TapHome provides global switching of heating and cooling modes that affects the behavior of the entire installation. This mode is represented by the virtual device “Heating & Cooling (default)”, which is automatically predefined in every new installation.
If you need to create a new virtual device for switching modes, you can find it at: Settings → Virtual Devices → Add new virtual devices → Multi-Value Switch
Mode configuration
- Open the device Heating & Cooling (default)
- Go to Service settings
- Select the modes you want to be supported in the installation
- Save changes
Supported modes
The system supports four basic operating modes. In the device service settings you can choose which modes will be available in your installation.
Usage: Transitional periods
The Off mode is used during transitional periods (spring, autumn) when there is no need to heat or cool. In this mode all heating and cooling systems are inactive.
Practical example
In April, when the outside temperature fluctuates between 10–20°C, there is no need for active heating or cooling. Switching to the Off mode ensures that heating or cooling does not turn on.
Usage: Winter months
The Heating mode is used during the winter months when it is necessary to maintain the desired temperature by heating spaces.
In heating mode all devices configured for heating — boilers, underfloor heating, radiators, heat pumps in heating mode, etc. — are activated.
Usage: Summer months
The Cooling mode is used during the summer to maintain a pleasant indoor temperature.
Usage without a cooling unit
Cooling mode also makes sense if there is no active cooling unit installed. It can serve, for example, as an auxiliary mode for blinds so that they behave differently in summer than in winter:
- In summer: Automatic shading during the day to protect against direct sun
- In winter: Maximum use of solar radiation for passive heating
Usage: Automatic mode
A special mode that allows simultaneous heating and cooling in different zones of the building.
Less common mode
In our climate this mode is quite unusual. It is used mainly in:
- Large buildings with a central air handling system
- Buildings with different zone usage (e.g., server rooms need cooling, offices heating)
- Hotels and commercial spaces where one zone may require heating while another actively cools
In this mode it is possible to heat in one zone while another zone is simultaneously cooling — usually via ventilation.
Use in Smart Rules
This mode switch is used in several smart rules:
- Temperature hysteresis controller
- Temperature PID controller
- Blinds adjustment according to sun
Behavior of temperature controllers
The controllers Temperature hysteresis controller and Temperature PID controller are driven by the current mode as follows:
Outputs supporting only heating
If the outputs support only heating (for example a zone valve for underfloor heating into which only hot water can flow), then:
- In off mode the outputs remain off regardless of temperatures
- In cooling mode the outputs remain off regardless of temperatures
- Only in heating mode can the outputs be active
Outputs supporting only cooling
If the outputs support only cooling (for example a valve that lets through cool water), then:
- In off mode the outputs remain off
- In heating mode the outputs remain off
- Only in cooling mode can the outputs be active
Outputs supporting heating and cooling
If the output device supports heating and cooling, the system assumes that the medium flowing through it (water) has the temperature corresponding to the current mode:
- In heating mode → hot water flows
- In cooling mode → cold water flows
Switching modes
You can switch the current mode:
- Manually - directly on the device in the app
- Automatically - via Smart Rules according to outside temperature or date
Example of automatic switching between heating and cooling
This example shows how to automatically switch between heating and cooling modes based on outside temperature using a 24-hour moving average.
1. Enable statistics on the outside temperature sensor
In the app: Statistics → Add new statistic
Set:
- Type: Average
- Period type : Current period
- Duration : 1 day
2. Create Smart Rule “Switch to Heating”
Create Equation named “Switch to Heating”:
Variables :
- Add outside temperature → Statistics : Temperature (Average per day)
- Name it “Temperature”
Equation :
| |
Actions (True ): Device Heating & Cooling set to Heating
Actions (False ): No action
3. Create Smart Rule “Switch to Cooling”
Create Equation named “Switch to Cooling”:
Variables :
- Add outside temperature → Statistics : Temperature (Average per day)
- Name it “Temperature”
Equation :
| |
Actions (True ): Device Heating & Cooling set to Cooling
Actions (False ): No action
4. Set manual control
On the virtual Heating & Cooling device set Manual override to the value Keep manual mode until next automatic change , so that the user can manually switch the transitional period to Off .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more devices for switching modes?
Yes, you can create multiple devices for different zones or floors. Each zone can then have its own mode.
What happens if I have a device in manual mode?
Manual control always takes precedence over automatic mode switching. The device will remain in manual mode until you switch it back to automatic mode.