How to Connect a Wireless Thermostat to Boiler

Whether you have a wireless thermostat connected to a boiler in the near future or just want to know what is involved in case you buy one in the future, you’ve come to the right place.

In the following guide, we’ll explain how you can connect a wireless thermostat to a boiler and what aspects of setting up a wireless thermostat are DIY-friendly.

Let’s begin!

What is a Wireless Thermostat?

A smart wireless thermostat can connect to your boiler without needing to be connected directly through wiring.

Moreover, this type of thermostat can allow you to control it remotely, whether from another room, or, in many cases, even when out and about.

Remote control of wireless thermostats is made possible with the use of an app (usually a brand app from the manufacturer), allowing you to control your thermostat via a smart device or computer. 

Smart wireless thermostats are also smart on their own accord, coming with a range of mechanisms to increase efficiency that makes them superior to wired thermostats.

Thermostats can make automatic and intelligent adjustments to your heating system in real-time and in the long haul which in turn means higher efficiency and lower heating bills.

So, How Do I Connect a Wireless Thermostat to a Boiler?

First and foremost, when we say ‘connect a wireless thermostat to a boiler’ we are not referring to the installation.

Therefore, the installation and setup must be left to a qualified professional.

Instead, by connecting, we mean wirelessly connecting your thermostat and boiler to establish communication. 

Ensuring a Correct Installation

First and foremost, it’s essential that your wireless thermostat and the receiver (which is fitted next to the boiler to receive signals from the thermostat and pass them on to your boiler directly) are installed correctly.

If you find that they appear to be installed incorrectly or are otherwise not functioning, you should first check the manufacturer’s manual for guidance.

If any of the steps advised in the manual that are DIY-friendly do not suffice, you’ll need to hire a professional.

Returning to the process of connecting a wireless thermostat to a boiler, there are several key points you’ll need to take on board.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting a Wireless Thermostat to a Boiler

As you’d expect, the exact process required to connect a wireless thermostat to a boiler can vary from product to product.

Therefore, you should still look at the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact steps involved for the specific model you’ve purchased.

However, in general, this is what the process tends to involve:

1. Make sure that your thermostat is active.

2. Ensure that the receiver is working correctly.

3. Confirm that your Wi-Fi is on and that your thermostat is picking up the signal required.

4. Use the relevant app for your smart thermostat to connect it to your boiler.

Please be aware that your thermostat and boiler should be connected in the first place if the installer has set everything up correctly.

However, you may find that you need to reconnect the thermostat and boiler from time to time either through the app or by fixing the settings of your thermostat. 

Of course, there are scenarios where your thermostat and boiler may stop communicating or only communicate intermittently.

This may be due to a problem with either your thermostat, boiler or both. 

However, it’s also possible that they are working fine independently but another issue is causing their communication problems.

For advice on what to do in these types of situations, skip to the next section below.

However, if you are curious to know (broadly speaking) what is involved, here are the steps usually required:

1. Fix the smart thermostat to the wall in a suitable location.

2. Connect the smart thermostat to the broadband router with a provided network cable.

3. Fit the receiver nearby your boiler while ensuring it is in a suitable spot (e.g., a place where its radio signals will not experience interference such as from large metal objects).

4. Input the desired settings into the wireless thermostat.

5. Connect the wireless thermostat and boiler via the app.

Why are My Boiler and Thermostat Not Communicating?

As touched on, you may find that your boiler and thermostat are failing to communicate despite appearing to each work okay on their own accord.

There are several reasons why this may occur.

Your Thermostat is in a Bad Location

It’s important that your thermostat has been set up in a location that a) is within proximity of the receiver and b) does not leave it exposed to any forms of interference which may be negatively affecting it.

Interference (e.g., direct sunlight) can prevent your wireless thermostat from accurately reading the temperature of the room.

Should this occur, it will not have accurate data to work with and either will communicate with your boiler in a way that goes against your preferences or fail to communicate at all. 

Related thermostat guides: 

• The best location for a thermostat.

• Thermostat and boiler not communicating? 

• The thermostat on the boiler not working. 

• Boiler controls and thermostats. 

With regards to the former point, if your thermostat believes the room is warmer than it actually is, it will inform your boiler to work less than it should, causing your heating to underperform.

Here are several potential sources of interference that could make for a bad installation spot:

• Temperature extremes

• Direct sunlight

• Nearby electrical equipment

• Draughts 

If you wish to move your wireless thermostat, you should only do so by yourself if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.

In most cases, a professional will be required to move it to a better spot.

You Need to Change Your Thermostat’s Instructions/Settings

Another possibility is that there is an issue with your thermostat’s instructions or settings.

This could be the result of a fault or perhaps you accidentally inputted the wrong data.

For example, you may have knowingly added your heating preferences into the hot water schedule as opposed to the heating schedule or vice versa.

If you suspect that the instructions/settings on your thermostat are off, by following the manufacturer’s instructions, go through its various settings and inputs to see if anything looks off.

If you find what appears to be the source of the problem, simply making the necessary adjustments should fix your thermostat-boiler communication problem.

Related thermostat reading: 

• How to use a thermostat for central heating. 

• EPH Combipack 4 Instructions. 

• ESI thermostat troubleshooting. 

• What temperature should your thermostat be in winter? 

• Hive Mini Thermostat Review. 

Other Explanations

The above answers can apply even if your boiler and thermostat are each working as normal, or, at least, largely working as normal.

However, there is a range of additional scenarios that may apply, where the thermostat or/and boiler are not working correctly or at all:

• Your thermostat requires new batteries

• The interior of your thermostat has to be cleaned

• Your thermostat is beyond repair and you need a new one

• Your thermostat is not installed at the correct height to accurately measure the room temperature

• There is a fault with your boiler

• Your boiler needs to be replaced entirely

How to Connect a Wireless Thermostat to Boiler FAQs

How close must a thermostat be to the receiver in order to communicate with a boiler?

This will depend on the product in question as well as the material and objects standing between them. As for the latter point, walls and furniture can have an effect.

However, in general, a thermostat must usually be installed within 20-30 metres of the receiver, however, some will be capable of working at even greater distances.

How long does the average wireless thermostat last?

In general, wireless thermostats usually last about ten years before they need replacing.

How often should the batteries of a wireless thermostat be replaced?

This will depend on a range of factors, however, they’ll usually need replacing once a year.

With that being said, if you notice signs suggesting that the batteries need replacing sooner, then you should change them there and then.