HOW DOES A MODULATING THERMOSTAT WORK?
Thermoregulation allows you to increase the efficiency of your boiler to make savings on your bill by optimising your domestic heating. There are two main options when it comes to managing the temperature of your home properly: traditional On/Off thermostats, which automatically switch the boiler on and off to achieve the desired temperature, or innovative modulating thermostats.
These devices are cutting-edge in terms of thermoregulation thanks to the latest generation technology that can provide considerable energy savings. Installing a modulating thermostat means bringing your heating system in line with your actual consumption, obtaining maximum living comfort and cutting the cost of your bill.
Modulating room thermostats: what are they and what are they used for?
Modern thermostats are made using modulating technology, an advanced thermoregulation system that allows you to control your boiler in a highly efficient way. These systems communicate with your boiler in real time in a continuous dialogue that allows you to adapt the appliance’s operation to your needs.
Once the modulating thermostat has been set, it works to maintain a constant temperature. To do this it takes into account how quickly the desired temperature is reached, modulating the boiler flow temperature accordingly. This means the boiler can 'turn down' its output to only generate the heat required at a certain time. Our top of the range Alteas ONE Net and Genus ONE Net boilers offer a modulation ratio of 1:10 making them some of the most efficient on the market.
How does modulating technology work in thermoregulation?
Modulating thermoregulation allows you to take advantage of two functions within the same appliance. An advanced thermostat can measure the ambient temperature and communicate with your boiler. This allows it to manage when the boiler ignites intelligently, based on a series of additional aspects, such as the time taken to reach the desired temperature.
This process is managed automatically without any need for intervention: all you have to do is choose the ideal temperature and the system takes care of providing a pleasant home environment and maximum energy efficiency. Depending on the model, modulating room thermostats can offer a range of additional functions, including the ability to remotely monitor the system via a Wi-Fi connection or special apps for mobile devices.
The most innovative tools allow you to manage multiple temperature zones to personalise the warmth in every room of your house or to programme the various rooms in different ways. Some modulating thermostats also provide detailed consumption information to help reduce waste by adapting to your habits and helping you save more money.
What benefits do modern modulating thermostats offer?
Modulating thermostats provide a series of significant benefits, including:
- improved living comfort;
- considerable energy savings;
- reduced polluting emissions;
- optimal heating management;
- reductions on your bill;
- improved household energy efficiency.
Modulating technology allows you to benefit from unprecedented well-being and comfort at home by maintaining a constant temperature without interruptions or delays due to suboptimal boiler ignition. The improved energy efficiency guaranteed by these systems allows you to reduce consumption and heat your home in a more ecological, sustainable and economical way.
At the same time, the boiler is preserved by reducing the number of ignitions. It also works in an optimised way with less effort, always switching on at the right time. This not only guarantees lower expenditure on energy costs, but also prolongs the life of the system, minimising the risk of breakdowns and malfunctions.
Why switch from a mechanical to a modulating thermostat?
Classic mechanical wheel thermostats operate based on the On/Off mechanism that switches the boiler on and off depending on the temperature detected and the values set using the system’s knob or buttons. This system is simple and effective, but it does have limitations due to the number of times the system has to start and stop. The constant starting and stopping process results in more wear and tear on the boiler system as components are operated more often. Similarly, a boiler operated by a mechanical thermostat runs hotter and cooler, putting greater stress on the mechanical parts of the appliance. A modulating thermostat helps avoid these issues, prolonging the life of the boiler and reducing the need for repairs.
Modulating thermostats instead allow you to decrease the number of ignitions by activating the boiler at the most appropriate moment depending on the time required to reach and maintain the ideal temperature. These devices are obviously only compatible with the latest generation systems providing an opportunity to replace your old boiler with a highly energy-efficient model.
Installing a modulating thermostat
A modulating thermostat must be installed in an optimal way, identifying the correct positioning of the device to ensure it functions perfectly. In particular, the device must not be near a heat source, exposed to solar radiation or in the immediate vicinity of heating pipes or household appliances, but in a central and busy part of the house.
Our Cube S Net Wi-Fi thermostat offers modulating technology and is quick and easy to install. It is also compatible with the Ariston NET app for remote heating control and optimised energy saving ability. Modulating thermostats allow you to benefit from maximum energy savings in your home, optimising consumption and recovering the investment quickly while also enjoying a more pleasant living environment.
All current Ariston boilers are modulation-ready and our Alteas ONE Net and Genus ONE Net models come with the wireless Cube RF modulating sensor included, providing all you need to benefit from modulation, straight out of the box!
To find out more about installing a modulating thermostat in your home contact your nearest engineer today using our Find an Installer tool.
