Types of Thermostats and Chronothermostats: how to choose
Winter is upon us, the cold is starting to be felt and it is inevitably time to turn on the heating. However, a question arises, it is possible to save on your bill thanks to choosing the right thermostat ? Could the thermostat affect consumption and costs? There are different types of thermostats and chronothermostats , but what is the difference between the two? And how do I choose the one that's right for me? In this article we will try to answer all these questions and provide some clarity on the topic.
The difference between thermostat and chronothermostat
As we explained in a What is a chronothermostat , the chronothermostat allows you to program the boiler on and off on an hourly basis and to set two temperatures, defined as Comfort and Reduction. The Comfort temperature is the one to which we want to bring the house during the hours during which we "live" the house! The reduction instead it is the temperature below which we do not want to go and is normally set during the night or when we are absent.
What are the main differences between the two devices?
- The thermostat activates or deactivates heating based on the set temperature, without time programming.
- The chronothermostat allows you to program specific times for turning the boiler on and off, optimizing consumption.
Choosing between thermostat and chronothermostat depends on your heating management needs. If you are looking for a smart solution to reduce consumption, the chronothermostat is the ideal choice .
Types of thermostats and chronothermostats
There are different types of thermostats and chronothermostats , each with specific characteristics. Let's see the main categories:
- Analog thermostats : simple devices with a knob for regulating the temperature.
- Digital thermostats : more advanced devices, equipped with displays and programmable functions, allow for more precise control.
- Programmable chronothermostats : allow hourly management of heating to optimize consumption.
- Smart and Wi-Fi programmable thermostats : connected to the internet, they can be controlled via apps or voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Home.
Wireless programmable thermostats : wireless devices that communicate with the boiler via radio.
The advantages of the chronothermostat
To fully appreciate advantages of the chronothermostat we need to look at this device from a different perspective than simply setting the degrees we want in the house.
The chronothermostat is in fact our best ally in the fight against waste. The ability to adjust and program reduction and comfort allows you to reduce the boiler ignition times to bring the room to the desired temperature. Furthermore, modern smart chronothermostats can interact with the heat generator based on the times used to heat the room.
It should not be forgotten that conscious use of heating not only has an impact on the bill, but also on the environment thanks to the reduction of emissions .
Chronothermostat: Seitron models
Let's now come to what are the different types of thermostat on the market.
A first fundamental distinction is that between digital chronothermostat , characterized by the presence of a display and adjustment of its functions via menu, and that analog characterised instead by programming via knobs.
We then have wireless programmable thermostats and i wifi chronothermostats .
- The wireless system denotes the possibility of installing chronothermostats (but also thermostats) that can communicate via radio, wireless , with the receiver, which drives an actuator, a circulation pump or a boiler directly.
- The wifi chronothermostat instead is characterized by the possibility of communicating, via wifi network, with dedicated apps that allow remote control of the device, saving data on temperature trends and optimizing consumption.
We remind you of the presence of wall-mounted or built-in devices, which differ in their installation methods, but not in their technical operating characteristics.
The Hygge programmable thermostat: design and innovation
Finally, we add something new introduced by Seitron in November 2020, it is a battery-operated wifi chronothermostat which communicates via radio with the boiler. The name is hygge and as you have understood, it condenses the best of the advantages offered by wireless together with the management possibilities of Wi-Fi. Furthermore hygge completely redefines design in the thermostat field, offering portable object , which can be placed anywhere and which gives the environment an unmistakable touch! For further information you can consult the product sheet!
How to choose a chronothermostat: 5 useful tips
We have seen that there are several types of thermostat , and the variety on offer can certainly be confusing. Let's see the 5 main features to take into consideration when purchasing:
- Programming : it must be simple, with the possibility of weekly and daily settings to maximize the advantage of the chronothermostat.
- Power : there are battery-powered or 230 V powered devices on the market. It is therefore essential to understand whether or not there is a power cable in the place where you intend to install the device. The advantage of the battery-powered chronothermostat lies precisely in its freedom of installation, not being tied to cables, and in lower consumption.
- Wiring : in relation to the previous point it is important to consider the wiring of the place where the chronothermostat will be installed: are all the wires present? If not present, can they be brought? Is it impossible to carry out the wiring (e.g. buildings with artistic value)? Is the place where the wires arrive close to areas that can alter the perceived temperature (kitchen, windows, doors, etc.)?
- Zones : how many zones is our home's heating system divided into? For example, if there is a single area, you can opt for systems to be installed directly on the radiators.
- Wifi : if you want to have remote control via apps and smart features. Some Wifi programmable thermostats, such as ours Wi-Time or Hygge , are also compatible with Alexa and Google Home voice assistants, for an even more connected home comfort experience.
If you need advice or have any doubts or questions relating to this topic you can contact us , we will be happy to help you!
