Do I need a room thermostat?

[a1topdog]

I have had a central heating system designed by a qualified heating engineer and he has recommended TRV's on all rads apart from the bathrooms, and advised I do not need a room stat.

This seems to contridict comments made on this site. ie a "Room Stat is need to control the boiler" etc .

My system will be a condensing boiler with an unvented cylinder for the HW.

Do I need a room stat?

 

[PEDANTICVINDICTIVEMAN]

Dont like the sound of this guy, what are his qaulifications, you should have a room thermostat fitted to comply with Part L building regs, the radiator the room stat is fitted in shouldn't have a trv, normally the hallway, you will most likely need an auto byepass fitting as well. If the overall floor area of the property is more than 150 sq metres it should preferably be split into two zones with their own prog and stat, I hope you havent paid this guy.

 

[a1topdog]

Thanks for the reply - in terms of qualifications he has "Tech (CEI) LCIBSE" after his name - but I've no idea what these mean!!!

I have checked with a few others and they also say a room stat is not needed if using trv's. I am aware that at least one rad should not have a trv and he has this in his spec.

I will check out the building regs.

 

[PEDANTICVINDICTIVEMAN]

You definately need a room stat to comply with Part L building regs as it provides a boiler interlock.

"Tech (CEI) LCIBSE" god knows, could be a kentucky fried chicken certificate, whatever, he needs to do a refresher course, preferably "Domestic Heating Effiency City and Guilds"

 

[a1topdog]

I've just checked out the Part L building regs situation with my local council and was advised a room stat is not needed to comply with the regs - as the zoned control is being taken care of by the TRV's. A timer device is required - which I will have.

The guy did read me out the actual wording from the regs and all seemed in order.

 

[PEDANTICVINDICTIVEMAN]

I obviously wasted my time doing the Domestic Heating Effiency City and Guilds then.

Page 5 & 6 of the DTLR guide to building regs 2001 part L


All new and replacement systems "MUST" include a room thermostat and boiler interlock. Part L1 2002 on existing dwellings.

 

[a1topdog]

Thanks PED.......
I was only asking the council guy about the room stat as you hadn't mentioned the boiler interlock originally.

As you can tell I am out of my depth on this subject thats why I seek advice of suitably qualified tradesman.

Is there anywhere online that has the Part L regs? - I've had a quick surf and can find it.

I want a copy infront of me when I call my so called "professional" on Monday.

Thanks for you advice.

 

[PEDANTICVINDICTIVEMAN]

Not sure where you will find it online !, all my stuff came when I did my certificate last June, try the Energy Savings Trust Site for starters,

www.est.org.uk/bestpractice

www.centralheating.co.uk

hope this helps.

 

[blahblah]

Listen to PVM because he's right. Your qualified man is wrong. You must have a roomstat and programmer or even better, a programmable roomstat. Get someone in who's up to speed.

 

[blahblah]

No trv's on the bathrooms? Ask him if he's fitting an auto bypass. And ask to see his 'Unvented card'.

 

[a1topdog]

Ped and blah - Many thanks , you were spot on with your advice.

Its all in black and white here:

http://www.heatingcontrols.org.uk/Site/downloads/TACMAGuide.pdf

and here:

http://www.heatingcontrols.org.uk/Site/downloads/GPG302.pdf

I wish I'd know about this forum earlier. On the upside at least I've found out before the system was installed.

Cheers

 

[PEDANTICVINDICTIVEMAN]

Glad to be able to help