There are two significant floor warming control manufactures. Aube, in Quebec, which is now owned by Honeywell. And Ojay, from Denmark. Almost all of the suppliers of floor warming use the same Aube model thermostat. Some have OEM faceplates, names and labeling but the thermostat is otherwise identical from brand to brand.
Aube (Honeywell) model AF115-AF-GA.
This thermostat has two significant features. First, the code required GFCI breaker is internal. There is no longer a need to use push-button circuit breakers in the main panel. Second, this thermostat may be easily set to regulate either by air or floor temperature. In most applications the floor heating is supplemental. A floor sensing probe is installed within the heated area. The floor temperature is directly controlled independently from the overall temperature of the room. The thermostat, used in this manner, need not be in the same room as the heat. Alternately, the thermostat may be set to regulate the air temperature. The floor to a uniform temperature of 82F until the air is the required temperature. The thermostat then turns completely off and the floor drops to equilibrium temperature. This setting requires the thermostat to be at a standard height (typically 50 inches) in the room being heated. It is seldom used in this setting as the floor temp varies more than most users desire. In sun room applications or in areas where the floor heat is being used for HVAC problem solving, such as living spaces over unheated garages or crawl spaces air temperature may be the purpose for heating the floor.
The timer programming allows four events per 24 hours (2 on and 2 off) When set to run the system seeks an upper temperature of the users choice. Most people prefer the floor to be 76-80 F. According to ASHRAE (mechanical engineers) floors should not consistently run over 85F. In the 'off' time the floor need not drop to room temperature but, instead, to a user determined baseline. The wider the gap the less electricity may be used in off time but the longer it takes to rise to the 'on' temperature. This is most noticeable when the timer is overidden to warm the floor at times it is normally off.
Setting the timer and temperature variables is something done directly with the homeowner after the project is complete. It is a value added service provided by Radiant Electric Floors as a standard part of our high level of service.
Feel free to consider us a resource even if you have a different brand of heat. We can help you work out any problems you may be having.
