Constant monitoring of the heating system requires a lot of effort and time. However, the emergence of new control devices can significantly simplify this process, and in some cases completely automate it. To do this, you need to install an appropriate controller for heating and boiler control systems.
Purpose of heating controllers
The main purpose of this electronic device is to change the parameters of the control devices connected to it to correct their operation. The simplest example of such an elementary control element can be considered a system of automatic control protection in gas boilers. But controllers for heating and hot water supply have wide functionality.
They represent 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 data received, from external temperature and pressure sensors. So, a controller for a heating boiler can regulate the operation of the underfloor heating collector or individual thermostats on radiators.
The general characteristics of electronic control units include the following:
- System flexibility. You do not need to reprogram the device to connect to heating components. In most cases, manufacturers provide several operating modes for one connection terminal;
- Possibility of choosing a convenient place for installing the control panel. The Honeywell heating controller can be mounted at a distance of up to 100 m from the control element;
- Control over the functioning of not only heating systems, but also hot water supply;
- If there is a GPS unit, it is possible to receive data on the state of heating in online mode and send commands to change its parameters.
The function of connecting the device to a computer is also important. A similar additional 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, it is enough to change the heating pad to a new modular type.
Heating controller selection
When do you need to install a heating controller? First of all, this device is necessary in case of frequent absences from the house or apartment of residents. By connecting the electronic unit to external temperature sensors (outdoors and indoors) and the boiler control terminals, you can use the built-in software to set up an automatic change in the intensity of the burner operation.
How to choose the optimal controllers for heating systems? The easiest option is to consult a specialist. But it is difficult to find one at this time, as this product is relatively new. Therefore, it is recommended that you first independently study the main selection parameters:
- When comparing a controller for a heating boiler, make sure that the installed equipment has the ability to connect to the control unit. Most often, the boiler is characterized by one-stage or two-stage external control. This applies only to gas models - matching with solid fuel is impossible;
- The number of components to manage. For a Honeywell heating controller, this value can be up to 15, depending on the specific model;
- The presence of a GPS unit.As mentioned above - this function makes it possible to remotely control the heating;
- Frequency of software updates. The modern controller of heating and hot water supply systems TRM 32 can be connected directly to the computer. You can always find the latest software version on the manufacturer's website.
An additional function is to regulate the operation of the components according to the set heating schedule. This possibility is provided in the Aries heating controller. You should also pay attention to the accuracy of the measurements. In professional models, this indicator should not exceed ± 0.01 of the scale.
Heating controllers are rarely repaired. But it is still 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 controllers for heating and hot water supply, you can begin to analyze 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 incorrect operation of the heating. Let's look at some really popular and reliable examples of heating controllers.
Honeywell
Among the entire product range of the company, the Smile SDC7-21N model occupies a special place. In addition to the 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, you will need to purchase additional modules - terminal blocks for connecting system components, a set of temperature sensors, a 3-way mixing valve and actuator. After assembling the controller, it will be possible to control heating and hot water supply according to the following parameters:
- Possibility of regulating the operation of the boiler burner with two-stage control;
- Simultaneous control of 2 cascade boilers. But for this you will need to install an additional temperature sensor at the outlet of the second;
- The controller for the heating system can regulate the direct and mixing circuits depending on the outside and room temperature;
- DHW pump control;
- Possibility of setting a 7-day heating control program.
In the minimum configuration, it will only work as a controller for a heating boiler. But this will not prevent you from purchasing additional modules and upgrading the system over time. The cost of a complete set is about 45 thousand rubles.
It is best to purchase a complete set of equipment, as all of its components are guaranteed to work properly when connected to each other.
Aries TRM 32
If you need to choose an option at a more affordable price, it is recommended to pay attention to the heating controller Aries TRM 32. This domestic product is in no way inferior to foreign counterparts in its functionality. It is noteworthy that it can be used to control not only heating, but also hot water supply by several parameters.
You should immediately warn that the controller unit for heating and hot water supply TPM 32 is more massive than a similar Honeywell. Therefore, you need to think about the place of its installation in advance. In addition to it, the manufacturer offers a remote panel.
As for the functionality, in addition to the standard features, the following features of the controller for heating and hot water supply of this type should be noted:
- Automatic maintenance of the water temperature in the DHW circuit;
- Using PID controllers, high accuracy of the coolant temperature is ensured;
- Built-in protection of heating against reverse movement of water;
- Day / night mode. This function is especially relevant for two-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 myself? 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 installing the controller can be found in the video:
