Uncategorized - Devex Systems | Heating Excellence
Devex electric underfloor heating mat installed under tile with Xthermostat showing 24.6 degrees

TS500 and TS600 Touch-Screen Digital Thermostats from Devex Systems: User Features and Benefits

 

DEVEX HEATING SOLUTIONS USING SMART TECHNOLOGIES

 

1) What are digital programmable Thermostats?

 

A high-quality programmable thermostat will allow for greater control over temperature, zoning and timing using an app on your mobile device to make it easy for you to make the most out of your heating system.

Devex Systems has developed the TS500 and TS600 programmable X thermostat range, which give users more control over their underfloor heating systems with the option of a touchscreen or WIFI control from a smartphone. These thermostats are sleek, modern designs, with the latest technology that are available in black or white, and they can be installed vertically or horizontally thanks to their rotating screen. They can be used with both residential and commercial heating systems and can be programmed according to the heating needs of each building.

The TS500 and TS600 thermostats are compatible with hydronic and electric floor heating systems, and they can also control overhead heating and radiator panels. They can be programmed with different heating schedules for each day of the week, and each schedule can use a different temperature setting. By ensuring that the heating system only operates when needed, and having an energy monitoring function that displays consumption by day, week, month or year.

Both underfloor heating thermostats have a user-friendly interface that was designed for the Australian market, they are manufactured in Europe, and they come with a 5-year warranty. The TS600 also offers WiFi connectivity and can be controlled from a smartphone by installing the Devex Systems app.

How do the T500 and T600 Thermostats work? 

 

Before using a TS500 or TS600 thermostat from Devex Systems, the first step is configuring the device according to your heating requirements. This can be easily done on the touch screen using the setup wizard, which will ask several questions about the heating system and its installation details, along with the date and time.

  • You can choose between electric and hydronic floor heating, among other options, and this determines how the heating is controlled.
  • For example, hydronic underfloor heating systems have a slower response than their electrical counterparts, and this changes the control sequence.

Both thermostat models include an NTC thermistor sensor with a 3m cable, which can be used to measure either the floor temperature or the air temperature. The digital thermostats also have an internal sensor, but there may be cases in which the thermostat location is not suitable to display a temperature that is representative of the heated space. In these cases, the NTC sensor can be used to measure temperature at an adequate point.

Underfloor heating systems are controlled based on the temperature measured, and there are four modes of operation:

  • Floor temperature control, the standard operating mode for underfloor heating
  • Air temperature control with the built-in sensor
  • Air temperature control with a temperature probe
  • Air/floor, where the air temperature is controlled and floor temperature is kept below a maximum value

 

How to use the programmable underfloor heating Thermostats? 

 

The TS500 and TS600 will display two different temperatures on-screen. The desired temperature, which is established by the user, is displayed at the bottom of the screen. The actual temperature, which is measured by the internal sensor or the NTC probe, is displayed at the center of the screen in larger numbers.

The touch-screen will also display an ON/OFF button, and menu buttons to change the heating schedules and thermostat settings. There is a heating icon that animates when the control relay is on, and an error notification icon that appears when an issue is detected. The touch-screen can be disabled in 15-second intervals for cleaning, and it can also be locked with a password, which is very useful when there are children present.

Heating schedules can be used to save energy, and temperature setbacks can be established for additional savings. There is also a holiday mode that suspends all heating schedules temporarily, without deleting their configuration

Learn more about the specifications for our X Thermostat range, click the links below:

 

Specification Sheet TS500

 

Specification Sheet TS600

 

If you like to learn more or receive a free quotation, contact our specialists on 1800 636 091

Hydronic Heating Systems: A Promising Business Opportunity for Plumbing Contractors

 

In this blog post, we will discuss 4 ways in which plumbing contractors benefit by adding floor heating systems to their service offering.

 

What is hydronic radiant underfloor heating?

 

Hydronic underfloor heating systems are characterised by their energy efficiency, silent operation and comfort. Conventional heating systems normally use the concentrated heat output of fan coil units. However, these units do not achieve a uniform heating effect, and forced air circulation requires extra energy. On the other hand, the entire floor provides a warming effect when underfloor heating is used.

Devex Systems hydronic underfloor heating uses warm water pipes to warm a room, and these pipes are installed under the floor covering. The term “hydronic” is used to describe systems that circulate hot water – hydronic floor heating is a potential business opportunity for plumbers.

 

What are the advantages of Devex Systems underfloor heating installations?

 

1) Underfloor Heating Becomes a New Source of Revenue

Plumbing contractors who work with home installations can earn more per project if they install our customised hydronic heating systems. This service can be offered to business clients as well, since floor heating is equally effective in commercial buildings.

Residential heating equipment is normally installed by HVAC contractors. However, a hydronic floor heating system is essentially a plumbing installation, since hot water pipes must be embedded throughout the floor.

  • Hydronic underfloor heating is compatible with gas boilers along with heat pumps, and the system can also be combined with a solar hot water collector.
  • This gives homeowners the flexibility to choose between different energy sources for their space heating needs.

 

2) Hydronic Floor Heating Systems Are Easy to Install

How easy is it to install floor heating systems?

Devex Systems hydronic underfloor heating is specially designed piping and components, which can be used with many types of floors. Plumbing contractors can learn how to install these systems with relative ease, and they can quickly expand their service offering. Contractors can learn on site with our team, via zoom or in some cases on the first hydronic job that you win. Our Estimating Team is ready to support you through the design process and ensure you have quoted correctly.

Hydronic floor heating installations with Devex Systems can add value to a home design without delaying construction, since the system is compatible with most floor materials. Warm water pipes can be embedded in the slab or screed, and plumbing contractors must install them before the corresponding floor layer is poured.

 

3) Underfloor Heating is Comfortable, and Customers Will Recommend the System

Hydronic underfloor heating warms a room with natural air convention, which is more comfortable than forced airflow or concentrated heat from radiators. The heating effect from the floor is also more uniform, which means that all areas will achieve a suitable temperature. On the other hand, air handlers and radiators result in a mix of colder and warmer areas.

Devex heating systems are not only more comfortable, but also more efficient. Clients will also appreciate the lower heating bills by reduced running costs and improving energy efficiency and they will recommend the technology to friends and relatives. For plumbers who work with hydronic floor heating, this represents more projects.

Compared with forced air heating, underfloor heating is also a healthier option. Fans can spread harmful particles like dust and viruses, but this is not an issue when heat is carried by natural convection. Even when indoor air is kept clean, the warm drafts from fans can cause discomfort.

 

4) Co-Marketing Opportunity with Devex Systems

Founded in 1978, Devex Systems has more than 40 years of experience providing heating solutions for Australian homes and businesses. Devex Systems is also part of the Danish DEVI Group, a leading manufacturer of heating systems, since 1993.

By partnering with Devex Systems, plumbing contractors benefit from our brand recognition in the Australian market. We offer a 7-year installation warranty for our hydronic floor heating systems, and we use Rehau piping with a 25-year product warranty.

 

Let us help you with the ideal underfloor heating installation for your project

Contact us today to speak to one of our friendly team on 1800 636 091 or email us!

Cute pug dog with thought bubbles asking hydronic or electric heating questions

Hydronic Underfloor Heating or Electric Underfloor Heating – Which is best?

Let’s start by mentioning that radiant underfloor heating, provided by both hydronic and electric installations, is a much better solution than forced-air central heating systems.  

For one, the underfloor heating systems are nicely hidden away whilst forced-air systems feature a collection of unsightly ductwork, vents, and plenums that are all visible. 

Additionally with underfloor heating systems, heat radiates from the floor giving you a comfortable warmth that won’t blow dust around like forced air heaters, a significant benefit for allergy sufferers.

A hydronic heating system is a complex system to install compared to its electric counterpart. The capital investment for the hydronic system is significantly more than an electric system. Up-front costs such as a boiler, pumps and manifolds with valves can have an impact on any home renovation or construction budget. However once installed, a hydronic system can last well over 30 years with costs recuperated due to the lower operating costs.  

By comparison, an electric underfloor heating system is relatively easy to install and competent DIYers can attempt to install themselves.  Nevertheless, a qualified electrician will need to wire the system.

Operating costs for electric underfloor heating can be unpredictable due to the use of electricity, though with a programmable thermostat you can adjust usage to suit your lifestyle and budget.    

Another factor to consider is the size of the room. In essence, hydronic underfloor heating is recommended for rooms that are more than 60 m², due to the initial investment. With smaller rooms such as bathrooms, an electric underfloor heating installation may be a better option.

These are some of the considerations when thinking about installing underfloor heating for your renovation or new construction. 

Have a chat with one of our knowledgeable specialist on 1800 636 091 or email us!

We’ll offer you the perfect solution based on budget and particular requirements.

Eco-friendly home concept with green footprints leading to a grass house outline

Solamander Hydronic Hub – Top 6 Reasons We Love it!

This integrated and innovative energy solution prioritises renewable energy sources for a variety of uses in your home.

#6 – The Solamander Hydronic Hub (aka the “Hub”) achieves an optimum and comfortable heating on demand.

#5 – The system uses renewable energy to heat up radiators, hydronic floor heating, domestic hot water and pools.

#4 – The prioritisation of renewable energy sources like solar power reduces the energy costs associated with domestic hot water.

#3 – The system was designed as an environmentally sound and sustainable solution that offsets household greenhouse gas emissions.

#2 – The “Hub” can prioritise renewable energy sources (solar panels/wetbacks) over non-renewable energy sources (gas boilers/heat pumps) to ensure minimal energy wastage.

#1 – The Hydronic Energy Hub reduce your carbon footprint and get you one step closer to a carbon neutral home!

This is a sustainable all-in-one system that’s simple in concept, yet sophisticated in performance.

Adopt a Solamander Today!

Call us on 1800 636 091 or email us for more information!

Modern dining room with timber floors and stone feature wall showing underfloor heating application

Top 15 home improvements

According to Better Homes and Gardens, a notable 41% of buyers cite underfloor heating as one of their top feature. Below, the top 15 home improvements that attract the most buyers are:

1. Downstairs toilet – 58%
2. Built-in storage (wardrobes/cupboards) – 54%
3. UPVC double glazing – 54%
4. Separate shower cubicle – 52%
5. Lawned garden – 51%
6. Separate living spaces (opposite of open-plan) – 49%
7. Security system – 47%
8. Paved patio – 45%
9. Outdoor lights – 41%
10. Underfloor heating – 41%
11. Marble work surface in kitchen – 38%
12. Kitchen island – 37%
13. Bi-fold doors to the garden – 35%
14. Decking – 33%
15. White window frames – 30%

 

Father sitting on a warm bathroom floor with two young children, illustrating family comfort with underfloor heating

The Benefits of Underfloor Heating in the Bathroom

Do you hate getting out of the shower and feeling chilled again as soon as you step onto the cold tiles? With good quality underfloor heating, you won’t have to experience discomfort any longer!

Underfloor heating systems are ideal for bathrooms (in addition to kitchens and open entertainment areas etc.) and work well under almost any hard floor surface. Bathroom floor heating radiates up through the floor and provides comfort underfoot while gently managing the room temperature.

Bathrooms and ensuites are particularly popular locations within a home for floor heating because:

  • Total comfort heating
  • Minimal energy consumption
  • Maintenance free
  • Cost effective
  • No ducts, radiators or vents
  • Hidden from view and does not take up valuable space
  • Can be applied under almost all hard surfaces
  • Silent and safe
bathroom design ideas

5 Cool Bathroom Design Ideas for 2020

You may have heard that most people regard the kitchen as their favourite room – but we’re here to turn that around.  After all, the kitchen may be the central hub where families prepare meals and swap after work pleasantries, yet it’s the bathroom where you really get your “me time”.  Perhaps your humble bathroom has only dropped down your list of favourites because it has stopped inspiring you. Need some serious bathroom design ideas to get your bathroom really singing in 2020? You got it!

1. Rain Shower

It’s no wonder you’re not getting your bathroom inspiration under your tired old showerhead.  However, don’t just get a new one – consider really ‘singing in the rain’ by simulating a beautiful, gentle and warm tropical downpour with a rain shower head.  After a long day or a hard workout, you will never have felt so calm and refreshed.

2. Funky basin

If there’s something you’ve noticed about a truly cool bathroom these days, it could just be the basin or sink.  Sadly basin designs have remained fairly stagnant for years, but now the sink is the scene of one of the best bathroom design ideas you could possibly adopt. Let’s take the ‘spoon sink’ amazingly elongated all the way to the ground, or grooved basins that will fascinate everyone from ages 3 to 99 or how about the minimalist ‘slabs’ sink with coloured recesses – and so, so much more!

3. Underfloor heating

Brrrr … especially in winter, but even after a relaxing bath or shower on a lovely day, that freezing cold bathroom floor can really be uninviting.  One bathroom idea we recommend the most is underfloor heating. You may think this form of heating is not suitable for wet areas or for heating bathroom tiles – but you may not have seen what Devex Systems can offer you! And it’s not just the bottom of your feet that will be all snuggly – this amazing form of heating will also gently heat up the entire temperature of the bathroom. You want it, don’t you!?

4. Recessed walls

There’s something all the best bathroom design ideas for 2020 have in common and that’s style coupled with minimalism.  Think about it: wouldn’t it be cool to get rid of your bulky floating shelves? It can be achieved with recessed walls, giving you somewhere to put all your vital bathroom accessories in a truly stylish, minimalistic 2020-style bathroom.

5. Honourable mentions…

Almost no list could be complete of all the possible bathroom designs turning heads in 2020. But what about innovative skylights? Or clean, round pebble stone?  Hardwood floors instead of tiles? Huge, floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall mirrors? Big sliding doors that mean you can mingle with the outside world while bathing?

With a bit of planning and a little saving, all of these bathroom ideas for 2020 are achievable.

Is our bathroom inspiration missing anything? Just like you, here at Devex Systems we also think outside the box, so we’d love to hear from you.

Elegant white marble bathroom with vessel sink, pendant lighting and dark slate floor tiles with underfloor heating

Labour of Love

Experts will tell you that you should aim to get $2.50 to $3 back for every $1 spent on a bathroom renovation (Australian Property Investor 2019).

However, the pleasure of having a room in your house that represents pure luxury and a haven of relaxation might outweigh any potential ROI – or sometimes, the ROI is a happy by-product. Melburnian homeowner Julie Vulin knew what she wanted and was involved in every step of her bathroom upgrade. The underfloor heating installed by long-time customer Mick Keavy included our X mat.

The TS 500 thermostat, nicely tucked away inside the cabinet to the right of the vanity, controls the system. Julie also credits Antonio Cusano from LG Creative Kitchens and Frank Iaria from Mint Kitchen Group for their skilful work. For more information visit our electric underfloor heating page.