Electronic Thermostat Control for Boiler

graham17_2

Hey,

Just bought a new house, finally completed about a week and a half ago and got the keys.

I just had a quick question about the boiler. It's a combi boiler, the Vokera range if that helps.

It's currently using the normal dial on the boiler itself that turns round and comes on at the times you've pushed in on it. Just works on a 24 hour basis, rather than specific days.

It had been suggested in the energy report to get one the electronic ones that people often have in say their main livingroom. I believe it checks the temperature and alters the heat accordingly. But the main thing I liked was the programmable feature for when to have the boiler go on and off for the central heating; so you can pick specific days of the week and times. This would certainly help us I think as my fiancee works shifts, so the time we'd want it on differs.

Just wondered if anyone knows what sort of price this might be to get one installed? Also, who do you tend to ask? Any specific companies?

I live in Scotland if that makes any difference to the answers.

Thanks,

Graham.

penrhyn

You are talking about a programmable room thermostat. If you already have a room thermostat these are a simple DIY job to replace.
I replaced my old room stat with a Drayton Digistat, cost about £35.



If you don't have a room stat it would be worth considering a wireless version to save on wiring.

More expensive of course.
http://www.uk-plumbing.com/ACL-Drayton-Invensys-Digistat-Plus3-RF-Wireless-7-Day-Programmable-Thermostat-p-54086.html

graham17_2

Hey,

Yep, that's what I was talking about :-)

Unfortunately though, the only control is the manual dial on the boiler itself. I believe some of the radiators might have thermostatic valves, but not 100% sure on all of them.

But there is definitely nothing to program in the room, or any other obviously thing, other than the dial on the boiler.

What's the best way to get this changed? I think this would be quite handy. Wil it be quite expensive though? What companies would provide this? Or is it something you'd do yourself? (I'm guessing not as there's nothing there to just replace).

Thanks,

Graham.

penrhyn

I guess you need to find a good local heating engineer.
Ask around for a reliable one. Our local authority has a trusted trader scheme might be worth seeing if yours does.

Canucklehead

graham17 wrote: »

Hey,

Yep, that's what I was talking about :-)

Unfortunately though, the only control is the manual dial on the boiler itself. I believe some of the radiators might have thermostatic valves, but not 100% sure on all of them.

But there is definitely nothing to program in the room, or any other obviously thing, other than the dial on the boiler.

What's the best way to get this changed? I think this would be quite handy. Wil it be quite expensive though? What companies would provide this? Or is it something you'd do yourself? (I'm guessing not as there's nothing there to just replace).

Thanks,

Graham.

Good afternoon: I would recommend this wireless, programmable roomstat and TRVs on all of your rads except the one where you fit the stat. You can find someone qualified here.

HTH

Canucklehead

Cardew

The difficulty for the OP is that the timer/programmer for his current system is physically on the boiler.

The remote wireless programmer(the transmitter) is great. However the receiver has to be hard wired to the boiler controls, which sounds as if it would be a difficult problem.

penrhyn

Indeed, Vokera have a controls brochure:
http://vokera.excaliburstudio.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/basic_controls_homeowner.pdf

I guess it depends on the OP's model, they do offer a retrofitable programmable RF thermostat.
They could always get in touch with the manufacturer for advice.

Canucklehead

Cardew wrote: »

The difficulty for the OP is that the timer/programmer for his current system is physically on the boiler.

The remote wireless programmer(the transmitter) is great. However the receiver has to be hard wired to the boiler controls, which sounds as if it would be a difficult problem.

Good morning: not a problem for a 'competent person'. As Penrhyn said, the OP should contact Vokera...we don't know which model the OP has;) Honeywell will also have something suitable.

HTH

Canucklehead

graham17_2

Hey,

I believe it's the Vokera Linea range. Though I'm not at home to check right now, but I'm pretty sure it's that.

Thanks again all for the help and advice, will have a look and see what I can find.

Thanks,

Graham.