With new changes being introduced as part of the Future Homes Standard, we’re expecting to see a big shift in how new and existing homes across the UK are heated.
For those looking for a more cost-effective and energy-efficient solution, underfloor heating is a great alternative that will no doubt be rolled our more widely across new build properties from 2025.
In this blog, you’ll find a brief overview of underfloor heating and its benefits. Plus, we take a deeper dive into how the system can effectively be controlled.
An explanation of underfloor heating and selecting the most suitable system
Underfloor heating is a modern solution which is far less obtrusive than traditional radiators as the whole system is undetectable when installed.So how does it work? Well, the entire floor is gently heated by piped warm water, creating the perfect ambient room temperature in any area of the home.Unlike radiators, underfloor heating works incredibly efficiently with heat pumps. It requires lower temperatures and uses less energy to heat a home, helping occupants to reduce both their carbon footprint and monthly heating costs.For those needing a little bit of extra support to get started, we’ve created an underfloor heating selector tool so that you can find out which underfloor heating system you’ll need for your project. By answering a few simple questions, you’ll know whether you’d be best working with a staple system, system plates, low-build systems, panel system or diffuser plate.
How do underfloor heating controls work?
When the underfloor heating system has been installed, one of the best ways to effectively manage it is through a specialist heating control system.At Wavin, we understand the importance of creating effective systems that are easy to control, service and maintain. So, developed a specific system that allows homeowners to manage their heating and control their energy usage.The system is known as Sentio and has been designed with both the installer and end user in mind. With a fully functioning app, Sentio also allows users to remotely control the heating system.
Sentio reduces the complexity and common problems which often occur with underfloor heating and cooling control. In just three simple steps, installers can connect, set and go with logical installation, effortless configuration and smart app-controlled usability.Simplifying the control of underfloor heating seems to mean everybody can take full advantage of all the benefits that come with underfloor heating and cooling.
The Sentio components
Sentio is made up of a number of components that work in conjunction with one another and are incredibly easy to operate, making life much easier for the installer and homeowner.
Here is an overview of the several different components included as part of the complete Sentio system:
Sentio central control unit
The central control unit is responsible for maintaining the ideal temperature of the home and does so by monitoring both the inlet and outlet flow temperatures and adjusting them accordingly. By adding an outdoor sensor we can provide weather compensation which will reduce the energy used to heat the home.
As standard, the base unit can support up to eight thermostats, 16 actuators and two circulation pumps.
To make the installation easier, faster and more efficient, the system also features intuitive wire management and low-voltage, daisy-chained wiring.The Sentio control unit can be linked to the Wavin Ventiza mechanical ventilation with heat recovery units (MVHR). This enables users to control underfloor heating, cooling, radiator, and ventilation systems from one controller, with one app.
Sentio thermostat
The Sentio smart thermostat is elegant and non-intrusive and only displays information when required. It has the capability to display both temperature and humidity levels and also allows occupants to switch easily between three pre-set comfort modes. By controlling humidity, the Sentio thermostat can reduce dampness and mould in the room.The Sentio thermostat can be used for underfloor cooling systems, where a reversible heat pump is being used. Here the system can give a signal to turn cooling on and will control the cooling systems, whilst avoiding the dew-point to ensure condensation doesn’t form on the floor.
Sentio smart radiator thermostat
The Sentio smart radiator thermostat can be added to the system where a mixture of underfloor heating and radiators exists in the same system. In some homes, underfloor heating on the ground floor is combined with radiators on the first floor. In common control systems this would require two types of controllers, two apps, which can be confusing for the homeowner. Sentio can combine underfloor heating and radiator systems on one device, with one app.
The smart radiator sensors fit on the most commonly used radiator valves in the market.
The Sentio app
With Sentio homeowners have more control of their underfloor heating system and can access the thermostat remotely via their smartphone. It features a simple and user-friendly interface that makes settings, adjustments and updates logical and easy and is available to download from both Google Play and Apple Store.
How does Sentio benefit residents?
Installing an underfloor heating system that is compatible with Sentio is incredibly beneficial to residents. For instance, with access to the app, users can wirelessly and remotely control their heating system. This means that they have the ability to turn their underfloor heating on or off, they can adjust the temperature and even schedule specific heating times all through their mobile phone when they’re not home.
Underfloor heating with Wavin and Sentio
As an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating systems, underfloor heating successfully distributes heat around a home in the most efficient way, helping to reduce heating bills and energy wastage.
Following the creation of Sentio, users can now effectively manage their underfloor heating system through their mobile phone and smart devices. This powerful app and central control system gives users more visibility and helps to raise awareness of energy consumption. It also demonstrates how heating controls are not only easy to connect but are also easy to use.
Make sure your underfloor heating projects work out as planned with our fast and accurate calculator
Just enter the details of the rooms you are installing in, and the tool will take you step by step through the process and workout exactly what you need to do the job.
It even generates a printable Bill of Materials to share with your merchant. Trust Wavin Hep2O to make your underfloor project flow.
To find out how you can fully embrace underfloor heating and the Sentio central control system and app, get in touch with one of our experts today.
Indoor Climate Solutions at Wavin
At Wavin our purpose is to build healthy sustainable environments. Our tailored indoor climate solutions feature our market-leading systems and products including underfloor heating, heat interface units, MVHR and single controls (interfacing with all of these technologies). They provide the following benefits:
