing is to read the instructions supplied with the device and take into account the location of the electronic board of a gas, electric or other boiler.
Do you use room thermostats and temperature controllers? Which ones do you use and why? Share your opinion in the comments!
Purpose of thermostats for heating boilers
To be able to control the energy consumption of heating equipment, it is equipped with special devices - thermostats. These devices allow efficient use of fuel by shutting off the equipment when the set temperature level is reached. Thermostats are used for electric boilers, gas and solid fuel boilers, as well as convectors, heaters and other heating systems.
The thermostat is capable of responding to temperature changes and turning heating equipment on and off automatically.
To achieve economical operation of the heating boiler, the thermostat turns on the equipment when the temperature drops below the set value and turns off when the set value is reached.
This method allows you to avoid unnecessary consumption of gas or electricity when, for example, some of the rooms are located on the sunny side and less heat is needed to heat them than for other rooms. On a note! Even a slight decrease in temperature within 1 degree helps reduce energy consumption by 4-6%.
In addition, using thermostats, you can set the operating mode of the heating system, in which the temperature in the absence of people in the house or at night will be 4-5°C lower. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve savings in electricity or gas consumption of about 30%. Thus, if your heating equipment does not have such a built-in device, it would be advisable to buy a thermostat for the heating boiler. The temperature regulator will provide a solution to the problem of excessive energy consumption.
Using a thermostat, you can set different heating modes for different times.
Types of thermostats for heating boilers
Equipping heating equipment with thermostats allows you to maintain a given temperature climate in the room with an accuracy of 1 to 0.5 degrees. They control the operation of the heating system using various actuators. There are electromechanical and electronic thermostats. The design of a mechanical thermostat for a heating boiler has an on/off key and a rotary button for controlling the temperature regime.
Electronic or programmable thermostats have a more advanced structure, but are simple and easy to use. With their help, you can adjust the daily temperature cycle: in this case, the boiler will automatically switch to the set mode. Such devices can regulate both the entire heating system and individual heating blocks.
There is a classification of devices into wired and remote controlled. For the former, the connection of conductors, as well as external protection from mechanical damage, is important. The quality of the signal supplied from the boiler to the controller, notifying the entry of coolant into the circuit, depends on this. During installation, the question may arise about how to disguise the signal line so that it is invisible.
The simplest type of thermostat is mechanical.
In a wireless boiler thermostat, control occurs through the transmission of a radio signal. Such a device has two blocks, one of which is mounted in close proximity to the heating boiler, connecting to the equipment terminals. The second node is located indoors. There is a dedicated radio communication channel between the two blocks. The control unit is equipped with a display and control keyboard.
Depending on the degree of automation, thermostats can be digital or analog. The operation of digital devices is based on the signal of microcircuits, thanks to which the device can record and apply several specified modes. Analog thermostats are controlled manually using a mechanical regulator connected to a rheostat.
Thermostat device
The design of thermostats of all types and manufacturers has a general scheme. The device contains three main blocks: temperature sensor, adjustment unit, control unit. The temperature-sensitive element of the device monitors the ambient temperature level.
If the temperature changes in one direction or another, they are recorded by the sensor and transmitted in the form of electrical signals to the control unit, which converts the signal according to a given program and transmits commands to execution devices: an electromagnetic relay, a mechanical valve, a device that processes the signal.
Thermostat for a heating boiler (thermostat): which one is better to choose
Before buying a thermostat for a boiler, you need to decide on the type of device. To do this, you need to understand the fundamental difference between the models of mechanical room thermostats and electronic ones. There is an opinion that the latter are difficult to configure and they are unreliable, but this is not the case.
An electronic thermostat is more accurate and has flexible settings.
OWEN.
TPM500-WiFi is not a room controller at all.
But this is an industrial thermostat with a powerful relay, a large indicator and direct access to OwenCloud.
It costs only 3600r.
But the functionality is extensive, as it should be for an industrial device.
OwenDeviceControl application.
The cloud service has a WEB interface with DEMO input.
There is another option for using OWEN industrial automation devices as a thermostat with Wi-Fi.
This is a combination of TRM200 and PV210, costing 3900 + 3900 = 7800 rubles.
TPM200 is a two-channel meter with a universal input, RS-485 and a household wall-mount design.
PV210 is a network gateway for accessing the OwenCloud RS-485 Wi-Fi service.
But this is automation at a completely different level.
The principle of operation of a mechanical thermostat for a heating boiler
In most cases, mechanical thermostats for heating boilers are used in gas installations. This is due to the fact that gas boiler manufacturers initially produce devices that are compatible specifically with mechanical models of thermostats. The design of a mechanical thermostat has a gas membrane, inside of which there is a special gas.
When the temperature deviates from the norm, the volume of gas inside the membrane changes and the mechanism for closing or opening the power supply system of the heating boiler is activated accordingly. This is a fairly simple way to control the operation of a boiler, when its operation depends on the temperature not of the coolant, but of the air in the heated room.
Using a mechanical model of a thermostat, you can set an acceptable temperature regime by turning the round button with divisions, which is connected to the membrane. Thus, the walls of the membrane approach or move away from the control device: this is how we set the temperature at which the connection or rupture of the contact will occur.
The thermostat allows you to regulate the room temperature with an accuracy of 1 degree.
On a note! The simple design of mechanical thermostats for heating boilers allows you to make the device yourself.
Among mechanical devices, Siemens room thermostats have proven themselves well. Models RAA21, RAA31 have a temperature setting range of 8-30°C. Devices with a laconic design are mounted like ordinary switches and do not violate the integrity of the interior line. Easy to install and operate. The approximate price of a room thermostat for a gas boiler is 1,500 rubles.
The advantages of mechanical thermostats include low cost, repairability and resistance to power surges. The disadvantages include the low sensitivity of the device to temperature changes. Inaccuracy may be up to 3°C.
"Smart" programmable thermostats
Devices that can themselves change the temperature level in a room in the absence of people are much more complex, but the savings from their use are enormous. The costs of purchasing and installing them will pay off in the first winter season. We are talking about programmable thermostats. They can serve several circuits simultaneously. It is possible to connect to the “smart home” system.
A programmable thermostat solves many heating problems and ensures a comfortable stay in the room. Allows you to set certain days, hours and weeks to a given temperature. Therefore, even in the absence of the owners, he himself will switch the heating system to economical mode. All information about its operation is displayed on the display.
They can only be installed by a specially trained technician. This equipment is expensive and requires careful handling, but it is completely worth it.
Advantages of electronic wireless thermostats for gas boilers
The use of programmable wireless thermostats for gas boilers makes it possible not only to control the operation of heating devices, but also to do this remotely. Electronic regulation allows you to set different operating modes of the boiler depending not only on temperature, but also on a certain time of day.
A programmable electronic thermostat allows you to set the desired heating mode for a certain period of time.
By purchasing a wireless thermostat for a gas boiler with programmable functions, you can count on significant fuel savings. The purchase of a relatively expensive device pays for itself within two heating seasons.
Modern models of thermostats are equipped with the GSM standard, which allows you to transfer information to a mobile phone via SMS messages. Considering the fact that boilers from leading manufacturers support Wi-Fi technology, and their electronic control unit is connected to a thermostat, it is possible to configure the operation of heating equipment via the Internet. Know-how in this area is the development of special applications for smartphones.
A convenient operating system, no need for wires, and automatic control of equipment are important advantages in using a wireless room thermostat for a gas boiler. You can buy devices with additional options, such as joint control of the gas burner unit, adjustment of equipment depending on the outside temperature, system diagnostics and other functions.
New generation thermostats allow you to control the room microclimate through special applications using your phone.
Among the disadvantages of programmable room thermostats, one can highlight, perhaps, the possible incompatibility of the latter with boilers, depending on their manufacturer. This problem arose due to the large number of manufacturers of electronic equipment and gas heating equipment.
On a note! Before buying a thermostat for a gas boiler, you need to inquire about the compatibility of the device with the model of gas equipment from a specialist from the selling company.
An excellent example for autonomous heating are the models of room thermostats for the Baxi gas boiler. The devices allow you to set the temperature depending on the time of day and season, and regulate the temperature in different rooms. In addition, they provide an economical operating mode for gas equipment. The approximate price of the thermostat for the Baxi heating boiler model AURATON 2030 RTH is 6,900 rubles.
Functions of room thermostats for gas boilers
Before you buy a room thermostat for a gas boiler of one type or another, you should familiarize yourself with its functionality. It should be noted that when choosing between analog and digital models, the latter have a lot of advantages and, accordingly, their price is higher.
Installing a room thermostat for a gas boiler will help reduce fuel costs for heating the room.
However, the use of a programmable room thermostat for a heating boiler can significantly reduce the frequency of equipment switching on/off, which has a positive effect on its overall operation.
An extremely important feature of a room thermostat for a boiler is the programming function, which makes it possible to set a comfortable microclimate depending on the time of day, weather conditions and other factors. The available timer allows you to set the necessary parameters, taking into account the days of the week (working, weekends), calendar season and other settings. This is very convenient for those who have a shift work schedule or work part-time.
The main advantages of a programmable room thermostat for a gas boiler:
- remote control of the heating device;
- the “day/night” setting makes it possible to set an individual heating level taking into account a certain time of day;
- ease of control allows you to quickly reconfigure the temperature in the room;
The operating principle of a room thermostat for a gas boiler.
- the programming option makes it possible to configure the operation of the equipment taking into account weather changes;
- Due to minimal switching on/off, wear is minimized and the service life of heating equipment is extended;
- significant savings in energy consumption;
- high accuracy and reliability in operation.
On a note! By purchasing a room thermostat for a programmable boiler, you get the opportunity to control heating equipment at any time of the day, regardless of your presence in the house.
Advantage of using
What benefits does the installation of such equipment provide with an autonomous heating system?
- Uniform heating of the entire area of the house or apartment. It is in such conditions that it is possible to create a healthy microclimate.
- The temperature regulator of gas boilers (or any other) provides round-the-clock automatic monitoring of its operation, thus freeing people from this process for the entire heating season. The efficiency of heating and the number of times the device is turned on/off depends on it.
- Savings when using a room thermostat range from 25% to 35% if the boiler is solid fuel, gas or electric and up to 50% when heating with diesel fuel.
- Uniform switching on/off of the boiler prolongs its service life, which is extremely important considering how much similar equipment costs on the market today.
According to their design, functionality and quality of settings, all thermostats are divided into:
- Mechanical devices in which settings are set and changed manually.
- Electronic devices have a fairly large number of functions and are controlled by a remote control.
- Programmers are the most complex in structure and “advanced” in terms of the number of settings, which can be controlled while away from home via a smartphone, tablet or computer with the Internet.
All models vary in price, which directly depends on their functionality and installation method.
Connection diagram of the thermostat to the heating boiler
After the model is selected, the question arises of how to connect the thermostat to an electric boiler or gas heating unit. The device is connected according to the recommendations specified by the manufacturer in the technical data sheet for the equipment. You just need to find the necessary section in the documentation, which will describe the method of connecting additional devices to the boiler and provide all the required diagrams.
Connection diagram of a room thermostat to a heating boiler.
On some models of thermostats, the diagram is shown on the reverse side of the decorative cover. All modern boiler models have connection points for a thermostat, which will control the operation of the heating equipment. The device is fixed using a terminal on the boiler at the appropriate point or using a thermostat cable (included in the kit).
According to professionals, wireless room thermostats should be installed in living rooms away from existing household electrical equipment (TV, refrigerator, lamps, etc.), since proximity to the heat emitted from them can lead to incorrect operation of the device. Some recommendations for installing a wireless thermostat for a gas boiler:
- To correctly measure the room temperature, it is necessary to ensure free access of air to the thermostat;
- It is not recommended to cover the devices with pieces of furniture or heavy curtains;
- the device should be located in the coolest rooms or in living areas where residents spend the most time;
The thermostat must be installed in an open area away from heating devices.
- Avoid exposing the device to direct sunlight;
- Do not install the device near heating radiators or heaters;
- The devices must not be located in the area of drafts.
On a note! The room thermostat sensors for heating are triggered when the room temperature changes by 0.25 degrees.
Recommendations
As a rule, manufacturers of boiler equipment offer thermostats as additional accessories, in principle, at fairly reasonable prices. In principle, these devices do not do anything supernatural, so when choosing, you should first of all pay attention to the price of the device and the presence of really useful functions in it, such as the ability to program and set temperature hysteresis and accuracy. Electronic models would be preferable, as they have more precise adjustment. It is very important to choose the correct location to install the thermostat. It should be located in a place neutral with respect to heat sources, preferably where it will not be exposed to sunlight.
It is also wrong to place it close to heating radiators - in this case it will heat up quickly and stop the boiler prematurely. The location for installing the thermostat should be selected to best match the comfortable temperature for the occupants. Recommendations for installing the room thermostat can be found in the operating instructions.
Heating control using a thermostat for a gas boiler
You can control the operation of heating equipment using manual settings or using a thermostat for a gas heating boiler. I would like to note that using manual settings you can set the temperature of the coolant in the system. This operation of the equipment does not respond in any way to changes in the air temperature in the room, and if this occurs, you will have to manually reconfigure the boiler again.
You can control the operating modes of a gas heating boiler either manually or through a thermostat.
The operation of the boiler in the case of manual control is associated with frequent switching on and off of the equipment, as well as the functioning of the circulation pump, regardless of what mode the unit is in: operating or standby. This causes heating equipment to wear out quickly and does not contribute to efficient fuel consumption.
If we are talking about control using a thermostat for a gas boiler, then such a device sets the optimal mode for the unit, taking into account the air temperature in the heated room. If, for example, there is a sudden warming and the room receives additional heat from the sun's rays, the thermostat will instantly respond and give a signal to the control device to turn off the boiler.
Considering that using a thermostat (temperature regulator) for a gas boiler you can set the required temperature in the room, heating will only occur if it decreases. Thus, if the device is set to 20°C, and during the day the room has also warmed up due to solar heat or the operation of cooking appliances, the boiler will be in the standby stage for a long time.
The thermostat helps reduce heating costs by 30-40%.
In this case, fuel consumption will be significantly lower. Before you buy a thermostat for a gas heating boiler, you should ask how to properly configure the device.
Connection diagrams
All methods of connecting a thermostat to a heating system are divided into three connection options:
- Directly to the boiler.
- To the circulation pump.
- On the pipe supplying coolant to the radiator.
The first two schemes eliminate the deterioration in the throughput of the heating pipeline. No additional locks are placed in it, and the hydraulic resistance of the entire system does not change. The thermostat here only controls the operation of the pump or boiler; it “does not come into contact” with water.
When installing a thermostat on a battery or a common pipe with several radiators, the hydraulic resistance, on the contrary, increases. Even when fully open, the thermostat valve slightly slows down the flow of coolant.
Ideally, the boiler piping project should be carried out immediately, taking into account all thermostatic and other devices.
Thermostats should only be installed into existing heating pipelines as a last resort; maximum efficiency from their use can only be achieved if they are included in the system at the design stage
If the water heating system in the house is made according to a single-pipe scheme, then it is better to immediately abandon the third option. When the temperature sensor is triggered, the valve will immediately shut off the entire radiator line in several rooms, and then you can immediately forget about comfort in rooms far from the boiler.
The thermostat should be connected to the radiator input via a bypass. So, when triggered, it will redirect the coolant flow bypassing the battery. In this case, the water will return uncooled back to the boiler. The latter will stop heating it, thereby reducing the consumption of gas fuel or electricity.
When installing a thermostat air temperature sensor, you must adhere to certain rules, otherwise, under the influence of neighboring devices or objects, it will trigger falsely.
The temperature sensor must be mounted:
- in a place where there is no direct sunlight;
- away from cold bridges, drafts and rising heat flows from radiators;
- so that it is not covered by decorative screens or curtains;
- at a height from the floor within 1.2–1.5 meters.
If the sensor is installed incorrectly, the thermostat will produce false signals. This can lead to overheating not only of the air in the room, but also of the coolant in the system. And in the second case, it won’t be long before there are problems with the boiler.
Setting up a thermostat (temperature controller) for a heating boiler
After you buy a thermostat for your heating boiler and connect it to your heating equipment, you will need to configure it. Each product comes with instructions that outline how to set it up. Having carefully studied it, you can independently set the necessary mode that meets the individual level of comfort of the microclimate.
On the external panel of the device there are buttons and switches through which settings are carried out. The switches allow you to control heating and air conditioning, delay switching on (does not allow the boiler to start operating during a short-term drop in temperature, for example, a draft) and temperature deviation (if you set the fluctuation value to 1°C, switching on or off will be available when the temperature increases or decreases by 0.5 degrees).
To correctly configure the operation of the thermostat for a heating boiler, it is better to contact specialists.
Using the buttons, two modes are set: optimal and economical. Thus, during the day the temperature will be provided at an optimal value, at night the temperature will drop to a level sufficient for a pleasant sleep. This mode will allow you to significantly save on energy resources. Various models of thermostats have several set modes, one of which can be selected for use.
On a note! In rooms where children and the elderly are most often present, it is recommended not to lower the temperature below 22°C.
Thermostats for electric heating boilers: how to choose a device
In places where gas supply is not available, electric boilers are used for space heating. Among the advantages of such equipment are the absence of the need for a chimney, ease of installation, environmental friendliness, silent operation, high performance and being equipped with a control unit for automatic operation.
It is enough to install and configure the thermostat for the heating boiler and it will maintain the temperature automatically.
The disadvantages of electric heating include one, but quite significant drawback - significant electricity consumption. This results in high costs for electric heating systems. Installing a thermostat for an electric heating boiler will reduce energy costs by 20 to 30% and set an individual heating mode for each room.
As with other types of heating equipment, it is possible to use an electronic or mechanical room thermostat for electric boilers. The type of device is selected depending on what options are needed in your particular case. Mechanical models are simple and inexpensive, but can be inaccurate. Electronic programmers are accurate, multifunctional and allow the equipment to operate in an economical mode without owner intervention.
Design of a wall thermostat for an electric heating boiler.
Before buying a thermostat for an electric boiler, you need to decide on the temperature regime used and take into account the area of the heated room. It is recommended that the purchased thermostat and electric boiler be manufactured by the same manufacturer. Models produced by Baxi, Ariston, Salus Controls ltd, BOSH and others are popular.
On a note! A voltage stabilizer will help ensure uninterrupted operation of the electric boiler and electronic thermostat during possible voltage drops in the network.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
How to connect a thermostat to a gas boiler:
Room thermostats for regulating the heating system:
Installing the device yourself should not cause any difficulties. But do not forget, when connecting the thermostat to a gas boiler, to study the instructions that come with the device and the technical documentation for the heating equipment.
Tell us about your own experience in choosing and connecting a thermostat to a gas boiler. Share useful information that may be useful to site visitors. Please leave comments in the block form below, ask questions, post photos on the topic of the article.
Saving electricity and gas, a stable comfortable temperature, a minimum of time spent on adjusting heating equipment - all these are not whims, but well-founded requirements for a properly organized heating process.
Therefore, connecting a room thermostat to a gas boiler, to ensure all of the above conditions, becomes an obvious necessity. We will talk about the principle of operation of the thermostat and the types of the device. Let's look at the differences in functionality of different models.
The article describes in detail the principles of connecting a temperature controller. Rules for installing different versions of the device are given. By following our recommendations, you can complete the installation yourself, without the help of heating engineers.
Where to buy thermostats for heating boilers
You can buy thermostats for gas boilers, electric and solid fuel heating equipment at specialized points selling heating equipment, as well as on websites and online stores selling elements of heating systems. The catalogs present a huge selection of modern thermostats of various types from leading manufacturers. All devices are accompanied by a manufacturer's warranty.
The modern market offers a huge selection of thermostats, both simple and the latest models.
The product range includes wired and wireless models, mechanical and electronic thermostats for solid fuel boilers, gas, electric and diesel installations, as well as convectors, infrared heaters and underfloor heating systems. All products from the catalog have quality certificates.
You can place an order and buy a thermostat for heating using a convenient search system on the Internet resource. Here you can not only preview the functions and appearance of the devices, but also consult with experts about the compatibility of the devices with a specific type of heating equipment. Experienced managers are ready to share any necessary information regarding thermostats and their functionality.
By purchasing a thermostat through an online store, you will receive a high-quality device and qualified advice from specialists.
Another advantage of online purchasing is that it is possible to get acquainted with the cost of devices in different companies and make a comparative review of prices. Having chosen a thermostat, you can get competent advice on its installation, connection and configuration. Some companies offer device installation and setup services. All questions you are interested in can be clarified by phone numbers located in the contact section.
Programmers
These “smart” devices have a wide range of functions, which may include not only the temperature mode, but also its hourly change or programming by day of the week for a long period at once. As a rule, they have a liquid crystal display with a user-friendly interface and built-in Wi-Fi.
A programmable boiler thermostat has the following advantages:
- Day/night functions, which not only maintains an optimal microclimate at different times of the day, but also significantly saves energy resources while people sleep.
- Possibility to program the mode for a week in advance, taking into account weekdays and weekends.
- Remote control via built-in Wi-Fi allows you to change settings at your discretion at any distance, as long as there is Internet access in that location. You can use a smartphone or tablet as a control panel.
- On the market there is, for example, a programmable thermostat for a gas boiler, into which one or two SIM cards are installed, allowing you to enter the necessary parameters via a smartphone.
The disadvantage of programmers is their high cost, which is fully offset by the comfort they provide to their owners.
Prices for thermostats of different models
The cost of thermostats for heating boilers depends on the type of device, the number of supported functions and the manufacturer. The most advanced models of programmable thermostats with a large selection of settings will cost much more than models of simple mechanical devices, however, their level of accuracy is much higher.
When choosing one or another type of device, it is worth considering the level of energy saving that it can provide to the heating device and the degree of ease of control of the equipment to achieve a comfortable indoor climate. The approximate price of a mechanical thermostat for a Baxi heating boiler with a temperature setting range from 5 to 30°C and frost protection is 1,180 rubles.
It is recommended to choose a thermostat and boiler from the same manufacturer, this will ensure uninterrupted operation of the entire system.
You can buy a room thermostat for a mechanical gas boiler, model SAS816WHB-0, with a 5-minute response delay option for RUB 1,490. A special feature of this device is the ability to control not only the operation of gas heating equipment, but also the operation of the air conditioner. A room mechanical thermostat Cewal RQ10 will cost you 790 rubles.
The estimated cost of an electronic wireless thermostat for the Salus Controls 091 FLRF boiler is RUB 5,200. The functions of the device include two heating modes (economical and comfortable), setting weekly programs, three levels of temperature control, 9 heating system control programs. You can buy a thermostat for the solid fuel boiler AURATON S14, which is a multifunctional device, at a price of 6,700 rubles.
By purchasing a thermostat for a heating boiler, you can not only set a comfortable temperature for each room during the cold season, but also extend the life of your heating equipment.
