Review of popular models of thermostats for gas boilers: recommendations for selection

A thermostat for a gas boiler is usually installed in residential premises for temperature measurement and boiler control, according to the set heating level.

The room thermostat is designed to regulate the operation of gas equipment, depending on the room temperature (there is no need to constantly adjust the boiler manually).

Based on this, boilers without thermostats will turn on and off depending on the temperature of the water in the heating system.

What is the purpose of thermostats for gas boilers?

Thermostats for gas boilers allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room by controlling it, save gas and electricity.

They also help to increase the service life of the heating equipment itself.

Types of room temperature controllers

There are several varieties heating regulators.

Mechanical

There is no electrical component. The device operates on the principle that consists of the properties of certain substances and materials change its mechanical qualities depending on the temperature.

When the specified temperature increases or decreases, break or short circuit of an electrical circuit, from here the gas boiler is switched off or on. The required heating level can be selected on the device by rotating the installed wheel.

The advantages of mechanical devices include their reliability, ease of use and resistance to voltage surges.

Electromechanical

There are two modifications:

1. With a bimetallic plate and a group of contacts. Having heated up to the required temperature, the plate begins to bend and open the contacts. Electric current stops flowing to the heating coil or heating element of the device. After cooling down, the plate returns to its original position, and the contacts begin to close. The supply of electricity is resumed, and the device heats up.
2. Thermostat with capillary tube. The product also consists of contacts, and the tube itself is filled with gas and is located in a container with water. The difference from other systems is the ability of the materials to expand at certain temperatures. The substance in the hollow tube expands when the water temperature rises, which causes the contact to close. After the temperature drops, the contacts begin to open, and the electrical appliance cools down.

Photo 1. Setting up an electromechanical thermostat with a display, a device that is reliable and easy to operate.

Electronic

This type of device is very popular now and Used with most electric heaters. Most often, they are used in equipment for general heating and air conditioning systems, as well as for underfloor heating.

The main components of the device:

• remote temperature sensor;
• home temperature level controller (regulates the need to turn the heater on and off);

Photo 2. Compact electronic controller from Vaillant with room temperature level controller.

• electronic key (contact group).

Remote

Remote temperature sensor, installed at a distance from direct exposure to heating equipment.

The device transmits information about the air temperature to the thermostat from the zone where the temperature sensor itself is located.

To achieve comfortable conditions in the room, you have to resort to to manual control gas boiler.

This type of temperature regulation will be quite relative, since, in this case, the heating level of the coolant itself is set.

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Recommendations for choosing a device for individual heating

What should be taken into account and what should be given special attention?

• 

  The price range for such equipment is quite wide. The market is full of both cheap and quite expensive models of devices.

If the priority is saving money when purchasing a thermostat, then in this case, you can opt for a conventional and inexpensive mechanical option.

Realize setting all you need is equipment once a day, taking into account the temperature outside. There is nothing complicated about it, and this type of device can be considered as a reliable and long-term option for use.

• Before purchasing equipment, to ensure low heat loss, It is important to carry out thermal insulation measures for the entire room. After completing these steps, you can begin selecting a device.
• When selecting a thermostat also It is important to take into account the area of ​​the room, where it will be installed and the planned temperature regime in it.
• A good option would be selection of a thermostat and gas boiler from the same manufacturer. This will greatly simplify the installation, setup and thermal regulation of the equipment. If an analogue is not found, this will not be a significant problem. The installation process will simply take a little more time, based on this - the services of the master will also be more expensive.

How to connect a thermostat: installation diagram

Before installing and connecting the device, you must prepare the necessary tools and decide on a place for installation.

Materials and tools

You will need to find the necessary section in the boiler manual, and according to the provided diagrams connect an additional device to it.

In certain models of thermostats, the diagram is located on the back of the decorative cover.

Today, almost all models of gas equipment have connection points for a thermostat that controls the operation of the heating equipment. Often the device is fixed with a clamp on the boiler at the appropriate point. They also resort to using the thermostat cable, which is sold in the kit.

Selecting an installation location

Experts advise installing wireless room thermostats in residential areas away from household electrical equipment (computer, refrigerator, lamp, TV, etc.), since the heat emitted from them may cause malfunctions in the device.

List of recommendations for installing a wireless thermostat:

• To ensure that the room temperature is measured properly, It is important to ensure sufficient air access to the thermostat.
• Don't clutter your device pieces of furniture.
• It is advisable for the device to be located in cool rooms or living areas.
• Important limit access to direct sunlight.
• Do not install device near a radiator or heater.
• Do not install in areas exposed to drafts.

Installation and connection

It is important to connect the thermostat in accordance with the recommendations of the heating unit manufacturer. Usually all installation rules are in the technical documentation for the boiler.

Since there are usually no particular difficulties when installing this device, you can do the connection yourself.

Starting the system and checking it

After purchasing a thermostat for the boiler and connecting it to the heating equipment, you will need to configure it. Thanks to the instructions and the recommendations provided in them, you can set the desired mode yourself, which will correspond to your individual level of microclimate comfort.

The thermostat is adjusted using the buttons and switches on the external panel of the device. The toggle switches control the heating and air conditioning.

Thanks to the delayed switching on of the boiler will not work in case of short-term temperature drop (in case of drafts). If you set the value fluctuations of 1°C, then turning it on or off will become available when you increase or lowering the temperature by 0.5 degrees.

Photo 3. By pressing the buttons and switches located on the external panel of the thermostat, you can control the temperature in the room.

The buttons will help you set the optimal or economical mode. During the day the required room temperature is set, and at night is reduced to a level comfortable for sleep. This type of mode allows for significant energy savings.

Different models of thermostats contain several installed modes, therefore, everyone can choose the one that suits them best.

Useful video

From the video you can find out how the thermostat works and how it is connected to the boiler.

To sum it up

Based on the above, it can be concluded that the use of programmable air control thermostats in rooms, will allow you to create comfortable conditions microclimate and operation of individual heating equipment, and most importantly, will significantly reduce gas costs.

Thermostat manufacturers such as Danfoss (Denmark) and Siemens (Germany), have established themselves as high-quality and relatively inexpensive products. Of the more expensive models, a good choice would be the manufacturer's equipment Vaillant, which, in turn, will allow you to connect to the heating system and independently regulate the temperature, save on heating costs, reduce the operating time of the boiler and its wear.