Z-Wave Heating

Z-Wave heating options

How to integrate heating system into Z-Wave network

In this article, we tell you how to use the Z-Wave system to automated heating in the smart house/apartment and look at the opportunities that the Z-Wave technology provides as well as the more common methods of heating in residential areas.

The main reasons why a person decides to automate heating are:

Comfort - the system automatically controls the heating according to predefined rules
Almost unlimited adjustment possibilities of different temperatures at different times and rooms
Energy savings and reduction of bills

What are the benefits Z-Wave technology in the field of heating:

Two-way wireless communication - if the message is lost and does not confirm the receipt, it will be sent again
Mesh network topology – devices, that are main powered act as repeaters (amplifiers) signal and thus allow to increase network coverage and range of individual devices
The devices are controlled by primary controllers (smartphone, tablet, PC, through the Internet)

More about the hierarchy of Z-Wave can be found in the section Blog, Tutorials and Tips in this article (only in SK/CZ).

The most common ways of heating in residential areas

Radiators

Temperature control by thermostatic heads, the most common type of heating in flats/apartments. Thermostatic heads are installed directly on the radiator valves and can be operated manually using the buttons or using the controller. Using Z-Wave controller, it is possible to create the scene, which automate the process of heating.

Link:

Article about compatibility of the offered thermostatic heads with Z-Wave controller RaZBerry (only SK/CZ language).

Boiler heating

The boiler can be either electric or gas - operated through the central thermostat and relay connect to the boiler (we offered bundle the thermostat + relay). Relay for boiler control is installed directly into the boiler and with a central thermostat is paired wirelessly. Instead of the relay from bundle mention above, you can use any Z-Wave relay that satisfies a parameter, and then using a assocation process with a central thermostat. The principle of operation is: Thermostat contains a temperature sensor to detect the ambient temperature of the room. The value of the ambient temperature is compared to the setpoint temperature at the thermostat. Thermostat is wirelessly connected to the relay circuit and it will turn on boiler or turn off the boiler and interrupt the heating process itself.

Related links:

Zone underfloor heating (electric)

One of the most easily achievable heating system integrated into the Z-Wave. To control this type of heating thermostat just use a relay switch at any desired room in which we regulate temperature. We offer devices from Heatit, containing the switching relay and thermostat in one device. If you do not want to use manual control, the thermostat can be used thermostat from company Qubino which could simply installed in the electrical box and then cover up this box. So you can have invisible thermostat that you will be able to control via interface of Z-Wave controller.

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Zone heating using a distributor (underfloor heating)

For more sophisticated control "zone heating" (independent control of heating in each room), it is necessary to check how much you have distributor heads. Thus according to the number of electrical heads, it needs to use the same number of electrical relays for switching of electric circuits. Another important piece of information, that is useful to find out is whether after switch off all relays, the heating circulation pump is automatically switched off - this information is necessary so that in the event that the pump will not detect a closed circuit, stopping the pump will run by another relay the actual pump. Consequently, it is most ideal to use thermostat in every room where we want to regulate the temperature - an alternative solution can be used temperature sensor (stand-alone or integrated in multisensor device). In the case of solutions with a temperature sensor, however, you need to set a scene, and can not manually control the room temperature.

Related links:

Air condition

With temperature control in residential areas related to air conditioning. In our blog, you can find how it is possible to control the air conditioning system using Z-Wave device Remotec ZXT-120.

Link:

How to control your air conditioning wirelessly via Z-Wave?

Summary

By investing in a simple home automation system, you get comfortable control options for your intelligent heating system and thereby reduce your energy bills. You will get the following benefits:

Energy saving – implemented automatic heating system
Control – using the 'Zones' you can set different temperature in different room
Comfort – control your heating from any place on Earth (Internet connection is necessary)
Expandability – using the Z-Wave system to control heating, you can your smart house system constantly expanded with new modules and devices