Our Guide to Replacing Radiant Floor Heat Thermostats

Thermostats are the main control point of any radiant floor heating system. To get the most out of your floor heating system, it’s important your thermostat is working properly. Over time, thermostats may need replacement. There are many options available, including non-programmable, programmable, and Wi-Fi-enabled models, and picking the right replacement may seem confusing. Follow along as we discuss some important considerations when replacing your floor heating thermostat.

Signs You May Need to Replace Your Thermostat

As with most devices, floor-heating thermostats don’t last forever. In our experience, we have seen thermostats have a lifespan of 7-10 years. There are many indications that it may be time to replace your thermostat. Here are some of the most common reasons we’ve seen with our customers:

• Inconsistent Temperatures: The system struggles to maintain the desired temperature, leading to uneven heating across the floor.
• Unresponsive Controls: Buttons or touch screens on the thermostat become unresponsive, making it difficult to adjust settings.
• Frequent System Cycling: The heating system turns on and off too frequently, which may indicate a faulty thermostat.
• No Power to Thermostat: The thermostat does not turn on or displays error messages, despite checking the power source.
• Thermostat Age: If the thermostat is outdated or nearing the end of its expected lifespan.
• Increased Energy Bills: A sudden rise in energy consumption can indicate that the thermostat is not properly regulating the system.
• Floor Sensors Not Responding: If the thermostat is not receiving input from the floor sensors, this could signal a need for replacement.
• Outdated Features: The thermostat lacks modern features like programmability or Wi-Fi connectivity, and you may want to upgrade to improve efficiency and control.

Types of Floor Heating Thermostats

When the time comes to replace your thermostat, it’s important to understand the differences between the different models available.

• Non-programmable: These thermostats are the most basic model. They require manual adjustment for temperature changes. While their simplicity offers ease of use, they lack the features to optimize energy usage and comfort levels automatically.
• Programmable: You can schedule temperature adjustments with these models. This allows for customized heating schedules and can improve energy efficiency.
• Wi-Fi: These are the most advanced of the thermostat models. You can adjust these thermostats from your phone and integrate them with home automation systems. They can also adapt to your schedule and preferences, enhancing comfort and contributing to significant energy savings over time.

Checking for Compatibility with Your Floor Heating System

It’s very important to check for compatibility with your floor heating system when choosing a replacement thermostat. When finding a replacement, we always recommend replacing your thermostat with one that’s the same brand as your floor heating system to ensure compatibility. 

Here are some other things to check when choosing your replacement thermostat:

• Inspect the old thermostat’s voltage and wiring.
• Review the system manual of the old thermostat and compare it to the new thermostat’s manual to ensure they have matching requirements.
• Ensure the new thermostat can read the in-floor sensors.
• Check if the installation will require any major changes.

Always follow manufacturer installation instructions and system guidelines. 

Benefits of Upgrading Your Thermostat

When your thermostat needs replacing, it’s a good time to consider upgrading your model. There are many benefits to the newer thermostat models. Here’s a list of some of our favorite features:

• “Set it and forget it” programming capabilities
• Touchscreen displays
• Compatibility with home automation systems
• Sleeker designs
• Longer warranties

Our Floor Heating Experts Are Here To Help

We know there’s a lot to consider when picking a replacement thermostat. We also know it can be frustrating ending up with a product that won’t work for your system and having to start from scratch. That’s why our team of experts is more than happy to help you find the right thermostat for your needs.