Salus RT520 Thermostat: Pros, Cons & Cost
The RT520 is the latest addition to Salus' range of thermostat heating controls which is compliant with Boiler Plus. The new on-board load compensation feature delivers optimum efficiency and maximum heating control comfort.
In addition to the updated operational and efficiency controls, the wired RT520 thermostat includes all the features of Salus’ previous thermostats but boasts a larger and more intuitive LCD display.
Who are Salus?
The RT520 is one of a wide range of thermostats, programmers and smart controls available range from Salus. Salus has been designing and producing heating control solutions since 1974. The company is part of the Computime Group Ltd which is based in Hong Kong manufacturing:
- Digital thermostats
- App Controlled thermostats
- Programmers
- Smart home products
- Underfloor heating.
What is a programmable room thermostat?
There is a difference between a programmer and a thermostat, but a programmable room thermostat combines both functions in one unit.
- The programmer enables you to choose the times of day or night (or days of the week) that you want the heating to automatically switch on as well as the temperature you'd like the room to reach.
- The room thermostat senses the temperature of the air in the room and switches the heating on when the temperature drops below the thermostat setting. Once that temperature has been reached, the heating will turn off.
So, as a programmable room thermostat, the Salus RT520 is a programmer and room thermostat wrapped into one. If you're the slightest bit unsure about the installation then don't hesitate to contact a qualified engineer who will be able to carry out the work for you.
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Salus RT520 features and benefits
The features of the Salus RT520 make it a reliable part of any heating system as you can programme it to suit your routine and it will also help to protect your boiler.
FeaturesBenefit
| Load Compensation | Load Compensation is one of the 4 energy saving features that makes a system Boiler Plus compliant and allows the homeowner to more efficiently manage their heating and reduce energy and costs. |
| OpenTherm | Enables more precise control on the boiler through the control of the gas valve. |
| Optimisation Functions | Optimum Start and Optimum Stop. |
| New Larger easy to read LCD Display | Provides simple, quick and straightforward operation and setup. |
| TPI (Time Proportional & Integral)'self-learning' Functionality | More precise heating control with increased comfort and improved energy efficiency. |
| ErP Rating V | Improved ErP rating means better efficiency and could reduce your energy bills. |
| Service Mode | Thermostat can be programmed to alert you when a boiler service is required. |
| Landlord Pin | PIN entry option for landlord/building owner only access to certain settings and menus. |
| Battery Operated | Simple and quick to install with no 230v wires, just 2 x AA batteries. |
| 5 year warranty | Salus’ lengthy guarantee gives represents the confidence they have in their product and should give you peace of mind. |
How much does the Salus RT520 cost?
The Salus RT520 is one of the most affordable thermostats on the market, especially when compared to the likes of Nest, Hive and Honeywell. Here are the average prices of the most popular Salus thermostats.
ThermostatPotential CostWarranty Period
| Salus RT500 | £20 | 2 years |
| Salus RT510 | £40 – £55 | 5 years |
| Salus RT520 | £45 – £56 | 5 years |
While the Salus might not be able to boast all the features of a smart thermostat, it has an affordable price tag which – depending on your needs – might be perfectly suitable for your lifestyle without the extra features and costs of a more complex Hive, Nest or Honeywell thermostat which can cost in excess of £200.
Consider a smart thermostat
If you're looking for even more control over your heating system then a smart thermostat is probably the best choice for your home. They may come at a slightly higher cost but you can control them from your smart device. Some will also automatically adapt to your lifestyle and help you to save money on your heating bills.
Find the best smart thermostat with our comparison article, which compares some the of the most popular products including the Nest E, Honeywell Evohome and Hive Active Heating.
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