General

Underfloor heating systems can be controlled as sole heating systems or may be linked with other types of heat emitters such as Panel Radiators, Fan Convectors, Perimeter Heating and Hot Water Generators.

Each of these heat emission systems has different control requirements and settings, and it is necessary to take into account the total heating and hot water requirements when deciding which type of control system to use for the underfloor heating section. Also, with the possibility of condensing or non condensing boilers, and their requirements for different return water temperatures, a full system control strategy is required to extract the high level of efficiency which can be obtained from the correct use of modern controls.

Due to the low flow temperature requirement of underfloor heating systems, and the consequent low return temperatures, unless a condensing boiler is being utilised exclusively as the heat source, it will be necessary to reduce the flow temperature from the boiler to an acceptable level for the underfloor heating. This reduction is termed "mixing", and is achieved by using return water from the floor, and mixing this with the supply water from the boiler to an extent where the mixed flow temperature is correct. Mixing of this type can be achieved by a self acting blending valve which will provide water at a preset level, or a 2 port modulating valve and controller, or via a motorised valve operated by a weather compensator or via variable speed control of a pump, which will automatically adjust the mixing to match the specific requirements of the system on a continuously monitored basis.

What we are aiming to achieve?

The control system should be capable of operating the total heating system to provide the level of temperature comfort required by the occupier, and by achieving this in the most economical and safest way. The system should be kept as simple as possible, but must be capable of controlling all the required functions. A good control system will enable the heating installation to function correctly, and should enable the occupier's demands to be satisfied. Planning and design of the control system is as equally important as the design of the heating installation, and should not be an afterthought. Design of the controls should take into account any future expansion, and can also incorporate updated control philosophy for an existing system that is being expanded.

Ultimately, expenditure on the control system can generally be justified, but must be kept in relation to the price of the total heating installation.

Please use the "Control details" link to connect to the control systems available to us at present