Horstmann has introduced a new wireless version of its CentaurPlus ZW timeswitch that can save the householder up to 10% in energy costs* while being easy to install and programme.

The wireless CentaurPlus C17 ZW operates with the latest Horstmann HRT4-ZW wireless room thermostat and together, the two offer a highly efficient controls package ideally suited to combi boiler installations.

It is estimated that some 8 million homes* in the UK are operating central heating systems without a room thermostat as part of the controls package. Many of these are combi boiler installations where it was once considered sufficient for a time switch and TRV’s on radiators to provide control. It is in fact an inefficient solution and leads to fluctuations in heating levels that can result in uncomfortable room temperatures and wasted energy consumption caused by excessive boiler cycling.

By replacing the existing timeswitch with a Horstmann CentaurPlus ZW and adding its HRT-4 ZW room thermostat, a unique energy saving control solution is created to achieve and maintain optimum control of room temperature settings. The pairing process using the Z-Wave technology in both units is both simple and reliable and the resulting enhanced control of temperature settings and the boiler firing regime is both energy saving and efficient.

The new CentaurPlus C17 ZW is the flagship model in a completely upgraded family of controls. As well as its wireless technology the unit now features a 24 hour BST/GMT clock and a bright backlit display to assist with ease of reading and setting. Yet it retains the industry standard 6-pin back plate that makes upgrading a process that only takes minutes for a qualified installer. Alternatively, if the previous wall plate is non standard, it can be exchanged for a new plate (supplied) using the same wiring re-connected into the correct terminals.

The HRT4-ZW room thermostat uses the latest technology that interfaces perfectly with the timeswitch. Self monitoring TPI (Time Proportional Control) software in the ‘stat makes a series of precise calculations once it has entered the control or proportional band. When set to 6 cycles per hour the software will calculate the amount of heat needed during each 10 minute period and switch the boiler on for a proportion of those 10 minutes to maintain the set temperature.

This stops the wide fluctuations in temperature that can occur with conventional thermostats. The integral feature of the TPI software then ‘fine tunes’ the calculations to constantly review its performance and carry out further fine adjustments if necessary.

The system will now be compliant with Part L1 of the 2010 Building Regulations for existing heating systems – a relatively quick and straightforward change over that can produce significant cost savings for the householder.

* Reference source TACMA

     CentaurPlus-ZW information sheet

Having recently introduced a brand new wireless addition to its popular CentaurPlus family of electronic central heating controls, Horstmann has now announced an upgrade to the remaining four models in the range.

CentaurPlus single channel time switches - models C11 and C17 - and two channel programmers - C21 and C27 - are popular and highly affordable controls with two models suitable for use with combi boiler installations and two for non combi installations where control of both hot water and central heating is needed.  A feature of the C21 and C27 versions is the ability to control the central heating and hot water timings independently of each other.

Following the upgrade, all new Series 2 units now feature a 24 hour GMT/BST automatic clock and an upgraded backlit liquid crystal display screen.  These enhance the  3 ON / OFF features per day and 4 programme options - all of which make CentaurPlus models highly suited to control system upgrades using the industry standard ‘plug in and replace’ 6 terminal wall plate.

All models feature a one hour ‘boost’ override on the hot water function and an instant advance for the central heating.  CentaurPlus time controls are mains powered with a battery back up to maintain settings for up to 10 months.

The Horstmann range of ServicePlus service interval central heating programmers and time switches has been upgraded with the introduction of a 24 hour GMT/BST automatic clock and a new backlit liquid crystal display screen.

The Service Plus range has been developed to facilitate compliance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.  Although not intended to replace the normal servicing regime, ServicePlus can act as a supplementary reminder to enabling compliance and has proved very popular with residential property landlords in sectors such as local authorities, housing associations and social housing.

The programmer has the ability to completely or partially shut down the central heating system dependent on the option selected by the installer.  In partial shut down mode a 15 minute period of water and central heating is enabled every hour but never consecutively from one hour to the next. Importantly, ServicePlus gives the user a 28 day countdown warning before any shut down actions take place.

ServicePlus enables the service engineer to set the 12-month safety check
using a unique key code but in all other respects the control offers the user the features of the popular Horstmann CentaurPlus electronic programmers.  These offer single or twin channel, 24 hour and 7 day options to meet specific applications on both combi and non combi boiler installations.

Following the upgrade, all new Series 2 units now feature a 24 hour GMT/BST automatic clock and a new backlit liquid crystal display screen.  These enhance the  3 ON / OFF features per day and 4 programme options - all of which make ServicePlus models highly suited to control system upgrades using the industry standard ‘plug in and replace’ 6 terminal wall plate.

All models feature a one hour ‘boost’ override on the hot water function and an instant advance for the central heating.  ServicePlus time controls are mains powered with a battery back up to maintain settings for up to 10 months. 

The range features a wireless Z-Wave version with digital display (HRT4-ZW), a battery powered version with digital display (HRT4-B) and a mains version with conventional dial setting interface (HRT4-A) as well as tamper proof (HTT4) and frost variants (HFT4).

All feature the latest TPI (Time Proportional Integral) control software and outperform many older styles of thermostat creating the potential for energy savings in the order of 10%.

The casing designs are finished in a white/pale blue colour combination and features (on relevant models) include a clear backlit LCD display, easily recognised symbols, industry standard wall plate and - where relevant - a two year battery life.

Explains Horstmann Director of Sales and Marketing Paul Lovegrove; "in what appears a crowded market we have identified a clear need for a high quality range of simple to use room thermostats that cover virtually every application.

"These units have been designed by the same team who developed Horstmann's ChannelPlus, CentaurPlus and ThermoPlus central heating programmers and in combination will provide the householder with a state-of-the-art heating control solution."

The latest Horstmann series 3 Electronic 7 immersion heater control now has a security code feature that enables pre-determind settings to be preserved and prevents unauthorised alterations which could affect the timer making best use of discounted off-peak electricity charges.

Fully compatible with all utility tariffs and very simple to programme using step-by-step on screen programming, the Electronic 7 features a large back lit display and is fully interchangeable with earlier versions of the controller using plug-in connectors to prevent the need to change the original back box.

The new security lock ensures that pre-set tariff data cannot be altered - a particularly useful feature in installations such as rented accommodation and halls of residence where optimising the utility company off peak charges is important.

With the security lock enabled the householder can still view the settings and the boost button remains operative but the core on/off settings cannot be altered after being set by the installer.

The Horstmann Electronic 7 family of controls has for many years been the UK's all time best selling range of immersion heater controls. Standard features include an automatic clock that is pre-set on manufacture and which automatically adjusts to accommodate GMT/BST summer/winter time changes.

There is a long life battery which will maintain the clock and display settings and also enables time settings to be switched with the mains supply disconnected. This should be sufficient to cover all unexpected interruptions during the life of the control.

Electronic 7 is compatible with all utility company tariffs that keep to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or that vary with British Summer Time (BST). It allows for up to three secure off-peak heating periods every 24 hours, making maximum use of electricity when tariffs are cheaper.