Smart Thermostat for Radiant Heat: The 24VAC Solution for Modern HVAC Projects

1. Understanding Radiant Heating Systems: Hydronic vs. Electric

Radiant heating has become one of the fastest-growing HVAC segments in North America and the Middle East, valued for its quiet comfort and energy efficiency. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global radiant heating market is expected to maintain steady growth as homeowners and building contractors move toward zone-based comfort solutions.

There are two main radiant heating technologies:

Hydronic radiant heating is the preferred choice for multi-zone commercial or residential HVAC projects. It relies on 24VAC thermostats to control valves, actuators, and pumps precisely—this is where smart thermostats come in.

2. Why Choose a Smart Thermostat for Radiant Heat

Unlike traditional thermostats that only switch heating on and off, a smart thermostat adds automation, scheduling, and remote monitoring to optimize comfort and efficiency.

Key functions include:

• Zone Control: Manage multiple rooms or areas independently using remote sensors.

• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allow users and integrators to monitor and adjust heating through cloud platforms.

• Energy Optimization: Learn heating patterns and reduce runtime while maintaining desired floor temperature.

• Data Insight: Enable contractors and OEMs to access energy-use analytics and predictive maintenance data.

This combination of intelligence and connectivity makes smart thermostats the new standard for radiant heating controls in OEM, ODM, and B2B HVAC projects.

3. OWON’s 24VAC Smart Thermostats for Radiant Heat

OWON Technology, a 30-year IoT manufacturer based in China, provides Wi-Fi programmable thermostats designed for 24VAC HVAC and hydronic systems, including radiant floor heating.

Featured Models:

• PCT523-W-TY: 24VAC Wi-Fi thermostat with touch control, humidity & occupancy sensors, supporting Tuya IoT integration.

• PCT513: Wi-Fi thermostat with zone sensor expansion, ideal for multi-room radiant or boiler systems.

Both models can:

• Work with most 24VAC heating and cooling systems (boiler, heat pump, zone valve, actuator).

• Support up to 10 remote sensors for balanced comfort control.

• Provide humidity and occupancy sensing for adaptive energy saving.

• Offer OEM firmware customization and protocol integration (MQTT, Modbus, Tuya).

• Include FCC / CE / RoHS certifications for global deployment.

For electric radiant systems, OWON also provides customization options through solid-state relays or high-voltage module redesign.

4. When to Use — and When Not to Use — a 24VAC Smart Thermostat

By selecting the right thermostat type, HVAC engineers and integrators ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity of the system.

5. Benefits for B2B Buyers and OEM Partners

Choosing an OEM smart thermostat manufacturer like OWON Technology brings several advantages:

• Custom Firmware & Branding: Tailored logic for specific radiant systems.

• Reliable 24VA Control: Stable operation across diverse HVAC infrastructures.

• Fast Turnaround: Streamlined production with 30 years of electronics manufacturing experience.

• Global Certifications: FCC / CE / RoHS compliance for North America and Middle East markets.

• Scalable OEM Partnership: Low MOQ and flexible customization for distributors and integrators.

6. Conclusion

A smart thermostat for radiant heat is not just about comfort—it’s a strategic component in achieving energy-efficient HVAC design.
For OEMs, contractors, and system integrators, partnering with a trusted 24VAC thermostat manufacturer like OWON Technology ensures both technical reliability and long-term business scalability.

7. FAQ: Radiant Heat Thermostats for B2B HVAC Projects

Q1. Can a 24VAC smart thermostat control both radiant heating and a humidifier?
Yes. OWON thermostats like the PCT523 can manage humidity and temperature simultaneously, ideal for complete indoor comfort control.

Q2. How does OWON support OEM integration with existing HVAC platforms?
Firmware and communication protocols can be customized—such as MQTT or Modbus—to fit the client’s cloud or control system.

Q3. What’s the lifespan of a smart thermostat in radiant systems?
With industrial-grade components and rigorous testing, OWON thermostats are designed for over 100,000 relay cycles, ensuring long-term durability in B2B installations.

Q4. Is there an option to add remote sensors for floor or room temperature balancing?
Yes, PCT513 and PCT523 both support multiple remote sensors for zone-based temperature control.

Q5. What kind of after-sales or technical support does OWON provide to integrators?
OWON provides dedicated OEM support, documentation, and post-integration firmware maintenance to ensure system stability.