Last updated: 16th April, 2024
Comparisons
When you have a boiler installed by iHeat, we also offer the option of a smart thermostat in place of the free iHeat thermostat.
When you have a boiler installed by iHeat, provide the option of a free wireless iHeat thermostat or a smart thermostat at a slight extra cost.
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But what are wireless thermostats, how do they work and are they worth the extra cost?
In this guide, we’ll be explaining exactly that, looking at smart thermostat advantages and comparing some of the top smart thermostats available on the market!
A smart thermostat is a device that connects your boiler and heating system to the internet, allowing you to control your heating remotely from your mobile phone or laptop.
So long as you have internet access, you can control the temperature, turn your boiler on and off and schedule it to come on when you like- all from wherever you are.
They are also capable of learning your routine and controlling your heating around it.
It's worth noting that all our best combi boilers are compatible with smart thermostats.
The most convenient feature of a smart thermostat is the ability to control your heating from just about anywhere.
There’s nothing worse than coming home to a cold house in winter, so being able to remotely access your boiler and turn your heating on before setting off home can feel like a lifesaver.
The idea behind a smart thermostat is not just convenience.
By giving you full control of your heating from wherever you are, you can analyse your current energy usage and make your heating schedule more accurate to your daily life, avoiding wasting energy on heating when you’re not at home.
Many smart thermostats have energy efficient settings that can also help you to cut down on your carbon footprint.
Most smart thermostats offer energy saving settings such as ‘zoned heating’ or ‘multi-zone control’ which allows you to independently heat different parts of your home to your desired temperature, which can also reduce waste energy.
Other energy efficient settings include: hot water control, geofencing, draught detection, safety and holiday modes to protect your pipes when you are away.
It’s no surprise that low energy consumption = low heating costs.
By saving energy, you’re not only helping the environment but you’re also helping to cut your costs each month, potentially saving hundreds on your energy bills every year.
Being able to control your heating away from home can be great if you’re going on holiday and want to make sure your boiler isn’t unnecessarily turning on or if you want to stop your pipes freezing.
This can also be useful if you have a second house or a holiday home so you can make sure your system is running smoothly even when you aren’t there without causing your heating bills to skyrocket.
As your smart thermostat will eventually learn your routine, you no longer need to worry about accidentally leaving your heating on throughout the day.
It does this by using sensors to detect when there is movement in the house, so even if your routine changes, you can be sure your smart thermostat will keep on working.
The best smart device for your home depends on your requirements. While many smart thermostats offer very similar features, some offer additional energy efficient temperature settings that you’re looking for.
Below, we have listed some of the top smart thermostats available on the market and their features for you to compare.
Cost: £199
Manage your heating and hot water from your smartphone.
Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT.
White polycarbonate, ceramic-feel finish.
Built in stand.
Frosted Display.
Geolocation- Turns down the heating whilst you’re out.
Battery powered with built-in temperature sensor.
Compatible with most combi boilers.
Monthly Home Report for energy usage and saving analysis to help you save money on your energy bill.
2 year warranty.
Cost: £219
Learns from your heating habits and the speed at which your home heats and cools to create an accurate heating schedule.
Manage your heating and hot water from your smartphone.
Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT.
Metal, polished finish.
Install on the wall or use the Nest Stand (sold separately).
High-res colour display.
Farsight - displays the time, temperature and weather.
Connects to your boiler to control your heating system
Geolocation- Turns down the heating whilst you’re out.
Battery powered with built-in temperature sensor.
Compatible with most central heating systems and controls hot water.
Monthly Energy Reports for energy usage and saving analysis.
2 year warranty.
Cost: £179
Manage your heating and hot water from your smartphone.
Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT.
‘Multizone’ zoned heating of up to 3 zones.
Set daily heating and hot water schedules.
Frost protection.
Geolocation- be reminded to switch off the heating when you’ve gone out with it left on.
Holiday Mode- Keep the temperature at home just right when you’re away.
Ready By- pre-heat your home to the right temperature at the right time.
Compatible with most combi boilers.
1 year warranty.
Cost: £230
Manage your heating and hot water from your smartphone.
Holiday Programme- keep the temperature at home just right when you’re away.
Compatible with Worcester-Bosch boilers.
2 year guarantee but will have the same guarantee as boiler when installed at the same time.
Smart thermostats provide a new way of energy saving by allowing you to control your home heating and cooling from your laptop or mobile device.
They do this by connecting to the internet and pairing with your smart thermostat compatible boiler. Together, they work to deliver efficient heating and help you save money on your heating bills.
When you have a boiler installed by iHeat, we also offer the option of a Google Nest smart thermostat in place of the free iHeat thermostat.
This will come at an extra cost to the original installation price (£199), however, your engineer can install it on the same day as your boiler to ensure you understand how to control your new boiler with your new thermostat.
Yes! For just £5, we will reconnect your existing heating and hot water controls to your new boiler installed with iHeat
The complexity of installing and connecting smart thermostats depends on the model you opt for.
For example, the Google Nest E is easy to install thanks to its built-in stand, however, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat requires professional installation.
At iHeat, we install a wide range of boilers from top brands such as Worcester Bosch, Viessmann, Alpha and Ideal.
You can also get a brand new smart thermostat installed on the same day for as little as £199!
Get a free fixed quote today!
Smart thermostats are versatile and can be integrated with most modern boiler systems, but compatibility varies, especially with older or less conventional boilers. Most smart thermostats are designed to work seamlessly with common types of boilers like combi, system, and heat-only boilers that use gas, oil, or electricity. However, if your boiler is very old or if it utilizes a high-voltage system not typically found in residential settings, it is crucial to check compatibility. Some smart thermostats might require additional components like a relay to work with systems that have unique wiring or voltage requirements. Consulting with the thermostat manufacturer or a professional installer can provide clarity and ensure that the thermostat will function as expected with your specific boiler setup.
Replacing a traditional thermostat with a smart thermostat is generally a straightforward process and a viable upgrade for most homes. Smart thermostats offer advanced features such as the ability to learn your schedule, remote temperature control via mobile apps, energy usage reports, and even integration with other smart home devices. Before purchasing a smart thermostat, ensure that it is compatible with your heating system's wiring and voltage. Most smart thermostats fit easily with existing wiring, but some systems, particularly older ones, may require a new wire, known as a 'C wire,' for continuous power.
Adding a smart thermostat to your boiler involves several key steps:
Many homeowners can install a smart thermostat themselves thanks to the detailed instructions and customer support provided by manufacturers. The installation typically requires basic tools and a little bit of DIY knowledge. However, if the installation requires new wiring or if you are not comfortable with electrical work, it may be best to hire a professional. This is especially true in complex systems or where modifications to the electrical system are needed.
Yes, smart thermostats require wiring to connect to your home's heating system. Most use the existing thermostat wiring, which typically includes wires for power, heating control, and sometimes cooling control. A common wire, or C-wire, is often needed to provide continuous power to the thermostat for full functionality, including maintaining Wi-Fi connectivity and powering the display. If your current thermostat setup does not have a C-wire, many smart thermostats come with adapters, or you may need to have a new wire installed by a professional.
To replace an old thermostat with a smart thermostat in the UK, follow these steps:
Connecting a smart thermostat to an old boiler can be done, but it requires verifying the compatibility of the thermostat with the specific type and model of your boiler. Older boilers might not have the control features required by newer thermostats, or they might operate at voltage levels different from what modern thermostats are designed to handle. In such cases, additional components such as relays or transformers might be needed. It’s advisable to consult with a professional who can assess the compatibility of your boiler with a smart thermostat and make any necessary adjustments to ensure safe and efficient operation.
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