ThermoPlus simplicity eliminates call backs

Horstmann Controls introduce the ThermoPlus range of programmable room thermostats which has a range of features to make life easier for the installer.

Horstmann Controls' recently introduced ThermoPlus range of programmable room thermostats not only offers the consumer the easiest to use 'stat of its kind on the market but has a range of features to make life easier for the installer.

"Any heating engineer will tell you the bane of his or her life is the call back from the customer who doesn't know - or more likely has forgotten - how the newly installed central heating control works," claims Horstmann's Paul Lovegrove.

"Call back's are disruptive to the work schedule and cost money that invariably cannot be charged".

"But with ThermoPlus installed, they could be eliminated altogether".

Aware that ever sophisticated central heating controls were becoming more and more complex for the house holder to operate correctly, in developing ThermoPlus the Horstmann design team adopted a 'clean sheet of paper' approach.

"We were looking to develop a product that would revolutionise the way central heating controls and programmers look and operate, a process that involved us taking a fresh look at how they are designed and used," explains Paul Lovegrove, who is the company's UK sales manager.

"By and large, we decided that controls and programmable thermostats are in most cases simply too complicated for many people to operate".

"It was time for a change".

When developing the concept versions of ThermoPlus, Horstmann took into account the views of a number of industry bodies including the results of research carried by the National Energy Action charity (NEA), 'Ricability' and of course, users and installers.

Eliminating call backs was high on the installer agenda and as such, key features were developed.

ThermoPlus is available in two versions - mains powered (AS1) and battery powered (AS2).

The ASI version is equipped with an industry standard 6 pin back plate and requires a nearby permanent mains electricity supply.

The AS2 is supplied with a standard wall box fitting and both versions are supplied with lithium back up batteries for the clock.

ThermoPlus features 5 pre-set heating profiles and a 6th custom heating profile.

For 95% of users, there is a suitable pre-set option among the standard profiles that will suit their particular lifestyle or the building environment.

The 6th profile is particularly suited to applications in, for example, sheltered accommodation where the landlord may need a profile specifically suited to the needs of occupants.

Once set, the profile cannot be changed other than by the installer.

In day-to-day use only three buttons are needed.

The centre WARM/COOL button (with Braille markings) changes the temperature state and the '+' and '-' buttons provide fine user adjustment as well as an audible feedback.

Each adjustment is apparent to the user by changes to the central bright red and blue light display.

The clock is programmed to the correct calendar date during manufacture and automatically adjusts for summer and winter time changes.

There is never any need for adjustment".

"In effect," adds Paul Lovegrove, "all the householder needs to do to do is click the central button up or down to alter temperature settings and that is it".

"Provided the installer has discussed with the house holder and set the correct profile from the menu at the outset, costly call out's could be a thing of the past," he concludes.

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