How to Choose a Programmable Thermostat for Underfloor Heating

A programmable thermostat gives you greater control over when your underfloor heating runs and the temperature it maintains. By setting a heating schedule around your daily routine, you can enjoy a comfortable home without running the heating unnecessarily.

However, not every thermostat is suitable for every underfloor heating system. Power supply, wiring, sensor compatibility and the existing control equipment all need to be considered before choosing a replacement or upgrading your heating controls.

In this guide, we explain what to look for in a programmable underfloor heating thermostat and explore two Polypipe options available through Plumbco, including a replacement for the discontinued PBPRP thermostat.

What Does a Programmable Underfloor Heating Thermostat Do?

A programmable room thermostat measures the room temperature and controls the heating to help maintain your chosen setting. It also allows you to schedule different temperatures for different times of the day or week.

For example, you might want a comfortable temperature in the morning and evening, with a lower setting while you're out at work.

When choosing a thermostat, consider the following features:

• Programmable heating schedules: Set heating times and temperatures to suit your routine.

• Temperature control: Adjust the target room temperature to suit your comfort preferences.

• Optimum start: On supported models, the thermostat can calculate when to start heating to help reach the desired temperature at the scheduled time.

• Holiday or setback settings: Some models provide options for reducing heating while you're away.

• Sensor compatibility: Check whether your existing system uses a room sensor, floor sensor or remote temperature sensor and whether the thermostat supports it.

• System compatibility: Confirm that the thermostat works with your underfloor heating wiring centre, actuators and other controls.

The available features vary by model, so check the manufacturer's instructions before purchasing.

Choosing the Right Power Supply and Wiring

One of the most important considerations is how your existing thermostat is powered and connected.

Battery-powered, two-wire thermostats

A battery-powered thermostat can be useful where the installation requires a two-wire control and does not provide a mains supply at the thermostat itself. The batteries power the thermostat's electronics, while its wiring connects it to the compatible heating control system.

The number of wires alone does not establish compatibility. You should also check the manufacturer's wiring diagram and the requirements of your existing underfloor heating controls.

Mains-powered, three-core-and-earth thermostats

A mains-powered thermostat requires an appropriate electrical supply and wiring arrangement. The Polypipe UFHSMARTW uses a three-core-and-earth cable, according to Polypipe's technical information.

This type of thermostat may suit an installation already configured for compatible mains-powered controls, but it should not automatically be treated as a direct replacement for a battery-powered, two-wire model.

Mains wiring should be checked and completed by a suitably qualified professional.

Polypipe UFHPROGBW: Replacement for the Discontinued PBPRP

The Polypipe PBPRP programmable room thermostat has been discontinued. Polypipe has confirmed that the UFHPROGBW replaces the PBPRP.

The UFHPROGBW is a battery-powered, two-wire programmable thermostat for compatible underfloor heating systems. It provides a replacement option for customers whose existing controls use the discontinued PBPRP.

Before ordering, there are a few important checks to make:

• Confirm that your existing installation is suitable for the UFHPROGBW.

• Check the wiring and manufacturer's installation instructions.

• If your PBPRP installation uses a 10k NTC remote sensor cable, be aware that the UFHPROGBW is not compatible with that sensor.

• Check any requirements relating to your wiring centre and other system controls.

Although Polypipe has confirmed the replacement relationship, this does not mean every existing PBPRP installation can be changed without further checks.

You can find the Polypipe UFHPROGBW thermostat in our Polypipe range. If you're unsure whether it will suit your current system, contact our team before ordering.

Polypipe UFHSMARTW: A Mains-Powered Programmable Thermostat

The Polypipe UFHSMARTW is another option to consider when selecting controls for a compatible underfloor heating system. It is a mains-powered programmable room thermostat that uses a three-core-and-earth cable.

Its features include:

• Programmable schedules, including 5/2-day, 7-day and 24-hour options.

• An illuminated display and touch-sensitive controls.

• Optimum start functionality.

• Temperature hold and holiday modes.

These features allow you to set heating schedules around your routine and adjust the target temperature when needed.

The UFHSMARTW is not the same as the UFHPROGBW. The UFHPROGBW is a battery-powered, two-wire thermostat confirmed by Polypipe as the PBPRP replacement, whereas the UFHSMARTW is a mains-powered model with a different wiring requirement.

If you're considering the UFHSMARTW, check that your wiring and underfloor heating control system are suitable before purchasing.

The Polypipe UFHSMARTW is available from Plumbco. Visit the Polypipe UFHSMARTW product page for further details.

Can You Replace an Existing Underfloor Heating Thermostat Yourself?

Replacing a thermostat is not always a straightforward swap. Even when two models have similar functions, their wiring, power supply and sensor requirements may differ.

Before choosing a replacement:

1. Identify the make and model of your existing thermostat.

2. Check the manufacturer's guidance for the recommended replacement.

3. Confirm the power supply and wiring arrangement.

4. Check whether your system uses a remote or floor sensor.

5. Verify compatibility with your wiring centre and other heating controls.

If you're replacing a mains-powered thermostat or are unsure about the wiring, ask a suitably qualified heating professional or electrician to check the installation.

Never rely on wire colours alone to identify connections, and isolate the electrical supply before any work is undertaken by a qualified person.

Find the Right Underfloor Heating Thermostat at Plumbco

Choosing the right thermostat depends on your existing installation as well as the features you want. A battery-powered, two-wire model may be appropriate for one system, while another installation may require a mains-powered thermostat with a different wiring arrangement.

At Plumbco, we can help you explore available heating controls and find product information for your project.

Browse our Polypipe UFHSMARTW programmable thermostat or explore our wider Polypipe Building Products range.

If you're replacing a discontinued PBPRP thermostat, contact our team to discuss the UFHPROGBW and check the requirements of your existing system before ordering.