Herschel are renowned for making excellent infrared panel heaters but their thermostat range trips people up more than it should. The good new is once you know which heater you're working with, picking the right control is straightforward.
The key thing to understand is that Herschel's controls are split into two familities, and they're not interchangeable.
If You're Installing Herschel Select XLS Panels
XLS panels have Herschel's built-in SMART-R wireless receiver, which means you can pair an XLS thermostat wirelessly. No extra receivers, no extra cable runs. There are 3 options:
The simpliest of the three. No WiFi, but it does offer 24/7 programming, open window detection, and adaptive start. It's also the only XLS thermostat suitable for bathroom installation (Zone 3 only). A good call for straightforward jobs where the customer doesn't need app control.
T-PL (Plug-In WiFi Thermostat)
Plugs into a standard socket and pairs wirelessly to the panel. Full SmartLife App control, Alexa and Good Assistant compatible. The trade off is that without WiFi it only runs in manual mode so it isn't great in properties with unreliable broadband.
T-MT (Mains Powered WiFi Thermostat)
The only one we would recommend for most XLS installs. Mains powered, full Wi-Fi control, but cruically it also stores a local schedule, so, if the WiFi does drop, heating keeps running. Open window detection, adaptive start, and energy monitoring included.
If You're Installing Herschel Comfort Panels
Comfort panels don't have a build-in receiver, so they need a Herschel iQ thermostat. There are 2 main options:
The T2 is a battery-powered wireless thermostat that communicated with the hard-wired R2 receivers. Multiple R2s can be paired to one T2, making it easy to control several panels from a single thermostat. But, if you have multiple panels in different rooms, then you will need a separate system for each room. It's the right choice if you want to minimalise cable runs as the thermostat itself doesn't need wiring in, just the receivers.
iQ MD2 (Hard-Wired WiFi Thermostat)
Wired directly into the mains circuit, handled up to 16A (3.6kW) of heater load, and supports temperatures up to 45 degrees. It's keypad lockable, which makes it ideal for commercial applications (hotels, care homes, student accommodation etc). For new builds and renovations where cables can be hidden neatly, the MD2 is our pick.
Still not sure which model is right for your specific job? Just give us a call on 01934 253600 and we'll help you spec it correctly before you order.
