From:  alan_m <junk@admac.myzen.co.uk>
Date:  27 Oct 2024 18:36:48 Hong Kong Time
Newsgroup:  news.alt119.net/uk.d-i-y
Subject:  

Re: Dumb TRVs with call for heat

NNTP-Posting-Host:  null

On 27/10/2024 07:24, RJH wrote:

> 
> As mentioned here and elsewhere, it seems that some of these app-based systems
> do have a manual override. My Hive system certainly does - simply a rotating
> knob on the thermostat housing.
> 

The app usually just provides a fairly friendly user interface. 
Scheduling my boiler controller for heat and hot water is far easier on 
the smart phone than the convoluted method I had to go through to 
program my previously owned smart wireless room thermostat via a few 
(multi function) buttons. I always had to RTFM every time I needed to 
re-program the latter as the method wasn't that intuitive.

One thing to consider is can the controller and associated equipment 
still work without an internet connection? Some of systems in the market 
place are cloud like operated - the scheduling is not kept local. These 
systems still allow very basic manual on/off control if the 
internet/broadband goes down.

It strikes me that some people want all the advantages of modern control 
methods but are not interested in investing time and money in the other 
half of that control. TVRs that can be programmed or have other 
functionality are usually only supported as part of an overall control 
package. These usually have some bridge or are wi-fi enabled to your 
router so that they can be user controlled by other devices on your home 
network or remotely.

My aged mother who now only has partial sight in one eye finds things 
like smart plugs etc. controlled by voice via Alexa essential these 
days. Simple voice commands such as phone x or phone y, TV on, change 
channel to.., lights on, reminders to take tablets etc. means that she 
can still live a fairly independent life, albeit with carers for a hour 
each day coming in.

The OPs options seem to be
i) put in a larger radiator especially if it's a type 11 that can be 
replaced by a type 22 or type 33. As has already been mentioned, trying 
to heat a single room that has an undersized radiator, possibly with an 
old oversized boiler, can cause rapid short cycling putting mechanical 
strain on the boiler and will be very inefficient.

Taking a type 11 radiator as the reference a type 21 will output approx 
40% more heat, a type 22 approx 80% and a type 33 approx 140% more heat.
The difference in size being only to the depth of the radiator with a 
type 33 adding and extra 100mm to the depth

ii) rather than a TVR install a £10 mechanical room thermostat and wire 
that in parallel with an existing room thermostat. If more control is 
needed then a smart wireless thermostat (battery operated thermostat 
transmitting to a mains controlled receiver that could be placed, and 
perhaps powered, by the existing room thermostat).


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