Are you looking to get your boiler on board with the smart technology trend? In this post we'll cover everything there is to know about smart boilers and heating.
Curious to learn more about smart boilers?
In this guide, we’ll explore what a smart boiler is, how it works, what the best options are on the market and how you get get your home heating operating as "smartly" as possible.
Without further ado, let’s discuss what exactly a smart boiler is…
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What is a Smart Boiler?
Essentially a boiler that is connected to a smart thermostat is a smart boiler.
A smart thermostat's main purpose is to help you control and monitor your energy use.
A boiler that is hooked up to a smart thermostat will enable you to control, monitor and optimise your central heating and hot water.
Smart Thermostat = Smart Boiler
This might mean requesting your boiler to produce hot water for a bath from the comfort of your own couch or turning on the heating before driving home from some Christmas shopping on a chilly December evening.
Smart boilers not only offer maximum convenience but they can be genuinely useful in helping you to keep on top of your energy consumption and hopefully save you some money in the process.
How Does a Smart Heating System Work?
Let’s now look a little more at how smart heating systems work. Nowadays, it is possible to heat your home with a device such as a mobile phone.
Smart heating systems connect digital technology with conventional heating technology to create a seamless blend of the new and old.
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In turn, a smart heating system involves the digitization of a home’s central heating.
A smart heating system can learn from a homeowner’s routine and allow them to control their heating and hot water at the touch of a button or via voice command.
If you have a new boiler installed, it’s worth considering having a smart thermostat fitted along with a new boiler.
What is a Smart Thermostat and How Does It Work?
A smart thermostat, in particular, can play an important role in a smart heating system. Of course, you could just use a smart boiler and a device, so you have plenty of options.
A smart thermostat would basically offer you similar benefits as a device paired to a smart boiler would (i.e., the ability to control the temperature and have hot water produced remotely).
Smart controls from brands such as Nest and Hive, allow you to control your home's heating, from your phone.
Some thermostats are even classed as learning thermostats; these are designed to pick up on a homeowner’s routine and control the boiler in a suitable manner to reduce energy consumption.
This can be both more convenient and allow you to cut back on your energy bills. You’d also lower your carbon footprint as a result.
How Does a Smart Thermostat Pair with a Boiler?
When it comes to connecting your smart thermostat to a boiler, there are three key elements. These are the hub, receiver and smart control systems.
Let’s break down the three components mentioned above. The hub connects to your broadband router or connects to it wirelessly.
This is the part that makes your heating system Wi-Fi enabled, a key aspect of a smart system. Next, a receiver must be connected to the boiler. This hooks up your boiler to the internet. Lastly, you have a smart control system.
You will need to be savvy with wiring, so, if you're unsure, you should always hire a professional.
Please be aware that safety steps are important if undertaking such work DIY. Whenever working with an electrician, you always need to isolate the electrics at the mains to ensure no risk of electrocution. Electrocution via active wiring can be lethal.
The exact setup will differ depending on the brand. When installing a smart thermostat, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a safe and accurate setup.
Once you’ve installed your smart thermostat and hooked it up to your boiler, it’s time to set up the app.
Where to Set Up a Smart Thermostat
Another important part of establishing a smart heating system is where you install your smart thermostat.
First and foremost, you should set it up away from radiators and make sure it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Radiators and direct sunlight could affect its temperature readings. As for the receiver, this should be fitted near to the boiler but away from other large metal objects that may impact its signals.
One place that is often suitable for the installation of a smart thermostat is a hallway. This is because hallways tend not to feature windows which could let in cool air or expose your thermostat to direct sunlight.
You should not set up a smart thermostat in a bedroom since it will likely be several degrees cooler than the average temperature of your property.
The Best Smart Boilers and Thermostats
If you’d like a smart boiler or/and smart thermostat, it’s best to do some looking around before choosing the right ones for you.
Always ensure a smart thermostat is suitable for your boiler one way or another.
Some of the best smart combi boilers on the market are: *
- Viessmann Vitodens 050-W Combi Boiler - £800 to £900.
- Worcester Bosch 4000 Combi Boiler - £1,200.
- Viessmann Vitodens 100-W Combi Boiler - £1,1000.
- Worcester Bosch 8000 Combi Boiler - £1,300 to £2,100.
- Ideal Logic C30 Combi Boiler - £845.
*The prices are given are the standalone costs for a boiler only. The total installation bill would feature an additional £800 to £1,300 for labour and extra supplies.
In terms of having a new thermostat installed, it would likely cost around £200 to £350 overall.
This would include the price of labour (if you wanted to have a professional install it for you) and the standalone cost of the actual thermostat.
Here are some of the best smart thermostats on the market:*
- Worcester Wave.
- Baxi uSense.
- Honeywell T6 Smart Thermostat.
- Hive Active Heating.
- Nest Learning Thermostat.
- Tado° V3+ Smart Thermostat.
*Smart thermostats tend to cost about £150 to £300 standalone.
Should I Buy a Smart Heating System?
Determining whether or not a smart heating system is for you will depend on your preferences and requirements.
You may want to consider a smart boiler if:
- Your heating schedule is reasonably consistent.
- You want a heating system that will adjust the temperature for you (one of the ways in which a smart heating system could be used).
- Fuel efficiency is something you’re keen on.
- If you’re interested in investing in zoned heating.
- You want control over your heating system no matter where you are.
However, it would be best not to opt for a smart boiler if you have an unpredictable heating routine or zoned heating is not something that interests you.
Alternatively, it may not be for you if you’re not too fussed about controlling your heating system remotely.
Benefits of Smart Boilers
Here are some of the pros of smart boilers:
- They set your heating based on your routine.
- Smart boilers can improve your fuel efficiency.
- Zoning is possible in some cases.
- Can be a part of a smart modern home.
- Usually easy to install.
Disadvantages of Smart Boilers
As for the downsides, these include:
- Consistency is important for a smart boiler to learn your routine*
- Your options may be limited depending on what you’re looking for.
- Smart technology is not suited to all boilers (some apps can only be used with certain newer boilers).
*This is key if you want your smart boiler to optimise your home’s heating which is its key purpose.
Smart Heating Systems: Verdict
With more and more homeowners turning their home into a smart home, smart heating systems are a popular and useful addition to a property in the 2020s.
As discussed, smart heating systems can save you money by making your boiler more efficient, which in turn is also more eco-friendly.
Convenience is one of the main advantages of smart boilers or/and smart thermostats. They do to heating what remote controls did for TVs and more.
The more includes that you can control your heating systems when out and about.
Ultimately a smart heating app could come in handy on many occasions and brighten your day just a bit, especially on cold winter days when we use our heating most frequently.
And given the cost of living these days, the fact they could reduce your heating bills is an especially relevant benefit.
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Heat happy.
