Comparing the Top 5 Thermostats for Commercial and Residential Use in 2018

Radiant cooling/heating thermostats are in a class all their own.

Compared to typical thermostats for conventional HVAC systems, there is the need for nuanced temperature controls among other functions with radiant systems.

While thermostats have become highly technical, there is a need for usability. The average person should have the ability to optimally control the thermal comfort of a space.

Ideally, radiant cooling/heating thermostats are easy to use, but sensitive enough to regulate a system to the desired temperature for the dweller.

In essence, a radiant system is only as good as its thermostat.

Today, we’re going to run through the top 5 thermostats for radiant cooling & heating systems.

Beyond Heating and Cooling Systems

Radiant cooling and heating along with proper ventilation and humidity control make huge differences in indoor air quality and the thermal comfort of dwellers.

When searching for a proper thermostat, here’s what consumers and building engineers should look for:

• Easy to install
• Readable interface
• Reliable temperature control within 0.5 to 1 degree
• Temperature control that minimizes energy consumption
• Low maintenance

Now that we are sure about what a good thermometer should do, let’s discuss the top five commercial thermostats available in 2018 for homes and buildings with radiant cooling & heating systems.

Top 5 Radiant Heating Thermostats for Commercial and Residential Use

1. Siemens RDE 100

System Overview

This room temperature controller is powered by an AC 230V power supply or batteries. Users control room temperatures via a build-in sensor or through manual external input. Auto time setting can be switched to individual days, week or 5-2 day programs.

Although the system does a moderate job controlling temperatures, the interface is more complex than modern, comparable thermostats.

Typical Uses

Best for use in apartments, schools and commercial spaces. This Siemens model is used in the control of thermal valves, fans, pumps, gas and oil boilers, and floor heating.

System Specifications

PROS

• Power options (wired or battery)
• Useful in commercial and residential spaces
• Control over various HVAC/radiant components

CONS

• Complex interface
• Older design

2. Danfoss TPOne-RF + RX1-S

System Overview

The Danfoss TPOne features comfort modes that allow users to program their heating from day to day. The interface features buttons that are touch sensitive. This system requires pairing with a receiver/boiler relay (such as the RX1-S), and external sensor inputs are optional.

Features of the TPOne are designed to save energy and features a leaf graphic that appears when settings are optimized.

Unfortunately, with a whopping 11 button interface, this is about as complex as a thermostat gets and may not be ideal for most homeowners.

Typical Uses

This heating control system works well in multi-unit apartments and homes.

System Specifications

PROS

• Easy-to-identify eco-mode
• Ideal for complex programming needs

CONS

• Buttons prone to accidental activation
• Larger interface may be intrusive
• Too many buttons

3. Danfoss RET2000B + RX1-S

System Overview

The Danfoss RET2000B is a digital room thermostat designed with energy savings in mind. The display is large and easy to read. For those with poor eyesight, the backlight makes the interface easier to read. Temperatures are set with upper and lower temperature limits. A button lock prevents tampering. The thermostat may be set to be a cooling device.

This simple design is sleeker than other brands, but there are fewer programmable functions on this model. For those looking for specific temperatures on different days or during certain hours, you may want to look for another brand.

Typical Uses

The general use for this thermostat is residential, but may be used for commercial office spaces depending on the building system.

System Specifications

PROS

• Bright, large display
• Basic functions for ease of use
• Used for heating and cooling

CONS

• Lacks high-level programming
• Mostly fit for residential spaces

4. Watts WFHT-LCD-RF

System Overview

This is an electronic radio room thermostat with an LCD display used to control radiant panel heating and cooling. It is powered using two lithium batteries. There are two sensors: one in the unit and another in the floor. Sensors may be used alone or together.

Unfortunately, if the battery on this model dies, so does the functionality of the radiant system. This may be risky for dwellings that remain empty for stretches of time. It’s certainly undesirable for commercial properties.

Typical Uses

The Watts WFHT-LCD-RF is generally used as a smart home thermostat device.

System Specifications

PROS

• Controls heating and cooling panels
• Integrated sensors

CONS

• Battery-powered only
• Not typically desirable for commercial use

5. Uponor 230V Thermostat

System Overview

Although similar to the Smatrix style of Uponor thermostats, the 230V Thermostat is larger.

The functions are basic for optimal accessibility for all users. The thermostat controls radiant heating but does not include humidity control. Units are hard-wired into the home or building’s structure.

Its unique appearance is sleek and easy-to-read.

The 230V Thermostat works in conjunction with the Uponor 230V wiring box and the Uponor 230V Actuator.

This wired-in model is easy to install and features a design that would be welcome in any home or business.

Typical Uses

Ideal for households and businesses requiring basic temperature controls.

System Specifications

PROS

• Easy to use
• Easy to install
• Sleek design

CONS

• Does not control humidity
• Battery-powered only *

* China market 

The Bottom Line

Thermostats matter to those using them.

For homeowners, usability and low maintenance are the most crucial.

It’s the job of engineers and designers to choose the right thermostat that leverages the efficacy of radiant systems.

Because in the end, it’s all about thermal comfort and energy savings.

Uponor’s 230V Thermostat does that and more.

Compared to other models, the 230V Thermostat is:

• Easy to install
• Wired for easy maintenance
• Sleek design
• Easy-to-read screen
• Less buttons for easy programming
• Functions that don’t overwhelm the user

Learn more about our 230V wired thermostats here!