Controls
"The underfloor heating control system is of paramount importance if you are going to achieve all the potential benefits of underfloor heating."
At Optimum we believe this statement to be 100% fact and because of this we place a huge importance on the design and specification of the controls we use. To understand the importance of the control system you must first understand the issues that it is trying to overcome.
Underfloor heating operates at a low temperature within a high mass medium. Because of this fact it is slower to respond to differing air temperature requirements. In other words, without a good control system it is difficult to achieve the desired room air temperature at the correct time.
The norm within the underfloor heating industry is to use a mechanical mixing set at each manifold that delivers a fixed water temperature into the floor structure. Each room/area has a basic room thermostat that controls the circuit(s) of pipe. Time and setback control is usually provided by a centrally located clock thermostat. At Optimum we believe this type of system should only be used for small areas of underfloor heating where the use of fuel is going to be minimal.
If you want to achieve perfect control and maximise comfort and efficiency levels you have to use a far more comprehensive control system. You would never consider buying a new car that was not fitted with a fuel management system; the same ethos should apply to your heating system. Control technology has advanced considerably over the last decade and Optimum Underfloor Heating has always strived to be at the forefront of offering the most up to date control package linked to the technical expertise needed to support it.