Thermostat for gas heating boiler. Thermostats for gas and solid fuel boilers Room thermostat for a gas boiler

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Room thermostat is a device that allows you to regulate the operation of your heating unit in the form most convenient for you. It will help reduce gas and electricity costs, increase the service life of the boiler and ensure a constant temperature in the room. The article contains a lot useful tips on choosing a thermostat, its installation, connection and further use.

In this article:

Principle of operation

The gas boiler operates cyclically, turning on when the temperature of the coolant (water) drops to a certain value, which you set manually. Then the pump starts working.

Lack of automation leads to the need to adjust parameters heating system throughout the cold season. But even manual adjustment does not guarantee that on particularly cold days the apartment or house will not freeze, and on a warm sunny day it will not turn into a sauna.

It is for these purposes that thermostats are used.

They are equipped with an air temperature sensor for the heated room. You yourself can set the desired temperature on the thermostat - it will automatically turn on the gas boiler and pump at the right time, and only for the required period of time.

Unlike gas boiler, for which the most important parameter is the temperature of the coolant, the thermostat cares about the air temperature in the room.

You set the minimum possible temperature once, at which you feel comfortable staying in a room without heating. As soon as the air temperature drops below this value by 0.25-1 degrees (the step depends on the device model), the thermostat automatically starts the boiler and pump.

If the temperature exceeds the threshold you set by the same 0.25-1 degrees, the thermostat will automatically turn off the heating system.

Three main advantages of thermostats

Automation for gas boiler

The air in the room does not cool down as quickly as the coolant in the circuit, so the number of starts heating unit is reduced many times over, which has a beneficial effect on its service life and your financial condition.

As stated above:

they increase the level of comfort - the room temperature will be stable in any weather, only the frequency of switching on the heating system will change;
eliminate the need for frequent adjustment of boiler parameters;
significantly reduce heating costs.

In normal mode, the boiler fires on average once every 10 minutes and heats the water for 1-2 minutes, while the pump operates constantly. If there is automation, the boiler will turn on much less frequently, and the pump will work only when necessary, pumping the heated coolant through the circuit.

According to some reports, savings can be up to 25-30%, which makes the device very effective and quickly pays for itself.

Types of room thermostats

Automation for regulating boiler operation can be divided into:

Wired– communication between the boiler and the controller is provided by a wired connection (requires additional installation).
Wireless– the entire work process is controlled using a radio signal.

The wireless thermostat kit includes two units, one of which is installed near the boiler and connected to its terminals, and the second is installed in the room from which the operation of the heating system is supposed to be controlled.

Both blocks are connected to each other via a radio channel. For ease of use, the control unit is equipped with a mini-keyboard and a liquid crystal display.

Wireless thermostat programmer

According to the functions they perform, room thermostats are divided into:

Simple– can only maintain a predetermined room temperature.
Programmable– they are also called programmers. They have a rich set of functions: you can change a number of boiler parameters remotely, adjust the “day” and “night” temperature modes, and program the heating system by day of the week.
With integrated hydrostat function– they allow you to monitor the level of humidity in any room where there is a need to control the microclimate. They have a built-in mode for reducing and increasing humidity.

Popular models and manufacturers

The most popular on the Russian market are temperature sensors from brands such as Siemens, IMIT, Thermolink and Baxi.

The range of manufacturers is very wide and includes both entry-level models and serious thermostats for multi-circuit boilers with a wide range of additional functions.

Let's look at several popular models and compare their characteristics.

Model	Range	Difference, °С	Degree protection, IP	Connection	Display	Programming	Price
IMIT TA3N 70	+5 - +30 °С	1	30	2-wire	No	No	600
Siemens RAA 21	+8 - +30 °С		30	2-wire	No	No	1200
IMIT BLUE	+6 - +35 °С	0,2-0,4	20	2-wire	Eat	Yes	3300
IMIT BLUE RADIO	+6 - +35 °С	0,2-0,4	20	Radio channel	Eat	Yes	10 900

Device selection

The thermostat you choose must meet your needs and be technically suitable:

If it is not possible to install conductors from the thermostat to the boiler, then a wireless model is suitable for you.
If you want to optimize the operation of your heating system as much as possible, you should take a closer look at programmers and.

Thermostat-programmers usually have 2-3 weekly modes, and 3-4 daily ones. This will ensure that the apartment is heated to the required temperature while you are at home, and the system will automatically switch to economy mode while you are away.

Most models have inertia. That is, the heating system is turned on in order to warm up the room before your arrival.

A good option would be to choose a device from the same manufacturer as your gas boiler. This will avoid difficulties during installation ().

Installation and connection

Connection points: 1 (N0) and 2 (COM) - boiler control, 2 (COM) and 3 (NC) - cooling control

When installing, you should remember that the quality of its operation depends on the correct choice of placement of the device.

In order for the thermostat to accurately estimate the average room temperature, you should consider some rules:

Place the device at a height of 1.5 meters above the floor. This is due to the fact that warm air rises upward, and the cold concentrates below. You should do the same if you have heated floors.
Integrate automation only into interior walls. External walls It's always a little cooler, even despite the quality of the thermal insulation.
Air should circulate freely around the temperature sensor.
The device must not be placed inside cabinets or covered with curtains. The design of most models will fit perfectly into any interior.
Eliminate outside influence.
The thermostat should be located away from heating devices or cold sources (windows, doors). It shouldn't be hit air jets from air conditioning and direct sunlight.

Connection diagrams can be found in the instructions supplied with the device..

You can also use the following information:

Turn off the power supply to ensure safe work.
Find appropriate place for installation. If necessary, install the installation box and connect phase and neutral to it.
Connect the thermostat to the boiler. To do this, connect the zero, phase and ground of the thermostat with the corresponding contacts of the gas boiler ( standard marking– N, L and PE respectively).

To reduce fuel and electricity costs, it is worth taking into account several important points:

Reduce the thermostat temperature if you plan to leave the room for a long time.
It makes sense to set the temperature 3-4 degrees lower at night. The first family member to rise in the morning can increase the temperature and warm up the room. Automate this process if you purchased a programmable thermostat.
Keep your device in working order. Change batteries without waiting for the device to fail.
Make sure that in rooms for the elderly and disabled the temperature does not fall below 16 degrees.
Recommended temperature:
- 20 degrees for common areas;
- 18 degrees for a children's room;
- 16-19 degrees at night;

Choosing a gas boiler and thermostat from one well-established manufacturer will avoid many problems associated with the operation of the heating system in the future.

Modern gas boilers are characterized by high technology and most often have a built-in A thermostat is a device that measures the temperature and humidity of the air in a room and sends signals to the boiler board on how to heat.

Adjustment occurs by turning the boiler power on and off. However, there are situations when you have to connect additional control equipment.

How to connect a room thermostat to a gas boiler?

For mounting the regulator no professional skills or special tools required, it is enough to understand the installation diagram, follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the gas boiler and regulator, and observe safety precautions for working with electric current. Then the installation can be done independently, without the help of a specialist.

Connection diagram

The diagram of the gas boiler must indicate whether it is possible to connect a thermostat to it. It is important to ensure that the installation additional equipment allowed by the manufacturer and will not harm the heating system.

Incorrect installation may cause damage expensive equipment and loss of warranty.

In the case where the control unit will be installed inside the boiler, find a suitable place for it. If necessary, you can use an installation box.

Important! When connecting the thermostat fulfillment of manufacturer's requirements boiler is strictly necessary!

If you study main board diagram gas boiler, you can see that it has two contacts connected by a jumper, Where electricity first leaves the board and then returns to it, controlling the switching on and off of the heating boiler. In many modern models For ease of installation, this jumper is located on a separate terminal block, where the thermostat is simply connected.

Photo 1. Printed circuit board of a gas boiler. The part circled in red shows the possibility of connecting various thermostats.

But on some types of heating equipment you will have to look for the installation location directly on the board. In this case unscrew the screws that hold the jumper, take it out, and in this place install wires, going to the thermostat.

A correctly connected thermostat passes through itself an electric current going to the boiler from the network, thus controlling the switching on and off of the entire system heating. If the air in the room is heated more than what was set on the regulator during its setting, the device turns off the gas boiler, and when the temperature drops below the specified limit, the heating turns on again and the air in the house is heated.

Materials and tools

To install the thermostat to a gas boiler, no special tools are required. Everything that is needed to install the device in the heating system is included in delivery kit.

To install the regulator you will need technical passports thermostat and heating boiler for reconciliation electrical diagrams connections, household screwdriver, voltage tester online, fastening tool kit device on the wall in a living room.

Choosing a location to install the thermostat

Before the beginning installation work choose the location for installing the thermostat. Choosing the right room for the device is extremely important., because it is based on the temperature and humidity of the air in this room that the entire heating system in the house will be adjusted.

The thermostat must be installed in a residential area, not in a technical one. Usually choose the coldest room throughout the house, for example, a corner one. Installing the device in a boiler room or pantry will lead to incorrect heating operation. Do not hang the regulator close to heating batteries , household appliances emitting thermal interference: kitchen stoves, heaters. It is not recommended to place the regulator in a draft, near windows, or where it will be exposed to direct sunlight.

The thermostat should be easily accessible and visible so that you can change the temperature settings or replace the batteries at any time.

Rules settings:

Mounting height no more than one and a half meters above floor level.
Do not install externally, cold wall Houses.
To the device there must be free access.
Do not hang near stoves, air conditioners, or windows.
Avoid direct sunlight to the device.

Preparation

Before installing the thermostat, you must make sure that the boiler supports the installation additional equipment. Then the heating system is disconnected from the electrical network and the voltage is checked with a tester.

Attention! When installing the regulator, all equipment first disconnected from the electrical network!

After preparing the room: provide free access to the thermostat installation site and to the boiler, sufficient lighting of working areas.

Installation and connection

All modern gas boilers have special exits for connecting a thermostat. The regulator is supplied with a special mounting cable or mounting using a terminal. If this model has a non-standard connection, then it comes with technical certificate, where there are all detailed installation diagrams.

Photo 2. Detailed diagram thermostat TS2 GMS, showing its connection to the boiler and other equipment.

The connection is to screw the ends of the wires thermostat to terminal boiler, and then install the device on the wall in the living room. As a rule, the instructions contain a corresponding section with detailed instructions for installing the thermostat.

Start up, check operation

After connection, the regulator and boiler are started for testing. In that instructions will help, which comes with the regulator in the kit. The thermostat usually runs on batteries; you need to make sure they are inserted into the device and charged.

If the regulator is turned on, the boiler is also connected to the power supply. Using the buttons on the regulator display, set various parameters and observe whether the heating system responds to changes. If it works correctly, then fine tuning is performed.

Heating settings

Carry out in accordance with the instructions in the passport regulator In order to ensure the correct operation of the heating system, follow the rules:

If the house remains empty for a day or more, then during the absence of the owners they exhibit minimum temperature.
Before a long departure, for example, in case of vacation, fresh batteries are installed in the regulator and switch the system to economy mode.
It's important to take care of your batteries and prevent their discharge by making timely replacement.
Boiler and regulator connected through a voltage stabilizer.

Most thermostats there are already pre-installed programs, which will ensure optimal heating of the room during the day and saving resources at night. The number of such programs depends on the device model. You can choose one of them, or configure the device individually.

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.

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

To regulate the volume of heat coming from it into the rooms, you have to either constantly monitor the boiler or regularly close/open the valves on the radiators.

At the same time, the inertia of such a system does not allow maintaining the desired temperature throughout the day. established level. If you put more firewood into the stove or supply gas to the boiler, the coolant in the pipes will heat up more, and it will also release more heat through the radiators.

This is good at low temperatures outside. But with sudden warming outside, the heat in the house becomes unbearable. The fuel is already in the firebox, and the water has already heated up, there is no way to get rid of the heat. Plus the boiler continues to work.

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

The thermostat for the heating system consists of:

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

In the simplest models there is no control unit. Everything happens due to pure mechanics and changes in the physical properties of the temperature-sensitive element.

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

The operating principle of the thermostat is as follows:

Using the control unit, the desired temperature is set.
When the required parameters are reached, the sensor is triggered, which leads to the boiler turning off or the shut-off valve in the heating pipes closing.
After the air temperature in the room drops, the boiler equipment or heaters turn back on.

The electronic control module allows you to set not just one temperature indicator, but several for each time of day separately. Plus, if such a unit is available, it is possible to install an additional temperature sensor outside and link the functioning of the thermostat to the 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, located on a pipe near the battery. Upon reaching required temperature closes and reduces the coolant current. And when cooling room air it opens again, causing the volume of incoming heat to increase.

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

Types of thermostats for boilers

The main difference between thermostats is 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 air temperature, and the second - coolant.

The choice of thermostat model depends on:

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

Many modern boilers pre-designed for connecting thermostats to them. Moreover, the manufacturer of boiler equipment immediately writes down all the nuances of this installation in the technical data sheet.

If an electronic thermostat model 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 heat required.

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

Battery-mounted regulators are designed to shut off the water supply when too much high temperature in the room or near the coolant. In this case, the boiler stops working a little later, when its own temperature sensor inside is activated, preventing overheating of the equipment.

Group #1: mechanical

The operation of a mechanical temperature sensor is based on a change in the characteristics of a material when its temperature changes. This is an easy-to-use, budget-friendly, fairly effective and completely power-independent option. It is designed to be installed on pipes to regulate flow.

The following substances are used in mechanical thermostats as a substance that responds to temperature changes:

liquid.

When the liquid is heated, the gases expand, which leads to their pressure on the shut-off valve stem. When the temperature drops, they compress, the constipation is returned by a spring, and the heated water again flows through the pipes into the heating radiators.

They are characterized by low sensitivity and large adjustment errors. They only work when the temperature rises by 2 degrees or more. 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.

Such thermostats have enough big sizes. 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 precisely adjust them the way the home owner wants.

Group #2: electromechanical

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

When heated, it bends and closes the contact, and when cooled, it returns to its original position and opens the circuit. And 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 using electrical signals.

Another option for an electromechanical thermostat is a device with a sensor in the form of two plates made of different metals. In this case, the heat-sensitive element is installed directly into the firebox of the solid fuel boiler.

At high temperatures, a potential difference arises between the plates, affecting electromagnetic relay. The contacts in the latter alternately open and close. As a result, air injection into the combustion chamber is turned on/off.

Group #3: electronic

This type of thermostats for hot water boilers belongs to the energy-dependent category. Such devices have a remote temperature sensor that monitors the room temperature 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.

In the vast majority of cases, boilers and boilers operating on electricity are equipped with thermostats at the factory.

IN electronic thermostat there are two main elements:

Temperature sensor.
Microcontroller.

The first measures the temperature, and the second controls it and issues 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’s capabilities are similar to its mechanical counterpart, only it greatly exceeds it in the accuracy of temperature measurements.

Digital thermostats are the pinnacle of development of these devices. They allow you to regulate heat supply according to a preset algorithm. Plus, you can connect many more sensors to them, located both in rooms and outside.

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

For example, while still leaving work, you can send a signal to heat the room air to comfortable parameters, and when 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.

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, 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. 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 consumption gas fuel or electricity.

The temperature sensor must be installed:

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.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

There should not be any particular difficulties with installing the thermostat. You just need to choose it correctly for a specific heating system. And the selected video materials will definitely help you with this.

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

In this case, you can choose either a simple mechanical option with manual control or a more advanced device with a programmer.

Would you like to tell us 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, post photos related to the topic of the article in the block below.

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

A thermostat will be required to minimize energy consumption

general description

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

The nominal contact drops with a sharp increase in temperature, due to this the heating function is turned off. When the microclimate changes, the necessary valves are automatically turned on and the boiler starts working again.

The body of this device is usually made of plastic. white. LEDs are used to illuminate the display. The range for determining the temperature in the house for many devices is within 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. Reducing the room temperature by even a few degrees reduces gas consumption by 5%. Due to the fact that the device reduces the number of heating equipment switching cycles, the owners’ costs for public utilities. At the same time, the equipment additionally ensures the safety of all boiler elements, which do not wear out so much.

Advantages of using a thermostat:

setting a comfortable microclimate - you can select up to 7 modes;
savings on gas payments (about 20%);
increasing the operating time of all elements of the heating system, including the circulation pump;
prevents severe dry air and overheating in the house;
reduction in the number of boiler equipment starts.

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

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

Types and principle of operation

Eat 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 purchasing it quickly pays off. But the benefits of its use are very significant, and this has long been noticed by many owners of gas boilers.

Thermostats can be operated using:

connections to the boiler electronic board;
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 200–15,000 rubles. 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 gas heating boilers 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 using a two-core cable and fixed to the wall at a distance of 50 cm from the window or doorways and 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 by two copper cables, and the necessary commands are transmitted through them. The required temperature parameters are set by rotating the knob.

Electromechanical models are the most modern devices, which 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°;
temperature determination with an accuracy of 0.2°;
humidity control;
multicore cable;
installed LED for illumination.

These devices have very small errors.

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 holiday mode and a sleep mode. The boiler operation is monitored using an LCD screen. There is a relay inside electrical appliances, which 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 turned on due to the fact that the plate, heating up to a given temperature, bends and opens the contacts. In the first option, the signal is transmitted due to the expansion of water in the tube during heating.

Basic indicators:

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

The control accuracy 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 that are rarely found in stores today.

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 transmits a signal at a distance of up to 50 m.

The equipment memory is non-volatile. If there is a power outage, all data is saved. In some cases, one remote control can run several devices simultaneously. Connecting a GSM module or control system using Wi-Fi can only be done for wireless thermostats.

Programmable and regular

Conventional devices have an on/off key, as well as a rotating dial for manual temperature programming. This is the simplest equipment and is very inexpensive. As a rule, it is purchased for a summer house 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 (up to approximately 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 if there are no occupants at home, and also, for example, at night.

Savings with programmable equipment are much higher than with a simple thermostat (up to 45%). Expensive devices may have an EBus communication bus and other functions. EBus makes it possible to exchange information between the sensor and the heating boiler and, thus, change the power based on 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 a decrease or increase function.

Indoor and outdoor

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

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

Outdoor equipment is protected from frost. Thermostats may have modes such as “vacation” or “meeting”, that is, it is possible to meet the owner after absence with the required temperature or reduce energy consumption to a minimum while the residents are away from home.

Room equipment is installed indoors and operates thanks to air circulation, rather than heating the coolant in the boiler. The device is equipped with a digital screen and can be programmed. One device is installed for the entire house and it operates using 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 a preset threshold and turn it on if the temperature drops by a few degrees.

Features of choice

To choose the right device, you need to decide how often the thermostat will be used. If you intend to use it regularly, then you won’t find better 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 use of the thermostat is possible if a double-circuit boiler is installed and you heat bathing water every day.

Important: frequent switching on and off can cause not only unnecessary costs, but also wear and tear on the equipment. After purchasing a thermostat, manual boiler adjustment 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 sufficient. At all times, attention should be paid to what savings will be achieved in the future thanks to the installation of the thermostat, as well as during its operation. Ease of operation is also important. For example, using remote control You can set all the necessary parameters without getting up from your chair.

Optimal solution

A thermostat is a fairly convenient 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. Increasing the temperature above the +22°C threshold increases fuel consumption by almost 15%. The thermostat will make it possible to reduce costs by 30% in winter, and at the same time be able to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room.

Weather-sensitive devices are the most expensive, but if you live in a cold area, then this best way It is reasonable to 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 control, 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 only be achieved after preventing heat losses in the house. Otherwise, gas consumption will only increase, since the thermostat will not stop the boiler until the required room temperature is reached.

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

Briefly about the principle of operation

To better understand the principle of operation of room thermostats, we first explain the operating algorithm of a water heating boiler in the basic configuration:

The user ignites the heater and uses buttons or control handles to set the desired coolant temperature.
Each device is equipped with a submersible or surface-mounted sensor that informs the control unit about the degree of water heating. When the coolant temperature reaches a preset threshold, it triggers gas valve and shuts off the fuel supply to the main burner. The circulation pump continues to “drive” water through the system.
After the coolant has cooled to the lower temperature limit, the gas supply is resumed, the burner is re-ignited and heats the water.

Reference. In turbocharged wood boilers, the automatic system turns off the blower fan. The flow of air and the combustion process in the furnace are suspended, and the unit goes into standby mode.

Scheme of operation of a heating boiler with a remote thermostat - the 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: during the transitional autumn-spring period, the so-called clocking is observed - frequent start/stop of the burner (once every 2-3 minutes), reducing the resource of the unit as a whole.

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

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

reduce energy consumption;
make boiler control more convenient;
extend the life of the heat source.

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

The wood boiler automation unit has a connector for connecting a thermostat

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

Let us note 2 significant nuances:

When using a room regulator, the standard start/stop function based on the water temperature in the boiler jacket continues to operate. When the coolant in the boiler heats up to the set limit, the gas burner device will turn off.
If the burner goes out at the command of the internal temperature sensor, the standard circulation pump still working. When the remote thermostat is triggered, both devices – the burner and the pump unit – stop.

This is why it is important to correctly configure the boiler-external thermostat connection.

Types of room regulators

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

Mechanical. The electrical circuit is broken and closed by a bimetallic plate that bends when heated. To change the desired temperature, the user rotates the knob, which 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, which changes resistance depending on temperature. The circuit, which includes the specified part, closes the relay contacts, guided by changes in resistance and user settings.

Reference. Mechanical and electronic temperature sensors are used not only for the boiler. Thermostats 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 a simple 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 their ease of installation and operation. How a 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 is from the house electrical network 220 volts.
The second unit with a display and control buttons is powered by batteries and is installed in a convenient place in the home.
The temperature sensor located inside the remote control reacts to the air temperature. At the right moment, the radio module sends signals to the first block to turn on/stop the boiler. It opens the relay contacts, heating and circulation of the coolant is stopped or resumed.

Wireless thermostats consist of 2 blocks exchanging radio signals

Typically, electronic models are equipped with programmers that allow you to set the boiler operating schedule for a week. The temperature in the rooms can be changed several times during the day. Individual instances are programmed for 90 days and managed via mobile communications, for example, via SMS or smartphone Internet application.

Which thermostat is better to choose?

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

low accuracy of 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 temperature maintenance is not a critical problem and does not worry users too much. Another thing is the wires that need to be hidden under the baseboards, in the grooves of the walls, and so on.

There are also three obvious advantages of bimetallic thermostats:

low price and availability;
reliability in operation - in the simplest models there is nothing to break;
ease of control of the boiler using one handle, which is important for older homeowners.

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

An absolute plus of digital thermostats is comfortable operation. It is enough to set the weekly and daily operating program of the heat generator once; no further actions are required.

Wireless programmers need to change batteries on time.

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

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

Reference. Manufacturers often call such devices digital chronothermostats. The weak point of the devices is their 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 not difficult to choose suitable 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 the products leaves much to be desired.

Installation and connection of the device

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

Advice. For a private house with warm floors 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 device 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 contacts marked COM (common) and NO (normally open) of the thermostat. On the wireless version, these terminals are located in the relay block.
In the operating instructions for the heat generator, find the connection diagram for the remote thermostat, markings and location of the contacts.
Remove or fold down the front panel 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 the wires coming from the regulator contacts to the free terminals. There is no need to observe polarity.
When installing a wireless thermostat, connect a three-wire 220 V power cable with a grounding wire to the relay unit.

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

Details of installing a wireless thermostat are shown in the video:

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

Connection diagram of 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. IN specified blocks Solenoid valves and special contacts are provided for connecting two types of external thermostats - mechanical and digital.

Included in the Kare automation solenoid valve where the thermostat is connected

Setting procedure

To configure the system and select comfortable temperature follow these steps:

Set the maximum temperature using the remote controller.
Start the boiler and bring it to the optimal operating mode, in which the unit achieves the greatest efficiency.
When it is installed in all rooms comfortable warmth, take an electronic thermometer and measure the temperature near your regulator.
Select the measured value on the thermostat as the heater shutdown threshold. Enter the required settings into the programmer.

Important clarification. The gas boiler operates with maximum efficiency at temperature conditions 80/60 °C (flow/return).

Let us explain the purpose of these manipulations. Because of various 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 heating of the air near the sensor itself.

If the temperature at the point where the regulator is installed is very different from other rooms, when setting, you need to make an adjustment for the magnitude of this difference. Some models, for example, Baxi Magic Plus, provide a function for such adjustment (called temperature shift). Then all that remains is to enter the desired value into the device’s memory, ranging from 1 to 5 degrees.

When does the thermostat not save gas?

There are quite a few reviews like this on the Internet: “I fell for the sellers’ assurances about saving 30%, bought and installed a temperature regulator, now the boiler consumes more gas. Why is it needed at all? Let's figure out how this device saves energy (not only gas, but also solid fuel, diesel fuel and electricity):

The interval between starts of the heat generator increases. The reason is that the cooling and heating of the air occurs more slowly than the water in the batteries.
Together with the burner, the circulation pump is turned off, consuming up to 100 W of electricity. The fan (turbocharger or smoke exhauster) stops.
The premises are fully heated at the right time when residents are at home. During other hours, a reasonable permissible temperature is maintained. It is recommended to reduce the heating at night - for a comfortable sleep it is enough to heat the rooms at 18-19 °C.

Explanation. Reasonably acceptable means the temperature at which the boiler will quickly warm the rooms to a comfortable level without special costs energy carriers. It is determined empirically and lies within 15-18 degrees.

Now let’s look at situations where, instead of saving, there is increased consumption or worsening heating:

Displayed on the boiler minimum temperature coolant (40-45 °C), because the circuits underfloor heating connected directly. The heater operates with low efficiency, gas consumption does not decrease.
When the home is heated exclusively with warm floors, and the thermostat does not measure in the lower zone of the room. The screed and air warm up slowly, and at the moment the sensor is triggered, the floors become too hot. When cooling, the opposite picture is observed.
The heat loss of the building is too great. No thermostats will help here; insulation is required.
The temperature sensor-boiler connection is incorrectly configured, the hysteresis (temperature difference between starting and stopping the heat generator) is incorrectly selected.

Each thermostat provides a temperature difference between turning off and turning on the boiler. The value can be changed within 0.5-2 degrees. If 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 consume 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 amount of savings falls within the range of 10-25%, depending on many conditions. But at current tariffs and energy prices, 10 percent will give a noticeable effect, so thermostats are definitely recommended for use.

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