Which Is The Best Smart Control Heating System?

Which Is The Best Smart Control Heating System?

Which Is The Best Smart Control Heating System?

In a world where everything is available at the press of a digit, it makes sense that the warmth in our homes should be just as easy to control. From groceries and luxury goods to fashion and airline tickets, we can access just about anything from anywhere in the world.

Smart heating systems allow you to do just that. You can check the temperature of your home from wherever you are, just by glancing at your smartphone or tablet. You can also set schedules to ensure the heat is on when and where you need it. By fitting to your schedule, you’ll be heating your home far more efficiently. This means lower fuel consumption, less wastage and reduced monthly heating bills. Not only that but as you’ll be burning less fuel, you’ll be more energy-efficient and minimise your carbon footprint.

Smart heating systems can be fitted to most boiler and central heating systems, but make sure you research the best option for you. Not all smart heating systems are created equal, and the best one for your home will depend on several parameters. What size is your home? How much can you afford to spend on the smart heating system? What added extras are important for you? For example, some systems have an ‘open window’ sensor to ensure you’re not heating the garden! Also, some systems don’t rely on a central thermostat, but also provide zonal control with smart radiator thermostats (TRVs). This means that each room can be individually controlled, which will ensure the bedrooms are warm for night and the kitchen is ready for you in the morning.

Here’s our round-up of the best smart heating control systems on the market today:

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Generation)

This is one of the most popular smart heating thermostats on the market. Indeed, it’s already racked up nearly 2,000 online reviews, demonstrating how well it’s been received by homeowners. With a sleek, curved design this unit is definitely the most aesthetically pleasing and offers a good range of connectivity, including Google Home and Alexa.

The smart thermostat can be controlled directly or remotely, and the 3rd Generation can also control your hot water. Although individual thermostat controls aren’t provided as standard, separate TRVs can be purchased and fitted to individual radiators to facilitate temperature control in specific zones.

For the techies among us, you can build a truly connected home with Google Nest. The smart system also offers entertainment streaming, lighting control, Nest Cam security cameras, key-free Yale locks and Nest Protect, a carbon monoxide and smoke alarm.

Cost: Around £250

Hive Active Heating 2

Hive isn’t just a smart heating system. Like Google Nest, it can be paired with other smart devices such as WiFi security cameras, smart plugs and smart bulbs. Although not self-learning, the system is very easy to control as all hardware is controlled via one App, the Hive Hub. However, the system can’t be controlled manually, only via the Hive app or the website.

Hive Active Heating offers fantastic connectivity and also comes with a geofence, which not only dials down the heating when you leave home but also fires up the boiler on your return. It does lack TRVs, but these can be purchased separately, turning the Hive Hub into a multi-zone system.

It’s also worth noting that although Hive is owned by British Gas, you can use it with any energy supplier.

Cost: Around £250

Tado Smart Thermostat V3

A relative newcomer to the arena, the Tado Smart Thermostat boasts an impressive array of features. These include an energy-saving calculator, direct and remote adjustability, open window detection and geofencing. It also comes with smart radiator thermostats, allowing you to control the temperature in every single room of your home, ensuring heat is only provided exactly when and where it’s needed.

But what really sets this smart thermostat apart is its presence detection. Using location factors such as GPS, the thermostat can follow where you are and direct the heat to precisely where you need it. To access this feature, there is a paid subscription, but it could be well worth it in your home.

Cost: Around £200

Google Nest Thermostat E

Although this thermostat lacks the stylish looks of the Nest Learning Thermostat, it is far simpler to install, as it isn’t connected to the boiler. It simply replaces your existing wireless or wall-mounted thermostat.

While the Nest Thermostat E does an excellent job of adjusting home temperature, it lacks the functionality of other smart thermostats. Also, in the UK there’s an issue with the cost, as it’s priced very close to rival thermostats that offer superior controllability. However, if you’re looking to quickly install a smart thermostat that’s easy to use, with excellent connectivity, then this could be a great option for you.

Cost: Around £200

Honeywell Evohome

If you’re looking for the best temperature control in every single room of your house, then this is the smart thermostat you need. It does come with a hefty price tag, but it’s easy to see why. Not only can you control each radiator individually, but the Honeywell Evohome system also controls hot water and can be used in rooms with underfloor heating.

Not only does the unit come with a whole host of advanced features, but it’s also easy to adjust the schedule. It’s also very easy to use, even for the most die-hard technophobes.

Cost: Around £250 upwards

Drayton Wiser Multi-Zone Smart Thermostat

In terms of installation, this is one of the quickest smart thermostats to set up. Indeed, homeowners can easily set it up themselves without having to call out an engineer. Importantly, it allows you to control each radiator individually. The starter kit comes with two radiator valves, but additional smart valves can be purchased individually.

A simple and low-cost home option, the Drayton Smart Thermostat may lack the advanced features of more expensive options. It’s also lacking in the looks department, but what it lacks there it makes up for in function. It’s quick to respond to heating demand, self-learning and does include features such as open window detection and geofencing.

Cost: Around £150 (but note that you’ll save on installation costs)

 

Of course, even with the best smart controls, there will still be those areas of the home that are difficult to heat. For this, we recommend individual electric radiators or portable electric heaters. Contact us for further help with your heating needs. We stock the best in electric heating and have regular sales and discounts on offer. You can call us on 01252 560770 or email us on enquiries@electricheatingexpert.co.uk. Get in touch today and make sure you’re nice and toasty this winter. After all, a warm home is a happy home!

 

 

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