Suitable for
The type of equipment for which the regulator is suitable.
Modern thermostats and automation systems can be used for:
- For different types of boilers —
gas,
electric,
solid fuel.
- For
heaters and underfloor heating - for both at the same time: the control features in both cases are very similar, which makes it easy to combine them in one device.
- For
pumps — namely for circulation pumps of heating systems.
— For
heat pumps. A heat pump provides heat transfer from the environment to the room, providing heating. (Air conditioners work on a similar principle, but their main task is cooling).
— For
fancoils. A fancoil is a device that cools or heats air by passing it through a system of pipes with a coolant circulating through them. And for the necessary heating or cooling of the coolant, another component of the system is responsible - a chiller, usually installed outdoors. A feature of such climate systems is that most of them can be used not only for heating in the cold season but also for cooling in the hot season.
— For
outdoor system. Regulators for various climatic equipment installed outdoors. These can be, for example, anti-icing systems, devices f
...or heating pipelines, chillers for chiller-fan coil systems, etc.
In many models, several options are combined at once; for example, most devices for electric boilers are quite compatible with gas boilers.
In any case, it is the first criterion that one should pay attention to when choosing.Programmable cycles per day
The largest number of individual cycles that the thermostat timer can set in one day.
The cycle is the period during which the thermostat operates on one set of settings. For example, if there are 2 cycles, you can provide turning off the heating while you are at work and turn it on shortly before returning home. However, most thermostats provide a noticeably larger number of cycles — up to 24.
Note that in weekly timers (see "Timer type") this parameter may differ depending on the day of the week. For example, weekdays usually have more extensive settings than weekends.
Power source
The type of power source used in the thermostat.
— Mains. Powered by a conventional 230 V power grid. A device connected to such a power supply can operate without interruption for almost unlimited time, which is especially important for thermostats and automatic regulators — during working hours they must be constantly turned on, otherwise, the very meaning of such devices is lost. In addition, the mains connection is suitable for controllers of almost any power consumption. The only drawback of this option is the need to run the wire to the device, but this moment is hardly critical.
— Battery. Powered by its own battery or a disposable battery, in this case, both options are allowed. This type of power supply is found in wireless thermostats (see "Connection"); its main advantage is its complete independence from sockets, which greatly simplifies installation and makes the outdoor unit completely wireless. In some models, it can even be removed from the mount and carried with you. At the same time, the power consumption of thermostats is small, and a small battery may well last for a year or even more.