Control of a gas boiler according to the air temperature in the room. We study the room thermostat for the Baxi gas boiler. Types of thermostats for boilers

By installing an automatic thermostat, the user hopes to save energy spent on heating an apartment or a private house. True, the purchase and installation of the device sometimes gives the opposite result - the consumption of gas or electricity increases. Therefore, we propose to clarify a number of points: how a room thermostat works for a gas boiler, types of temperature controllers, connection methods and correct settings.

Briefly about the principle of work

For a better understanding of the principle of operation of room thermostats, we first explain the algorithm of operation of a boiler in the basic configuration:

The user ignites the heater, using the buttons or control knobs, sets the desired temperature of the coolant.
Each device is equipped with a submersible or overhead sensor that informs the control unit about the degree of water heating. When the coolant temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, the gas valve is activated and shuts off the fuel supply to the main burner. The circulation pump continues to “drive” water through the system.
After the coolant cools down to the lower temperature limit, the gas supply resumes, the burner ignites again and heats the water.

Reference. In turbocharged wood-burning boilers, the automation turns off the blower fan. The air supply and the combustion process in the furnace is suspended, the unit goes into standby mode.

Scheme of operation of a heating boiler with a remote thermostat - automation stops and starts the burner depending on the air temperature, not the coolant

Without an external temperature sensor, the heater "does not see" the air temperature in the rooms and stupidly heats the water to the specified limit. Result: in the transitional autumn-spring period, the so-called clocking is observed - frequent start / stop of the burner (1 time in 2-3 minutes), reducing the life of the unit as a whole.

Now about the main thing. The remote thermostat extends the intervals between turning on / off the gas boiler, since it focuses on the temperature of the air, which cools more slowly. The device is included in the break in the power supply circuit of the gas valve (on TT boilers - turbines) and the built-in pump.

Installing an automatic thermostat allows you to kill three birds with one stone:

reduce energy consumption;
make boiler management more convenient;
prolong the life of the heat source.

Important note. The above points apply not only to. Any heat generator equipped with an electronic or electric control unit is switched with a thermostat: solid fuel, diesel, electric boiler and so on.

The wood-burning boiler control unit has a connector for connecting a thermostat

When the room warms up to the specified temperature, the thermostat opens the circuit, the burner and the built-in pump of the heat generator stop. The unit is started after the air has cooled by 1-2 degrees, which increases the duration of the interval between shutdown and ignition up to 15-20 minutes.

We note 2 significant nuances:

When using the room regulator, the regular start / stop function based on the temperature of the water in the boiler jacket continues to operate. When the heat carrier in the boiler heats up to the set limit, the gas burner will turn off.
If the burner is extinguished by the command of the internal temperature sensor, the regular circulation pump continues to work. When the remote thermostat is triggered, both devices stop - the burner and the pump unit.

That is why it is important to correctly set up the boiler-external thermostat connection.

Types of room regulators

To automatically adjust the combustion of the boiler according to the temperature of the room air, 2 types of thermostats are used:

Mechanical. The breaking and closing of the electrical circuit is carried out by a bimetallic plate, which bends from heating. To change the desired temperature, the user rotates a knob that increases or decreases the gap between the plate and the second contact.
Electronic (digital). Here, the role of a heat-sensitive element is played by a thermistor that changes resistance depending on temperature. The circuit, which includes the specified part, closes the relay contacts, focusing on the change in resistance and user settings.

Reference. The mechanical and electronic temperature sensor is used not only for the boiler. Temperature controllers are successfully used in other parts of the heating system, for example, to turn off a separate radiator branch or for zone control.

The device of the simplest mechanical temperature controller

The mechanical device is connected to the heat generator via a cable. Most electronic models provide wireless connection. According to reviews, radio-controlled thermostats are gaining wide popularity due to ease of installation and operation. How the wireless boiler thermostat works:

The device consists of two blocks equipped with radio modules.
The first block, including the executive relay, is placed directly next to the heater and connected to the desired connector. Power supply - from the house mains 220 volts.
The second block with a display and control buttons is powered by batteries and is installed in a convenient place in the home.
The thermal sensor located inside the remote control reacts to the temperature of the air. At the right time, the radio module sends signals to the first block to turn on/stop the boiler. He opens the relay contacts, heating and circulation of the coolant stops or resumes.

Wireless thermostats consist of 2 units that exchange radio signals

Typically, electronic models are equipped with programmers that allow you to set the boiler's work schedule for a week. The room temperature can be changed several times during the day. Individual copies are programmed for 90 days and controlled via mobile communication, for example, via SMS or a smartphone web application.

Which thermostat is better to choose

To make the right choice of a room regulator, we suggest considering the pros and cons of two types of household appliances. Disadvantages of mechanical models:

low accuracy of the maintained temperature;
wired connection - the cable will have to be pulled from the boiler room to the desired room;
lack of various convenient functions available in programmers.

Note. Judging by the reviews of real owners on the forums, the accuracy of maintaining the temperature is not a critical problem and does not bother users too much. Another thing is the wires that need to be hidden under the skirting boards, in the furrows of the walls, and so on.

Bimetallic thermostats also have three clear advantages:

low price and availability;
reliability in operation - in the simplest models there is nothing to break;
ease of controlling the boiler with a single handle, which is important for elderly homeowners.

The negative aspects of electronic regulators are a higher price, a not always clear interface and the need to replace batteries in a timely manner. Cheap Chinese models have an additional problem - communication failure with the relay unit when installing the control panel behind 1-2 partitions.

An absolute plus of digital temperature controllers is comfortable operation. It is enough to set the weekly and daily work program of the heat generator once, no more actions are required.

In wireless programmers, you need to change the batteries on time

We list a typical set of functions using the Baxi Magic Plus thermostat as an example:

temperature control range – 5…35 °С;
anti-freeze protection of the heating system, by default starts the boiler when the dwelling cools down to +3 degrees;
LCD display with backlight, control - push-button;
shift of temperature sensor readings ±5 °C (for an explanation, see the next section of the publication);
2 operating modes - economical and comfortable;
hourly / daily / weekly programmer.

Reference. Manufacturers often refer to such devices as digital chronothermostats. The weak point of the devices is low maintainability in the event of a breakdown, especially Chinese products, for which it is not easy to find spare parts.

Knowing the features of electronic and mechanical regulators, it is easy to choose the right model. Focusing on your budget, first of all consider reliable products from European, Japanese and Korean manufacturers. Among the "Chinese" there are also decent brands, but on average, the quality of products leaves much to be desired.

Installation and connection of the device

Installation of a household regulator consists of two stages - fastening in a convenient place and connecting to a gas (solid fuel) boiler. In order for the thermostat to fix the temperature without deviations, position the control element according to the recommendations:

Advice. For a private house with underfloor heating, it is worth buying a thermostat model equipped with an additional temperature sensor. The latter is placed above the floor surface and measures the temperature in the lower zone of the room.

After mounting the appliance on the wall, according to the manufacturer's instructions, lay the wire to the heat source in a hidden or open way (if there is a wired connection). How to connect the regulator to the boiler:

Connect one end of the control cable to the terminals marked COM (common) and NO (normally open) of the thermostat. On the wireless version, these terminals are located in the relay box.
In the instruction manual for the heat generator, find the connection diagram for the remote thermostat, the markings and the location of the contacts.
Remove or fold down the front panel of the gas heater, blocking access to the control board and connectors.
Remove the jumper inserted between the terminals indicated in the passport. Do not throw away the part, you may need it later.
Connect to the released terminals the wires coming from the regulator contacts. Polarity is not required.
When installing a wireless thermostat, connect a three-wire 220 V power cable with a ground wire to the relay box.

Advice. If the contacts of your device have numbers or strange letters instead of the indicated marking, find the 2 required terminals using a tester (the circuit between them must be open). There are three contacts in total, a pair of COM and NC is initially closed, as shown in the diagram above.

The details of installing a wireless type thermostat are shown in the video:

Non-volatile floor standing boilers equipped with 630 SIT, 710 MiniSIT, SABC, Orion and the like are not compatible with remote controllers. The reason is the completely mechanical design of the gas valve and the absence of electrical circuits where a relay-breaker can be turned on.

Scheme of connecting the regulator to the SIT 820 NOVA valve

The exception is gas heat generators equipped with Kare automatics and the latest generation of Italian valves EuroSIT - 820 NOVA. These blocks are provided with solenoid valves and special contacts for connecting two types of outdoor thermostats - mechanical and digital.

In the "Kare" automation, a solenoid valve is involved, where the thermostat is connected

Setting procedure

To set up the system and select a comfortable temperature, do the following:

Set the remote controller to the maximum temperature.
Start the boiler and bring it to the optimal operating mode, in which the unit reaches the highest efficiency.
When all rooms are comfortably warm, take an electronic thermometer and measure the temperature near your regulator.
Select the measured value on the thermostat as the heater cut-off threshold. Enter the required settings in the programmer.

An important clarification. The gas boiler operates with maximum efficiency at a temperature of 80/60 ° C (supply / return).

Let us explain the purpose of these manipulations. Due to different areas and heat losses, the temperature in the rooms may differ by 1-3 degrees, so it is better to navigate by the degree of air heating near the sensor itself.

If at the point where the controller is installed, the temperature differs greatly from the rest of the rooms, when adjusting, it is necessary to make a correction for this difference. In some models, for example, Baxi Magic Plus, a function of such an adjustment (called a temperature shift) is provided. Then it remains only to enter into the memory of the device the desired value, which is from 1 to 5 degrees.

When does the thermostat not save gas?

There are many reviews of such a plan on the Internet: “I was seduced by the assurances of sellers about saving 30%, I bought and installed a temperature controller, now the boiler consumes more gas. Why is it needed at all?" Let's see how this device saves energy (not only gas, but also solid fuel, diesel fuel and electricity):

The interval between starts of the heat generator is increased. The reason is that the cooling and heating of the air is slower than the water in the batteries.
Together with the burner, the circulation pump is turned off, consuming up to 100 W of electricity. B stops the fan (turbocharger or smoke exhauster).
The premises are fully heated at the right time when residents are at home. During the remaining hours, a reasonably acceptable temperature is maintained. Heating is also recommended to be reduced at night - for a comfortable sleep, it is enough to heat the rooms at a level of 18-19 ° C.

Explanation. A reasonably acceptable temperature is understood as the temperature at which the boiler quickly warms up the rooms to a comfortable level without any special energy costs. It is determined empirically and lies within 15-18 degrees.

Now consider situations where, instead of saving, there is an increased consumption or deterioration in heating:

The boiler is set to the minimum temperature of the heat carrier (40-45 °C), because the underfloor heating circuits are connected directly. The heater operates with low efficiency, gas consumption does not decrease.
When the dwelling is heated exclusively with warm floors, and the thermostat does not measure in the lower zone of the room. The screed and the air warms up slowly, at the moment the sensor is triggered, the floors become too hot. On cooling, the opposite is observed.
The heat loss of the building is too high. No thermostats will help here, insulation is required.
The connection between the temperature sensor and the boiler is incorrectly set, the hysteresis is incorrectly selected (temperature difference between the start and stop of the heat generator).

Each thermostat provides for a temperature difference between turning off and turning on the boiler. The value can be changed within 0.5-2 degrees. If the maximum hysteresis is selected, and the house is heated with underfloor heating, the air temperature difference will increase greatly, staying in the room will become uncomfortable, and the heat generator will use more fuel for heating.

The master installer will tell you about the intricacies of setting the thermostat in the video:

Conclusion

According to sellers, thermostats for gas boilers reduce the consumption of blue fuel by 25-50%. The figures are somewhat inflated in order to sell heating equipment to the user. In practice, the savings fall within the range of 10-25%, depending on many conditions. But at current tariffs and energy prices, 10 percent will give a tangible effect, so thermostats are definitely recommended for use.

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 a heating boiler, the owner of the cottage increases the efficiency of boiler equipment by 20–30% and greatly simplifies its maintenance.

We will talk about the types of thermostats used in practice, about the rules for their location and connection features. The article we have proposed describes in detail the options and schemes for connecting devices. Taking into account our advice, you will be able to correctly select the device and, if desired, install it.

A conventional heating system with water as a heat carrier consists of heating equipment or a connection to a centralized network, internal wiring pipes and radiators.

In order to regulate the volumes of heat coming from it into the rooms, you either have to constantly monitor the boiler, or regularly close / open the valves on the batteries.

At the same time, the inertia of such a system does not allow maintaining the desired temperature throughout the day at the set level. If more firewood is added to the stove or gas is supplied to the boiler, then the coolant in the pipes will heat up more, while it will also give off more heat through the radiators.

At low temperatures outside the window, this is good. But with a sharp warming on the street in the house, the heat becomes unbearable. The fuel is already in the furnace, and the water has already warmed up, there is no way to get rid of the heat. Plus the boiler is still working.

Without a thermostat in the system, you have to turn it off manually. You can, of course, open the windows for ventilation and release the heat, but then the fuel bills for sure will ruin. The conclusion suggests itself: a thermostat for heating simplifies living, makes it as comfortable as possible.

The thermostat for the heating system consists of:

temperature-sensitive sensor (element);
tuning block;
control module;
electromagnetic relay or mechanical valve.

In the simplest models, the control unit is absent. Everything happens due to pure mechanics and changes in the physical properties of the temperature-sensitive element.

These thermostats do not need power. In terms of efficiency and accuracy of system adjustment, they are inferior to electronic devices, but are non-volatile. In case of problems with the voltage in the network, they definitely will not stop working.

The principle of operation of the thermostat is as follows:

The desired temperature is set using the control unit.
When the required parameters are reached, the sensor is triggered, which leads to the shutdown of the boiler or the closing of the shut-off valve in the heating pipes.
After the air temperature in the room drops, the boiler equipment or heaters are turned on again.

The electronic control module allows you to set not one temperature indicator, but several at once for each time of day separately. Plus, in the presence of such a unit, it is possible to install an additional temperature sensor on the street and link the functioning of the thermostat to data from it.

Depending on the type of device, the thermostat is connected directly to the boiler to regulate its operation or at the inlet to the radiator to control the volume of coolant supply

The simplest thermostat is a shut-off valve with a temperature sensor, standing on a pipe near the battery. When the desired temperature is reached, it closes and reduces the flow of the coolant. And when the room air cools, it opens again, as a result of which the volumes of incoming heat increase.

More complex and advanced models require wireless sensors and control units. All communication between individual elements occurs through a radio channel. Wires in this case are not laid, which has a positive effect on the aesthetic side of the placement of such thermostats in the room.

Types of thermostats for boilers

The main difference between thermostats is the different types of temperature-sensitive sensors. Some are installed on the heating pipe, others inside it, and others are mounted on the wall. Some are designed to measure the air temperature, and the second - the coolant.

The choice of thermostat model depends on:

boiler type;
wiring diagrams of the heating system;
availability of free space;
the required functionality.

Many modern boilers are pre-designed to connect thermostats to them. Moreover, the manufacturer of boiler equipment immediately prescribes all the nuances of this installation in the data sheet.

If an electronic model of the thermostat is selected, then it is best to give preference to the most efficient one - the one recommended by the boiler developer

Ideally, the thermostat should regulate the operation of the heating device itself, that is, the supply of fuel to it. This is the most efficient connection scheme in terms of fuel economy. In this case, the energy carrier will be burned exactly as much as the required heat.

But such a thermostat can only be installed on or. If, then a thermostat with a mechanical valve, which is already mounted on the pipe, will help to adjust the room temperature.

Regulators mounted on batteries are designed to shut off the water supply when the temperature in the room or at the coolant is too high. In this case, the boiler stops working a little later, when its own temperature sensor is triggered inside, which prevents the equipment from overheating.

Group #1: Mechanical

The operation of a mechanical temperature sensor is based on the change in the characteristics of the material when its temperature changes. This is an easy-to-execute, budgetary, quite efficient and completely independent of the power supply option. It is designed to be installed on pipes for flow regulation.

As a substance that reacts to temperature changes in mechanical thermostats, the following are used:

liquid.

When the liquid is heated, the gases expand, which leads to their pressure on the check valve stem. When the temperature drops, they shrink, the lock springs back, and the heated water again flows through the pipes into the radiators.

It is characterized by low sensitivity and large adjustment error. They only work when the temperature rises by 2 or more degrees. Plus, over time, the bellows filler loses its characteristics, the numbers on the knob for setting the required temperature parameters and the actual degrees begin to diverge.

These thermostats are quite large. The vast majority of them are designed to measure the temperature of the water in the batteries, and not the air in the room. It is often difficult to accurately adjust them the way the owner of the house wants.

Group #2: Electromechanical

These thermostats operate on principles similar to purely mechanical counterparts. Only a metal plate is used here as a temperature-sensitive element.

When heated, it bends and closes the contact, and when cooled, it returns to its original position and opens the circuit. And already through this circuit, a signal is sent to the burner control unit.

The electromechanical thermostat requires power supply, it controls the valves or burners in the boiler that regulate the flow of coolant by means of electrical signals

Another version of the electromechanical thermostat is a device with a sensor in the form of two plates made of different metals. In this case, the temperature-sensitive element is installed directly into the furnace of a solid fuel boiler.

At high temperatures, a potential difference arises between the plates, which affects the electromagnetic relay. Contacts in the latter either open or close. As a result, the air supply to the combustion chamber is turned on/off.

Group #3: electronic

This type of thermostats for hot water boilers belongs to the volatile category. Such devices have a remote temperature sensor that monitors the temperature in the room, and a full-fledged control unit with a display.

For electric boilers, such thermostats are a mandatory addition. Without them, electric heaters will work non-stop, heating the air or coolant too much.

Boilers and boilers powered by electricity are in the vast majority of cases equipped with thermostats at the factory

There are two main elements in the electronic thermostat:

Temperature sensor.
microcontroller.

The first measures the temperature, and the second controls it and gives signals to increase / decrease the supply of thermal energy to the room. The sensor can send an analog or digital signal to the controller. In the first case, the thermostat is similar in capabilities to the mechanical counterpart, only greatly exceeding it in the accuracy of measuring temperature indicators.

Digital temperature controllers are the pinnacle of the development of these devices. They allow you to adjust the heat supply according to a predetermined algorithm. Plus, you can connect to them many more sensors located both in rooms and on the street.

Many electronic thermostats have the ability to be remote controlled via infrared or cellular. This allows you to control the room temperature not only with the remote control in the room, but also from any point outside it.

For example, even leaving work, you can send a signal to heat the room air to comfortable parameters, and by the time you arrive, the house will delight you with comfort and warmth.

Electronic devices designed to automatically adjust the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the coolant are a mandatory component. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with their device.

Principal connection diagrams

All ways to turn on the thermostat in the heating system are divided into three connection options:

directly to the boiler.
to the circulation pump.
On the pipe supplying the coolant to the radiator.

The first two schemes exclude the deterioration of the throughput of the heating pipeline. No additional constipation is placed in it, the hydraulic resistance of the entire system does not change. The thermostat here controls the operation of only the pump or boiler, it “does not come into contact with water”.

When a thermostat is installed on a battery or a common pipe with several radiators, the hydraulic resistance, on the contrary, increases. Even in the fully open state, the thermostat valve slows down the movement of the coolant slightly.

Ideally, the boiler piping project must be carried out immediately, taking into account all thermostatic and other devices.

Embedding thermostats in existing heating pipelines should only be a last resort, maximum efficiency from their use can be achieved only when they are included in the system at the design stage

If the water heating system in the house is made according to, then it is better to immediately refuse the third option. When the temperature sensor is triggered, the valve will immediately close the entire branch of radiators in several rooms, and then you can immediately forget about comfort in rooms far from the boiler.

Connect the thermostat to the radiator inlet through. So when triggered, it will redirect the coolant flow around 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.

The temperature sensor must be installed:

in a place where direct sunlight does not fall;
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 give false signals. This can lead to overheating of not only the air in the room, but also the coolant in the system. And in the second case, not for long and before problems with the boiler.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

There should not be any particular difficulties with the installation of the thermostat. It only needs to be chosen correctly for a particular heating system. And the selected videos will definitely help you with this.

Video #1 Connecting a room thermostat to a gas boiler in all nuances:

In this case, you can choose both a simple mechanical version with manual control, and a more advanced device with a programmer.

Would you like to tell how a boiler with a thermostat works in your country house? Do you have information that will be useful to site visitors? Please write comments, ask questions, publish photos on the topic of the article in the block below.

A device such as a room thermostat for a gas boiler is an important element in the heating system. Its main task is to compare the user-specified data incoming from the temperature sensor. This allows you to timely turn on and off the heating, which minimizes energy consumption, while obtaining the optimal temperature in the house.

A thermostat is required to minimize energy consumption

general description

The room thermostat for a gas boiler consists of 2 metal strips used as an electrical switch contact in the heating system circuit.

The rated contact drops when the temperature rises sharply, which switches off the heating function. When the microclimate changes, the necessary valves automatically turn on and the boiler starts up again.

The body of this device is usually made of white plastic. LEDs are used to illuminate the display. The range for determining the temperature in the house for many devices is in the range of 0 ... + 45 ° C.

In addition to saving money, there are many more advantages.

Typically, thermostats for a gas heating boiler are purchased to save money. Lowering the room temperature by even a few degrees reduces gas consumption by 5%. Due to the fact that the device reduces the number of cycles of turning on heating equipment, the costs of the owners for utilities are also reduced. At the same time, the equipment additionally ensures the safety of all boiler elements that do not wear out so much.

Advantages of using a thermostat:

setting a comfortable microclimate - you can select up to 7 modes;
savings when paying for gas (about 20%);
increase in the operating time of all elements of the heating system, including the circulation pump;
does not allow severe dry air and overheating in the house;
reduction in the number of inclusions of boiler equipment.

Individually set temperature settings for the thermostat are especially relevant for families with children, when it is necessary to maintain a comfortable microclimate all the time, as well as for those people who are particularly sensitive to temperature changes.

In this video you will learn how the wireless thermostat works:

Varieties and principle of operation

There are a large number of varieties of room thermostats for the boiler from expensive wireless devices to mechanical devices. Thanks to even simple electronic equipment, the cost of acquiring it quickly pays off. But the benefits of using it are very significant, and this has long been noticed by many owners of gas boilers.

Thermostats can work with:

connection to the electronic board of the boiler;
built-in rechargeable battery;
electrical network.

Equipment can be remote, built-in, digital, analog, wireless and wired.

The cost will depend on the specific model, which varies in the range of 200-15000 r. The most expensive are wireless devices that control the operation of the boiler using a radio signal. The cheapest are mechanical models that are connected using a special cable.

The thermostat can be operated, for example, from a battery

The most advanced are wireless devices with a digital screen that displays the current room temperature and other parameters. Modern thermostats for a gas heating boiler have the ability to select up to 7 temperature setting modes.

Electromechanical, electrical, mechanical

Mechanical equipment is the most affordable device. They are connected to the boiler with a two-wire cable and fixed to the wall at a distance of 50 cm from window or door openings, as well as away from direct sunlight.

Main characteristics:

measurement error - 1°;
the measurement range varies in the region of 3−45°;
approximate power 4 kW;
gas-filled siphon.

The thermostat is connected to the boiler with two copper cables, and the necessary commands are transmitted through them. The required temperature parameters are set by turning the knob.

Electromechanical models are the most modern devices, which at the same time can provide temperature control with an error of no more than 1%. Inside this equipment there is a thermal relay, signal and temperature sensors. The cost of electronic devices is higher compared to mechanical ones.

Main characteristics:

convenient digital screen;
the measurement range is within 7−30°;
determination of temperature with an accuracy of 0.2 °;
humidity control;
multicore cable;
installed LED for illumination.

These devices have a very small error.

Electrical devices can be programmed for a day or a week, set up to 7 time intervals with a specific temperature, there is also a "vacation" mode and a sleep mode. The operation of the boiler is controlled using the LCD screen. Inside electrical appliances there is a relay, it is responsible for turning the boiler equipment on and off. This equipment is slightly more expensive than mechanical devices, but cheaper than electromechanical ones.

There are devices equipped with a capillary tube, as well as with a group of contacts and a bimetallic plate. In the latter version, the boiler is switched on due to the fact that the plate, warming up to a predetermined temperature, bends and opens the contacts. In the first version, the signal is transmitted due to the expansion of water in the tube during heating.

Main characteristics:

stainless steel siphon;
the measurement range varies within 7−45°;
automatic shutdown of heating;
convenient screen for temperature programming.

The accuracy of regulation in these devices is not very high.

Remote controlled and wired

There is a special wire in the device for transmitting the command. These are affordable devices, which today are rarely found in stores.

These thermostats can be manually programmed to the desired temperature. There are also expensive wired devices that regulate the coolant in the heating circuit due to the temperature characteristics in the room.

In devices with remote control there is a remote control that broadcasts a signal with a distance of up to 50 m.

The hardware memory is non-volatile. In the event of a power outage, all data is saved. In some cases, one remote control can run several devices at the same time. Connecting a GSM module or control system via Wi-Fi can only be done for wireless thermostats.

Programmable and regular

Conventional devices have an on/off switch and a rotating manual temperature dial. This is the simplest equipment, very cheap. As a rule, it is purchased for summer cottages or other housing, in which strict control over the heating system is rarely necessary.

Programmable devices make it possible to set the required temperature indicators. They have a programming function (approximately up to 7 temperature switching functions per day). You can set one daily program for weekdays and another for weekends or individually for all days of the week. Optimal programming of the sensor lowers the room temperature when there are no occupants in the house, and also, for example, at night.

Savings with programmable hardware are much higher than with a simple thermostat (up to 45%). Expensive devices may have an EBus communication bus and other features. EBus makes it possible to exchange information between the sensor and the heating boiler and, thus, change the power according to the signal from the thermostat, taking into account the programmed temperature in the house.

Devices with a hydrostat are not ordinary devices, but equipment with the ability to control the level of humidity in the house. You can monitor the humidity and select the decrease or increase function.

Indoor and outdoor

There are weather-dependent thermostats that control the temperature in the room, taking into account the weather conditions outside. If it is cold outside, the boiler will independently increase fuel consumption, and during warming, heating will decrease.

You can control this device using your phone or other gadget. The price of weather-dependent devices starts from 7 thousand rubles. Thermoregulators are more economical and are quite in demand today.

Outdoor equipment is protected from frost. The thermostats may contain modes such as "vacation" or "meeting", that is, it is possible to meet the owner after the absence of the required temperature or reduce energy consumption to a minimum during the absence of the tenants at home.

Room equipment is installed indoors and works due to air circulation, and not heating the coolant in the boiler. The device is equipped with a digital screen, it can be programmed. One device is installed for the whole house and it functions with the help of a bimetallic spring.

This equipment can only be installed at a distance of 1.2 m from the floor level and away from a constant source of draft. The device will turn off the boiler if the room temperature reaches the set threshold and turn it on if the temperature drops by several degrees.

Features of choice

To choose this device correctly, you need to decide how often the thermostat will be used. If regular use is expected, then it is better not to find wireless devices with different temperature functions.

When choosing this model, you need to pay attention to the presence of a control mode using a smartphone connected to the smart home system.

Frequent operation of the thermostat is possible if a double-circuit boiler is installed and you heat the bathing water daily.

Important: frequent switching on and off can provoke not only unnecessary costs, but also equipment wear. After acquiring a thermostat, manually adjusting the boiler will become a thing of the past.

If the boiler turns on and off rarely, then the simplest devices with a small number of functions and modes are quite enough. All the time, attention should be paid to what savings will come out in the future due to the installation of a thermostat, as well as to the time of its operation. Ease of use is also important. For example, using the remote control, you can set all the necessary parameters without getting up from your chair.

Optimal solution

The thermostat is a pretty handy thing in any household. Using this device, you can reduce the cost of paying for electricity or gas, as well as increase the operating time of an expensive boiler. An increase in temperature above the threshold of +22°C increases fuel consumption by almost 15%. The thermostat will make it possible to reduce costs by 30% in winter, and at the same time will be able to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room.

Weather-compensated devices are the most expensive, but if you live in a cold area, this is the best way to intelligently heat rooms without overpaying. By the way, the savings from using these devices are higher than from conventional ones. According to users, thermostats quickly pay for themselves thanks to savings on utility bills.
The most popular thermostats:

"Monolith";
"Overtrop";
salus. Protherm;
Vaillant;
Bosch.

When choosing a model, you need to pay attention to ease of operation, installation method, functionality and other important technical characteristics.

Installing room thermostats will enable you to organize a comfortable microclimate and ease of operation of boiler equipment, while reducing gas consumption. But we must not forget that significant savings can be obtained only after the prevention of heat loss in the house. Otherwise, the gas flow will only increase, since the thermostat will not stop the boiler until the required room temperature is reached.

A room thermostat for a gas boiler is used to control and maintain the temperature, and also allows you to save fuel. The installation of this device allows you to increase the efficiency of the heating boiler by 20-30% and simplify the process of its maintenance. There are various types of thermostats, differing in installation method and characteristics.

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Purpose and principle of operation

The heating system includes a central network connection unit or heating equipment, radiators and pipes for wiring. To maintain the optimal level of heat, you need to monitor the operation of the boiler, open or close the taps on the batteries.

The system is inert, which makes it impossible to maintain a stable temperature throughout the day. With a larger gas supply to the boiler, the heating of the coolant will increase, and heat transfer will also increase.

This alignment is convenient in the cold season, but when warming the room becomes too hot. After loading fuel and heating water, it will no longer be possible to reduce excess heating, you will have to manually turn off the boiler, open windows to cool the room. At the same time, fuel costs will also increase significantly.

Room Thermostat Nuances Settings

A room thermostat for a gas boiler allows you to solve the problem and simplify the work of heating the room, creating a comfortable climate in the house. The device regulates the heat supply and maintains the set temperature. It consists of the following elements:

tuning block;
mechanical type valve or electromagnetic relay;
temperature sensitive element;
control module.

The operation of simple devices is controlled by mechanical elements and physical changes in the characteristics of the temperature-sensitive sensor. There is no control unit in such devices. They also do not require a power supply. The setting accuracy and efficiency of mechanical thermostats is lower than for models that need to be programmed. But autonomy from the energy source allows them to function even during power outages.

The room thermostat for the boiler has the following principle of operation:

The required temperature is set by the control unit.
When the set parameters are reached, the sensor is triggered, the boiler is switched off or the valve in the heating pipes is closed.
When the air temperature drops, the heaters or boiler room equipment turn on again.

Using the electronic module, it is possible to set several temperature values for different times of the day. This block also allows you to install a remote sensor outside the room, the thermostat will work, focusing on its data.

Types of thermostats

The simplest type of thermostat is a shut-off type valve with a sensor installed near the battery on a pipe. The valve partially blocks the flow of coolant when the set temperature is reached. Its re-opening occurs when the air cools, and the heat begins to flow in full.

Wireless control units and sensors are present in more advanced and complex models. The interaction of individual elements occurs due to the transmission of a radio signal. When installing the device, there are no wires, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the structure and the room as a whole.

Different types of temperature sensitive sensors are the main difference between temperature controllers. Some elements are mounted inside the pipe, others - on its surface. There are also wall-mounted models. Some devices measure the heating of the coolant, while others measure the air temperature. The choice of device is determined by a number of characteristics:

boiler type;
necessary set of functions;
the wiring diagram present in the heating system;
the size of the free space in the room.

Sensor for a gas boiler from Aliexpress. Installing a YKC B703 sensor.

Among modern models, there are often boilers that already provide for the possibility of connecting a thermostat. In this case, the equipment manufacturer indicates the installation features of the elements in the data sheet.

The connection scheme, which involves the regulation of the functioning of the heating element (fuel supply) by the thermostat, is the most effective for saving fuel reserves. This arrangement of the apparatus is suitable for electric and gas boilers. For solid fuel appliances, it will be necessary to mount a mechanical thermostat directly on the pipe.

The regulators located on the battery block the water supply when the coolant overheats or the air temperature is too high. The operation of the boiler stops with a delay, after the operation of an individual temperature sensor installed on it.

Mechanical devices

Room thermostat for a heating boiler with a mechanical structure, when the material is heated or cooled, it changes its characteristics. This device is affordable, simple and efficient in operation, does not depend on the presence of a power source. It is mounted on the pipes of the heating system.

The mechanical model consists of several elements:

valve;
stock;
thermostatic head;
union nut;
scales for temperature setting;
fixing ring;
bellows filled with liquid;
spool;
compensation mechanism;
outlet for pipe connection.

Temperature changes are recorded using reagents. The liquid heats up, causing the gas to expand. Under pressure, the shut-off valve is activated. Cooling leads to compression of the substance and relaxation of the spring of the blocking element.

Thermostats of this type have a high error in setting and reduced sensitivity. To activate them, a temperature change of more than 2 °C is required. The characteristics of the substance in the bellows decrease with time, which leads to a discrepancy between the values on the regulator knob and the actual values.

The devices are also quite large. Many models determine the temperature indicators of the coolant, but do not measure the level of air heating in the room. They are difficult to adjust to the optimum temperature without errors.

Does the thermostat for a gas boiler save gas?

Electromechanical devices

The principle of operation of this room temperature sensor for a gas boiler is similar to the operation of a mechanical counterpart. But here the temperature-sensitive component is a metal plate. It bends when heated and completes the circuit. The cooled plate takes its original shape. From the contact, a signal is transmitted to the control unit of the burners.

There is another type of electromechanical regulators containing two plates of different types of metals. Here, the temperature-sensitive component is placed in the boiler furnace. The potential difference that occurs when the temperature changes has an effect on the electromagnetic relay, which leads to the closing or opening of the contacts. This turns on or off the air supply to the combustion chamber.

Electronic thermostats

This category of room temperature controllers for gas boilers depends on the power supply. Electronic devices are equipped with a remote sensor for recording room heating indicators, a full-featured control unit with a display. Such devices must be installed on electric boilers, since without them the operation of the heaters will be continuous. The thermostat contains two main elements:

microcontroller;
temperature sensor.

The second component measures the heating rate, and the first controls their value and sends signals to reduce or increase the heat supply to the room. The controller receives a digital or analog signal from the sensor. This depends on the type of thermostat. Analog instruments are in many ways similar to mechanical models, but are more accurate in readings and settings.

Digital thermostats are the most technologically advanced. With their help, you can set a clear algorithm for regulating the heat supply. A large number of various street and room sensors are connected to them.

For most electronic models, remote control is available via a smartphone or infrared port. This allows you to make certain settings while you are outdoors. For example, you can turn on the heating before leaving work, and by the time you arrive, the house will already have a comfortable, warm environment.

The first two options do not reduce the degree of water permeability through the pipeline. The hydraulic resistance remains unchanged, and there are no dampers or locks in the line. The device regulates the functioning of the boiler or pump without interacting directly with water.

The hydraulic resistance increases when the thermostat is mounted on a central pipe or battery. The coolant slows down its movement even when the valve is maximally open. Typically, such an installation is carried out at the planning stage of the entire heating system, where all the nuances of the placement and operation of the elements are taken into account.

The third type of connection is undesirable for installation on a single-pipe heating system, since when a sensor signal is received, the entire coolant supply system will be blocked, and it will become noticeably cooler in rooms remote from the boiler.

The thermostat is connected to the radiator inlet pipe through a bypass, which allows you to redirect water around the battery when the controller is triggered. The uncooled coolant will be sent back to the boiler. Thus, less fuel will be spent on heating water.

The installation location of the temperature sensor must meet the following criteria:

be hidden from direct sunlight;
do not overlap with curtains or decorative elements;
be at a height of 1.2-1.5 m from the floor;
away from radiators, windows and doorways.

Incorrect installation may result in false readings. Because of this, there is a risk of overheating of the coolant and air in the room, which will lead to problems in the operation of the boiler.

Installing a thermostat for a gas boiler is a good way to optimize the operation of the heating system, reduce maintenance and fuel costs, and reduce wear on heating elements. The cost of the device will pay off in one winter. A variety of models allows you to choose the appropriate option for a particular type of room.

Connection of the thermostat or programmer is provided. These devices help to automatically regulate the temperature in the house or turn the boiler on and off at a given time.

Boilers with mechanical control do not have the ability to connect an electronic thermostat.

Most often, there is a need to maintain the required air temperature in the room without human intervention. A room thermostat is used for this purpose. In the article we will talk about the principle of operation of this device and explain how to connect a thermostat to a gas boiler.

Benefits of using the device

If we already talk about the advantages, then we will describe the difference in the operation of the boiler with and without a thermostat.

Without thermostat

How does the boiler work in normal mode? We set the desired temperature with the control knob and enjoy the warmth. But what happens when it gets cold outside? The temperature in the room also drops. It seems nothing terrible - he went and set a different temperature regime on the boiler. It became hot - reduced, and the boiler continues to work, turning on and off.

with thermostat

Now let's imagine how a boiler works with an electronic thermostat connected to it. The boiler will heat the coolant until the room temperature reaches the set temperature and only then turn off. It will not turn on until the air temperature drops below the set limit. Then the process is repeated again.

Advantages

By installing even the most primitive thermostat, you can save from 15 to 30% of gas.

By itself, the automation of the process of heating a room is already a significant advantage, but some more points can be highlighted:

The boiler will not turn on if during the daytime the sun's rays heat the room and the desired temperature is maintained in it.
There are many people in the room and because of them the air temperature does not drop.
The automation of the boiler wears out less, as switching on occurs less often.
There is no large temperature difference in the room, since the minimum thermostat threshold can be 0.25°C.
Ability to change settings.
After turning off the boiler, the circulation pump works for some time, preventing the heat carrier from boiling, and does not turn on until the boiler starts to work.
Any person can handle the settings.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then only one can be distinguished - in a wireless thermostat, you need to periodically change the batteries, the supply of which should always be at hand.

Even such a brief overview is enough to understand that the purchase and installation of a thermostat is a wise investment that will more than pay off in a short period of time.

Instrument selection

The choice of instrument must be approached intelligently. Often people purchase a device with a considerable number of options, which they then never use. What should be taken into account? Let's dwell on this in more detail.

The remote thermostat can be wired or wireless.

The presence of a wire eliminates the use of batteries, but such a connection will bring a lot of other problems when the device needs to be installed in an adjacent room. Laying a wire along a wall or drilling a through hole under it is not the best solution for a room after repair (or if repairs are not planned there in the near future).
The wireless sensor not only does not require connection, but can also be moved to any other room. Even before buying, it is important to know the range of the device and how it works through walls. For example, some cheap sensors work reliably only in the line of sight, but when the situation changes or at a strong distance, they may lose the ability to transmit a signal to a module installed near the boiler.
To avoid some problems when connecting, the purchase of a device of the same company that manufactured the boiler will help.

As already mentioned, it would be good if a device is purchased for an installed boiler from the same manufacturer. The most successful combination came from the well-known brands Baxi (baxi), Protherm (Proterm) and Vaillant (Vailant). In the illustrations below, you can see the variety of these devices.

Adjustment method

The governing bodies may be:

in the form of buttons, and all data is displayed on an electronic scoreboard;
mechanical control implies the presence of a regulator with indicators printed on it.

Functions

Thermostats can be simple or multifunctional.

simple device can only maintain the pre-set temperature in the room.
Programmable thermostat has a rich feature set. It can be configured by changing the parameters of the boiler remotely, setting the desired temperature conditions at different times of the day. You can also set the settings for each day of the week.
Thermostat with built-in hydrostat function will allow you to control, maintain and change the microclimate of the room, changing the level of humidity.

About manufacturers

Temperature sensors from IMIT and Siemens are very popular. They differ not only in functionality, but also in the way they are connected. It is quite clear that more functional models are more expensive. To make it clearer, we made a comparative analysis, the results of which you can see in the table below.

The cost of the product is given in rubles, but only for comparative analysis. Since prices are constantly changing, at the time of purchase, accurate data can be obtained from the manufacturer's website or from the sales company.

Installation and connection

And now, when the equipment is selected and purchased, you can proceed to install it. First, consider the recommendations for placing the sensor.

Choosing a location for the sensor

The correctness and efficiency of the entire heating system depends on where the sensor is placed, so the following rules must be taken into account:

The recommended installation by the sensor above the floor is 1.5 m. We all know that the room heats up unevenly with any heating system, whether it is a classic system or a warm floor. If this rule is neglected, the sensor will control the boiler in a different temperature regime.
It is not recommended to attach the sensor to an external wall, as it is always colder than the walls inside the room.
The sensor does not need to be installed in a remote place or hidden behind any objects - air must circulate freely around it. But you need to beware of the other extreme - the device should not be in the area of drafts.
The place for installation of the device should not be near heating devices or near the air conditioner, windows and entrance doors. It must not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Such an abundance of restrictions and regulations may seem too big, but in fact there is nothing complicated here, you just need to remember this when choosing a place for the thermostat sensor.

First of all, you need to disconnect the boiler from the power supply in order to protect yourself and the boiler electronics during work.
If the control unit is to be installed inside the boiler, then a suitable place must be found for it. If there is such a need, then you can use the installation box to mount the unit.

In order to connect the control unit to the boiler, special knowledge is not needed, but you will have to understand the circuit.

The red arrow shows the current path through the circuit. Entering contact L, it passes through the board and exits it through contact Tb2, in which a jumper is installed connecting it to contact Tb1. Through this contact, the current returns to the board and controls the operation of the boiler, turning it on or off.

Now you need to download the scheme of your boiler from the Internet and check if it has the ability to connect a thermostat. If you find the inscription “Room thermostat” on it (the name may differ slightly in different models of boilers), then it is possible to connect a thermostat.

If you have a floor-standing boiler, then such a check must be performed before purchasing a thermostat.

Let's return to the jumper installed between the contacts Tb1 and Tb2. In many boilers, it is located on a separately displayed block (photo above), but in some models it will have to be looked for on the board.

Having unscrewed the screws holding the jumper, it must be pulled out, and instead of it, fasten a wire of 0.75 m 2, which will connect the boiler board to the thermostat control unit (or to a wired thermostat). As you can see, the thermostat contacts are open in the diagram.

According to the thermostat circuit, we need a pair of normally open contacts - these are COM and NO. Usually it is this marking that is present on the plug-in unit.

If the block has a different marking or it is absent at all, then the contacts can be checked with a tester. One electrode is pressed against the middle contact, and the second one checks the side ones in turn. We need a pair of open contacts.

Depending on the design, the unit is connected to the network or batteries are inserted into it.

Adjustment

You need to check how the thermostat behaves. To do this, certain parameters are set on it, and see how the boiler reacts to the commands sent by the thermostat. If everything is in order, then you can perform the final configuration. How to do this is described in the product data sheet.

In order for the system to work correctly and without fail, take into account the following recommendations:

If you work in shifts, it is better to purchase a programmable thermostat and adjust it so that the minimum temperature is maintained in the room during your absence.

When leaving for a vacation or leaving home for a long time, switch the heating to an economical mode, and just in case, install fresh batteries in the device.

Do not wait until the batteries become unusable - change them in advance.

Connect the boiler and the control unit through the stabilizer.

Epilogue

The thermostat will make your life easier, and by installing it yourself, you will save a lot and will know what to do with it in case of a breakdown. We hope this article will serve as a good guide for you.

Video

This video shows how to connect a room thermostat or programmer to the boiler:

Watch the video on installing the T-Control thermostat-programmer to work with the Ariston gas boiler: