Radiant in-floor heating has been used for thousands of years because it evenly spreads heat and makes it easy to control the temperature. On the other hand, a good thermostat is a big part of why this kind of system works so well. Without it, the evenly distributed heat that you appreciate from your floor heating system could turn against you and turn your home or business into a sauna. You need a thermostat for your radiant heat the same way you need one for your HVAC system to ensure you aren’t wasting money trying to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Temperature Display and Sensor
Even though the primary purpose of your thermostat is to maintain a consistent temperature in your home, you should look for models that also provide information about the outside weather. This information can help you determine how well your thermostat and radiant floor heat are working and whether they are working properly.
Matched to Radiant Heat Source
Most thermostats are designed to regulate one particular radiant heat source. When looking for a floor heating thermostat, you need to be careful not to select one designed for electric heat if the area you are heating uses hydronic floor heat and vice versa.
Programmable
If you have a regular schedule, you should seek a floor heating thermostat capable of numerous programming functions (i.e., designed to create more heat during high-traffic hours and less when you are normally gone) to achieve the highest possible level of efficiency. On the other hand, if you don’t find this functionality very useful, simpler models are available.
