Integrating kickspace/plinth heaters

[DJBenson]

Hi

I am in the process of planning out our kitchen refurbishment and one thing we'll be doing is removing the two existing panel radiators (both currently part of my Evohome setup) and replacing them with hydronic kickspace/plinth heaters under the cabinets. My main problem with this is that I will lose control of these heaters unless there is a way to integrate them into the Evohome system.

Does anybody have any clever idea's (workaround and hacks accepted )?

I noticed that Honeywell do a controller for underfloor heating which is compatible with hydronic installations, is there any way to get that controller to control kickspace heaters? How about simply adding the HR92's into the plumbing for each heater?

[Richard]

Just simply use a straight V120-15S radiator valve on the kickspace heater and put a HR92 on it and have a room thermostat in the room as the sensor for the zone. You would have to pull the kickspace heater out every couple of years to change the HR92 batteries but this is doable.

[borj20]

Forget what they are called but use one of the TRV actuators, a bdr91 and a room thermostat. No need to change any batteries then.

[Richard]

Forget what they are called but use one of the TRV actuators, a bdr91 and a room thermostat. No need to change any batteries then.

Thermal actuators are too slow to react on air heater and radiators, so I don't recommend they are used like this. HR92's are fast reacting and modulating - ideal for controlling kickspace heaters.

[mozster]

Just simply use a straight V120-15S radiator valve on the kickspace heater and put a HR92 on it and have a room thermostat in the room as the sensor for the zone. You would have to pull the kickspace heater out every couple of years to change the HR92 batteries but this is doable.

does it make sense to add a lockshield as well as a TRV to the plinth heater?

[Richard]

Just simply use a straight V120-15S radiator valve on the kickspace heater and put a HR92 on it and have a room thermostat in the room as the sensor for the zone. You would have to pull the kickspace heater out every couple of years to change the HR92 batteries but this is doable.

does it make sense to add a lockshield as well as a TRV to the plinth heater?

Yep, why not...

[gemset]

I've used T87RF2033 wireless thermostats & BDR 91 relays to control my pyronic kickspace heaters.

By doing it this way, I've effectively got 2 bypasses in the system which is useful.

[Richard]

I've used T87RF2033 wireless thermostats & BDR 91 relays to control my pyronic kickspace heaters.

By doing it this way, I've effectively got 2 bypasses in the system which is useful.

Problem is, if the plinth heater is 'off' the flow water goes straight back into the return and back to the boiler 'hot'. This will dramatically reduce the efficiency of the boiler (especially if its a condensing boiler) and increase boiler cycling. ABV's fitted where applicable are best practice for efficiency or a small buffer cylinder when minimum flow rates cannot be guaranteed and ABV's don't work..