Constant monitoring of the heating system requires a lot of effort and time. However, the emergence of new control devices can greatly simplify this process, and in some cases completely automate it. To do this, you need to install the appropriate controller for the heating and boiler control systems.
Purpose of heating controllers
The main purpose of this electronic device is to change the parameters of control devices connected to it to adjust their operation. The simplest example of such an elementary control element can be considered a system of automatic protection control in gas boilers. But the controllers for heating and domestic hot water have wide functionality.
They are an electronic unit with the ability to control the main elements of the heating system. To do this, it provides the ability to program parameters depending on the received data, from external temperature and pressure sensors. So, the controller for the heating boiler can regulate the operation of the collector of underfloor heating or individual thermostats on radiators.
The general characteristics of electronic control units include the following:
- System flexibility. To connect to heating components, you do not need to reprogram the device. In most cases, manufacturers provide several operating modes for one connection terminal;
- Ability to choose a convenient place to install the control panel. The Honeywell heating controller can be mounted up to 100 m from the control element;
- Monitoring the functioning of not only heating systems, but also domestic hot water;
- If you have a GPS unit, you can receive data on the state of heating online and issue commands to change its parameters.
Important is the function of connecting the device to the computer. A similar add-on module is installed on the Aries heating controller. It is noteworthy that it is not included in the mandatory package.
The controller can be installed on an old gas boiler. To do this, just change the heating pad to a new modular type.
Choosing a heating controller
In what cases do I need to install a heating control controller? First of all, this device is necessary with frequent absences in the house or apartment of residents. By connecting the electronic unit to external temperature sensors (on the street and indoors) and the boiler control terminals, it is possible to configure the automatic change of the burner functioning intensity using the built-in software package.
How to choose the optimal controllers for heating systems? The easiest option is to consult with specialists. But at the present time it is difficult to find those, since this product is relatively new. Therefore, it is recommended that you first examine the main selection options yourself:
- When comparing the controller for the heating boiler, make sure that the installed equipment has the ability to connect to the control unit. Most often, the boiler is characterized by a single-stage or two-stage external control. This applies only to gas models - matching with solid fuel is not possible;
- The number of managed components. For a Honeywell heating controller, this value can reach 15 depending on the specific model;
- The presence of a GPS unit. As mentioned above - this function makes it possible to remote control the heating;
- Frequency of software updates.The modern controller of heating systems and hot water supply TPM 32 can be connected directly to the computer. On the manufacturer’s website you can always find the latest software version.
An additional function is the adjustment of the components according to the set heating schedule. This feature is provided in the Aries heating controller. You should also pay attention to the accuracy of measurements. In professional models, this indicator should not exceed ± 0.01 of the scale.
Repair of heating controllers is rare. But still it is recommended to choose a manufacturer that has service centers in the region of residence.
Overview of popular controller models
Having decided on the required parameters of the controllers for heating and hot water, you can begin the analysis of the proposed products. Despite the large assortment, the market is oversaturated with low-quality models. Their actual parameters do not correspond to the declared ones, which subsequently leads to improper heating. Consider the truly popular and reliable examples of heating controllers.
Honeywell
Among the entire range of company products, a special place is occupied by the Smile model SDC7-21N. In addition to an affordable price, it is characterized by optimal functionality, which is important for controllers of heating systems.
It is important for the consumer to know the characteristics of the electronic device. It should be noted right away that for optimal operation of the Honeywell controller in the heating system, additional modules will need to be purchased - terminal blocks for connecting system components, a set of temperature sensors, a mixing 3-way valve and actuator. After assembling the controller, it will be possible to control the heating and domestic hot water according to the following parameters:
- The ability to regulate the operation of the burner of the boiler with two-stage control;
- Simultaneous control of 2 cascade type boilers. But for this you will need to install an additional temperature sensor at the output of the second;
- The controller for the heating system can adjust the direct and mixing circuit depending on outdoor and room temperature;
- DHW pump control;
- Possibility of installing a 7-day heating regulation program.
In the minimum configuration, it will only work as a controller for a heating boiler. But this does not hinder over time to purchase additional modules and upgrade the system. The cost of a complete set is about 45 thousand rubles.
It is best to purchase a complete set of equipment, since all its components will be guaranteed to work normally when connected to each other.
Aries TPM 32
If you need to choose an option at a more affordable price - it is recommended to pay attention to the heating controller Aries TPM 32. This domestic product is not inferior in its functionality to foreign analogues. It is noteworthy that with its help it is possible to control not only heating, but also DHW according to several parameters.
It should be immediately warned that the controller unit for heating and domestic hot water systems ТРМ 32 is more massive than the analogous Honeywell. Therefore, you need to think in advance about the place of its installation. In addition to it, the manufacturer offers a remote panel.
As for functionality, in addition to standard features, it should be noted such features of the controller for heating and hot water of this type:
- Automatic maintenance of water temperature in the DHW circuit;
- Using PID controllers, high accuracy of the temperature of the coolant is ensured;
- Built-in heating protection against reverse water movement;
- The presence of a day / night regime. In particular, this function is relevant for dual tariff electricity meters.
But the most interesting for the consumer is the cost of the controller for heating Aries. The price of the base model without additional equipment is 8-10 thousand.rubles.
Can I install a controller for heating and boiler control systems on my own? Despite the apparent complexity, the instructions for each model describe in detail to which terminals the heating components should be connected. If you carefully study the technical documentation of the controller and the boiler, you can install the automation yourself.
An example of controller installation can be found in the video material:
