Are you looking for smart controls and thermostats that can help save you money on your bills?
On average, your central heating and hot water make up around 82% of your home’s energy usage, which is why so many savvy homeowners are beginning to wise up and invest in these systems.
Smart thermostats are perfect for giving you ultimate control over your heating, and can adjust the temperature throughout your home based on its unique energy profile, your own schedule, and even the temperature of the weather outside!
Most of them also come complete with a handy smartphone app, so you can access and adjust your home’s heating from anywhere in the world – as long as you have access to the internet.
Although I’ve already installed these systems for some of my customers, not everyone has one yet – but they are definitely the future of central heating systems, and can save you a significant amount of money into the bargain.
So below, I’ve compared five of the most popular smart controls and thermostats, and listed the advanced features of each.
1. Worcester Bosch Wave
First up, let’s take a look at the Wave system, from premium brand boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch, which not only gives you full control of your heating, but also allows you to see where extra savings can be made with helpful charts.
- Easy integration (2-core wire connection between the control and boiler)
- Works via your WiFi connection
- Compatible with most Greenstar gas-fired boilers (excluding regular boilers)
- Convenient smartphone app for Apple and Android
- Weather and load compensation
- User-friendly interface with touch screen technology
- ‘Leaf’ symbol and handy chart allows you to see when you’re saving energy
- Make your home up to 4% more efficient
- Control your heating AND hot water
- Holiday mode
- 2-year guarantee (or extended guarantee if installed with a new Worcester Bosch boiler)
- Data security
Price: £280 (supplied and fitted by an accredited installer)
2. Hive Active Heating
Next on our list, Hive Active Heating is a smart thermostat and multi-functional system which used to be exclusive to British Gas, but now you can easily pick one up from places such as Curry’s, Amazon or John Lewis – just get your local installer to fit it for you.
Some of the key features of the Hive include:
- Simple to install
- Works via a receiver from your boiler and your WiFi connection
- Compatible with many gas, LPG, electric and even oil-fired boilers
- Sleek design
- Convenient smartphone app
- Powerful connectivity
- Easy-to-use interface
- Save up to £150 a year
- Control your heating AND hot water
- Automatic frost protection prevents pipes freezing
- Heating and hot water boost
- Holiday mode
Price: £249 (supplied and fitted)
3. Honeywell Evohome
Described in one review as the “Rolls Royce of smart thermostats, the Honeywell Evohome system is without a doubt the most expensive and complex system on our list. Its key features include:
- No complex wiring (tool-free, except the screwdriver connection for wall plate to mounting box)
- Suitable for any home with a hydronic (wet) central heating system
- Easily scalable for larger properties with variable temperatures
- Up to 12 different heating zones to individual control different rooms
- Optimum start functionality
- Optional multiple temperature sensing devices with minimal disturbance to your home
- User-friendly control panel with touch screen that changes colour
- Voice recognition allows easy changes to your set schedule
- Handy app to work with your smartphone or tablet
- Optional wireless radiator pack
- Automatic software updates
- Potential savings of up to 53%
Price: £600 – £700 (supplied and fitted)
4. Tado°
With Tado° claiming that their customers saved 52 wind turbines’ worth of energy in total over 2015, this has to be next on our list. It’s a smart thermostat that will automatically turn your heating down when the last person leaves your home, and warms up again when it detects someone returning.
It’s an interesting way of doing things that works based on the location of your smartphone – so, in other words, it’s essentially tracking your movements. It features:
- Easy to install (quick connection like the Honeywell system)
- Works via WiFi
- Smartphone and tablet app
- Can be used with a range of different boilers
- Location-based control based on where your smartphone is
- Energy usage reports – to see where you can save more money
- Multi-zone control
- Error notifications (including low pressure, pump failure or valve defects
- Weather compensation
- Hot water control
- Learns your home’s building charactistics over time for extra efficiency
- Data security
- Automatic updates
TIP: This handy calculator can help you figure out how much you can save with Tado°.
Price: £199 (including VAT) additional cost for installation
5. Nest Learning Thermostat
Another stylish yet incredibly smart device, Nest Learning Thermostat is in its third generation and is considered a serious competitor to most of the controls listed above.
Its key features include:
- Easy to install via 2-core wire connection between the control and boiler
- Works via your home’s WiFi
- Compatible with many types of gas, electric and LPG boilers
- Auto-scheduling
- Auto-away (turns heating down when you’re not home)
- Handy app for smartphone and tablet
- Leaf symbol shows when you’re saving energy (much like the Wave)
- Controls heating AND hot water from anywhere
- Display stand (alternative to wall-mounting)
- OpenTherm technology for extra efficiency
Price: £199 (including VAT) The display stand and fitting are an additional cost.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has been helpful when comparing some of the most popular smart control options for your boiler. If you’re interested in purchasing a boiler smart control for your home, I’d recommend fully doing your homework and ensuring the one you choose will fully meet all your needs.
Which of the above smart control options best suits you, and why? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments section. I’m also happy to answer any questions you have about any of these systems!
