Multi-Zone Control and Single-Zone Control for Heating

In this week’s Tech Tuesday, I want to speak about the difference between multi-zone control and single-zone control and how technology has made this easier to implement. Controls for heating systems is not a new thing. The building regulations require you to have a means of thermostatic and time management. However, the level of control I believe you should have (as a minimum) is multi-zone control.

In a well-designed underfloor heating installation, a simple adaptation of your heating system to a multi-zone control will realise savings of between 8 to 20% on your heating bill – even on a radiator system, the savings can be significant. What’s more, you’ll find your home is far more comfortable as you can select the temperature required in each room.

What is multi-zone control?

The traditional set-up of a heating system involves a single thermostat (typically located in the coldest room in the house). This thermostat then heats all the heat emitters at the same time until the thermostat in the coldest room is finally satisfied. This set-up can often cause issues such as severe overheating in some rooms and underheating in others. A common solution has been to fit thermostatic valves to all the radiators in the system. However, if you’ve ever owned a thermostatic radiator valve, you know you seem to spend half your life is spent adjusting it with no real control over the heat in that room.

Until recently, to have a multi-zone control would mean new pipework, manifolds and full controls. However, technology has moved on, and you can now keep your existing plumbing system. By implementing a simple change in wiring and fitting of wireless TRV valves, you’ll have a much better level of control of your heating system.
If you fit underfloor heating in a new build space/ground floor, smart controls will allow you to have intelligent rad valves for your first floor and have them in a nice easy to control app.

At Multipipe, we have systems and knowledge to provide you with a fully bespoke control system that would fit your build, whether it be a new build or renovation.
Call us on 01245 850799 to find out more.

If you’ve any more questions about multi-zone control and single-zone control for heating, our technical team are always here to help you out. Get in touch with us by calling 01245 227630 or email technical@multipipe.co.uk.