Heating systems are very different — radiator, pipe, underfloor, plinth. If in apartment conditions you don’t have to choose much. Usually standard radiators are installed there, made of materials such as cast iron, steel, aluminum or other metal alloys. In the conditions of private houses, preference is increasingly given to underfloor heating systems on a water or electric basis. Water heated floors can be prone to leaks, which can be quite problematic to fix. It is for this reason that the owners of such housing install electric underfloor heating.
Such products are characterized by low energy consumption, they can be laid under a variety of coatings — laminate, linoleum, ceramic tiles, even under wooden floors. One of the key elements in such a system is a thermostat. Without it, it will not be possible to set the optimal temperature in the room. It is built into an ordinary electrical network and, due to the built-in rheostat, determines the specific power attributable to the heating elements.
Unfortunately, not all consumers are aware of how to choose the right device. In this article, we will talk about the best thermostats for underfloor heating. However, before we begin to analyze specific models in detail, let’s look at a number of rules that you need to rely on when buying these products.
How to choose the right thermostat for underfloor heating?
All products of this type are classified into three main groups — mechanical, programmable and digital. The first type is suitable for a water heated floor or for a system with electromechanical control. The device often works offline, for example, on batteries, so there is no need to build it into a standard electrical network. This is very convenient if the house has already been completely redecorated and overhauled: you don’t have to ditch the walls, lay additional wires, and so on. The device is distinguished by a simple device, but regulates the temperature with good accuracy.
Digital models are similar to mechanical products in their principle of operation. However, they are mostly equipped with a liquid crystal display, which displays not only temperature indicators, but also all kinds of errors that may occur during the operation of the heater. All parameters are set manually, however, there are devices that have a timer. This function allows you to set the desired temperature depending on the time of day.
Programmable equipment allows you to set the operating mode of the warm floor for a period of one day to a whole year. These devices are often equipped with a remote sensor installed outside the premises — on the street. This approach is very convenient, since the device will independently regulate the heating level depending on the street temperature. When a certain value is reached, it will completely turn off the heating.
When we chose products to be included in our rating of the best floor heating thermostats, all these points were taken into account. In addition, user reviews and value for money products have played a significant role. The review includes popular among consumers, but not the most expensive devices.
Top 10 underfloor heating thermostats
10. Terneo RZ
One of the most affordable models among all presented on the domestic market. Products are developed by engineers of Russian and Ukrainian enterprises. They were able to create a universal model that can work not only with electric, but also with infrared warm floors, often this thermostat is used even in cooling systems. The device itself is not built-in, but a consignment note, so there is no need for it to make a niche in the wall. The device is equipped with an ordinary socket with grounding, through which it will be possible to power any electrical appliances.
The heating temperature can be adjusted from 0 to +30 degrees. The design is equipped with a reliable protection system, which is a button lock — this allows you to prevent accidental resetting. In the reviews, the owners praise the presence of a grounded socket and a decent accuracy of the heating temperature — the error does not exceed one degree.
Advantages:
- Allows you to save electricity;
- Affordable cost;
- Button lock system.
Disadvantages:
- The appearance is somewhat rustic;
- There is no programming function.
Thermostat Terneo RZ
9. Thermo Thermoreg TI-200
Provides maximum control over the electric floor, manufactured by a Swedish company. The heating adjustment range for this thermostat is from +5 to +40 degrees. Together with this device, an original sensor is supplied, which allows you to accurately monitor the temperature of the floor heating. When the system is working, a special LED type indicator lights up. The device belongs to the mechanical class, so it is very easy to operate.
Consumers note the reliability of the design, the ability to withstand high loads (up to 3600 W). The case is made of high-quality heat-resistant white plastic. It will not be possible to strictly monitor compliance with the temperature regime, largely due to the fact that the model does not have a display. The build quality is decent — no backlash or extraneous squeaks were found when pressing on the case. The average period of operation is about 7 years.
Advantages:
- Very well made;
- Long service life;
- Able to withstand significant loads;
- The case is plastic, but pleasant to the touch.
Disadvantages:
- There is no way to program;
- The display is not provided.
Temperature controller Thermo Thermoreg TI-200
8. National Comfort 711
This is the first temperature controller that is equipped with a digital display with graphic pictograms. It has an LED backlight, thanks to which you can control the temperature modes even in complete darkness. The device has an extended configuration — together with the product, a module is supplied that is responsible for self-diagnostics of the heating system. If the condition analysis results are unsatisfactory, a special warning information will be displayed on the display.
According to experts, with the help of this thermostat it will be possible to save up to 30% on electricity consumed for heating. It should be noted that the device is not characterized by the highest system of protection against moisture (the case complies with the IP20 standard), so it cannot be installed in rooms with a high level of humidity — bathrooms, showers, toilets.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost of equipment;
- Extended equipment;
- There is a module for automatic diagnostics;
- Wide functionality of the device.
Disadvantages:
- The buttons on the panel are physical, they are pressed quite tightly;
- The device is sensitive to moisture.
Thermostat National Comfort 711
7. Grand Meyer HW500
Despite the fact that this is a German-made model, it has a quite reasonable cost and, quite logically, traditional German quality. This device is used to keep under full control the degree of heating of the underfloor heating system and maintain an optimal microclimate in the room. This is the first programmable device — its work can be regulated by days or weeks. Up to six heating modes can be set per day.
Two sensors are supplied with this equipment at once — one monitors the air temperature, the other is responsible for the degree of floor heating. The display is equipped with a soft and not too sharp LED backlight, so it will be possible to adjust the thermostat’s operating mode even at night.
Advantages:
- Very easy to set up;
- A wide choice of programs;
- Rich instruction;
- There is a night light.
Disadvantages:
- There is no way to block the device if it is disabled.
Thermostat Grand Meyer HW500
6. Teplolux TR 520
The device is a universal model of domestic production. In particular, with the help of such a device, it is possible to monitor and control the operation of not only underfloor heating, but also various types of heating mats and cable sections. However, in this product, not only its functional side is good, but also a very beautiful body made of high-quality plastic with a matte coating. It will look attractive in any type of interior.
There is a programming function that includes four daytime events — getting up, working day, returning home and night hours. Due to such a device, you can save a decent amount of electricity, for example, by reducing the degree of heating of the room when no one is at home. The display of the product is very clear, due to it it is easy to configure all the functions of the design. Mounting the thermostat is very simple — all manipulations with it are described in detail in the instructions for the device. It is available in various colors, so you can choose the case depending on how the interior is decorated.
Advantages:
- The device is easy to install and operate;
- Detailed instructions for installation and use in Russian;
- Attractive appearance.
Disadvantages:
- The cyclic menu becomes annoying over time.
Temperature controller Teplolux TR 520
5. Terneo SX
The model is equipped with touch controls. There is a built-in Wi-Fi module here, which allows you to control the device remotely through a special application for mobile phones or tablets. All settings are saved in a unique cloud storage, statistics of changes in the heating temperature are also stored there. The last moment is very convenient if you use it with the onset of cold weather. Applications through which you can control the thermostat are designed for iOS and Android platforms.
This is a built-in design, but its installation will not take much time and will not cause any difficulties. For placement in the wall, it will be enough to drill a hole for a standard mounting box. In the reviews, people note the stylish appearance of the design and the very wide functionality of the product.
Advantages:
- Installation will not cause difficulties even for an inexperienced user;
- Cute design;
- Advanced functionality;
- Possibility of remote control.
Disadvantages:
- Applications are not always stable;
- The case plastic could be better.
Thermostat Terneo SX
4. DEVI Touch
The manufacturer calculated this device for use not only in underfloor heating, but also in heating systems of various types. The thermostat is able to withstand even a very high load — up to 3680 W, it can work with sensors from other companies. The device works on the basis of a microprocessor control unit. It has a fairly large touch-screen display. The operating temperature range is from +5 to +45 degrees.
Consumers appreciated a number of the most modern features of the device: there is a frost protection system, an open window detection function. The product also has a block that allows you to save electricity. The display is of high quality, equipped with a backlight, it is fully Russified.
Advantages:
- The screen is quite bright;
- Extended set of equipment;
- Setting up the thermostat is very easy;
- Pretty long wires to connect.
Disadvantages:
- Quite expensive equipment;
- Some points related to the connection are not very clearly spelled out in the instructions.
Thermostat DEVI Touch
3. Electrolux ETT-16 TOUCH
In third place in the ranking of the best thermostats for underfloor heating is Swedish-made products. The product is a hidden device, it is very convenient to use, the display is covered with dust-repellent compositions. Initially, such a model was developed specifically for electric floors of the corresponding brand, but it can also be connected to products from any other manufacturer.
This is a programmable device, so the owner can set up to six temperature modes, the device is designed for a seven-day period. The display here is touch-sensitive, equipped with a bluish LED backlight, which has a very soft glow. The screen displays the air temperature, time, as well as the general status of the system. With proper adjustment of the thermostat, it will be possible to save a decent amount of electricity.
Advantages:
- Well thought out and very convenient control system;
- You can program the operation of the device for seven days;
- Soft, unsharp backlight display;
- Possibility of saving electricity.
Disadvantages:
- The instructions do not contain a description of error codes and the possibility of their elimination.
Thermostat Electrolux ETT-16 TOUCH
2. Caleo 520
Surface-mounted temperature controller with touch control function. This is a domestic product, it has a very informative display, which will display the heating temperature of the floor itself and the air in the room. According to experts, and consumers confirm their point of view, the power of the device is low, so it will be possible to save electricity. The display has an eye-pleasing backlight, the keyboard can be locked if necessary.
The developers have well thought out the settings system and the convenience of working with the device. The operating range of heating ranges from 0 to +40 degrees. The warm floor is in contact with the thermostat using a power wire. Despite a significant number of positive aspects, the device is characterized by quite reasonable cost. The case is stylish — it will look beautiful in any interior.
Advantages:
- Interesting appearance;
- Touch control display;
- Low power consumption;
- Acceptable price of the device.
Disadvantages:
- The relay periodically makes clicking sounds.
Thermostat Caleo 520
1. Nest Learning Thermostat 3.0
This is the third generation of thermostats from this manufacturer. External design is practically no different from the previous ones. The thermostat looks very stylish, largely due to the original housing made using Ecobee3 technology. It is made on the basis of plastic with a soft-touch coating, on which neither fingerprints nor traces of dust remain. The front panel is almost completely occupied by a liquid crystal round display, the diameter of which is as much as 3 inches, and the resolution is 320×320 pixels.
The thermostat is equipped with a number of additional functions, among them there is automatic scheduling of heating, the ability to program work. It has an automatic shutdown system. If the underfloor heating system fails, the device will notify the user in a timely manner. Control is carried out both through the screen itself and through a special application for a smartphone — there is a Wi-Fi module for this.
Advantages:
- Large screen;
- Advanced functionality;
- Ability to manage remotely;
- Ease of installation.
Disadvantages:
- The price is way too high.
Thermostat Nest Learning Thermostat 3.0
In conclusion, a useful video
Our review of the best thermostats for underfloor heating has come to an end. If you liked some model, but you still cannot say with certainty whether it will suit your realities or not, then write to us about it in the comments. We will try our best to help you find the best device for you.