A Guide to Smart Thermostats

Maintaining a comfortable living environment while keeping energy costs down can feel like an impossible task. However, smart thermostats are revolutionising the way we manage our home’s temperature. With features like remote control via apps, learning algorithms that adapt to your lifestyle, and energy-saving modes, these innovative devices offer convenience and efficiency in one sleek package.

Whether you’re aiming to save money, improve convenience, or optimise your heating system, we explore smart thermostats in more detail, looking specifically at what they are, how they work, and the different types available.

What is a smart thermostat?

A smart thermostat is a digital device designed to help you control your home’s heating system more efficiently. Unlike traditional thermostats, they connect to your boiler or heat pump and allow you to make precise adjustments to your living temperature usually through an app. With Wi-Fi connectivity, these devices often enable remote operation from smartphones or tablets, so you can fine-tune your heating schedule regardless of where you are.

Most modern smart thermostats also often feature intuitive learning capabilities like adapting to your routine by automatically warming your home when you’re on your way home or lowering the temperature when everyone leaves. Some even take into account weather conditions so you can truly maximise your comfort and energy efficiency.

How do smart thermostats work?

These nifty pieces of kit work by communicating with your heating system through Wi-Fi, instructing your boiler or heat pump to maintain your desired living temperature. In most cases, you can remotely control your smart thermostat through a dedicated app where you can adjust temperatures or schedules at your convenience, no matter where you are.

As well as that, most devices offer advanced features such as programmable heating schedules, voice control through Alexa or Google, and access to real-time data. It’s this type of digital functionality that sets smart thermostats apart from traditional thermostats as they add convenience and efficiency to your home’s heating system.

How much is a smart thermostat?

The cost of a smart thermostat will depend on the brand, model, and the features they offer, but they can range anywhere between £100 – £200. If you opt for professional installation, which most brands offer, this will also add to the total cost.

Cheaper devices often only include basic remote heating control capabilities, while the more expensive models usually include more sophisticated features such as weather adaptation and room-specific options.

You should factor in your needs to determine which type of smart thermostat is right for you. However, despite the upfront costs, many homeowners find that these devices contribute to long-term savings such as lower energy bills over time.

What are the different types of smart thermostats available?

There is a huge range of smart thermostats available that suit different needs and budgets. From devices with straightforward heating controls to those with more advanced options and features, below are just some of the many smart thermostats that are on the market.

tado°

tado° smart thermostats are designed to align your heating system with your lifestyle. Using your smartphone as a tracking device, tado° adjusts your home’s temperature by detecting when you’re home or away. If you leave the house, the heating automatically turns off and when you’re heading back, it begins warming your home to your set temperature.

Another standout feature is its compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google, to offer seamless heating control. tado° also uses weather data to help you save energy, boasting potential savings of up to 28%.

Hive

Hive Active Heating is a smart thermostat that is offered by British Gas and unlike automated systems, Hive thrives on user input. It allows you to tailor heating schedules to help you optimise energy usage, and through the Hive app, you can modify temperatures while away, ensuring your system is always maintaining efficiency.

It can also be integrated with Alexa for voice-enabled functionality, and offers unique safety features that take effect during freezing weather to prevent pipe damage. With a Hive Plus subscription, you can unlock additional benefits such as usage insights and extra heating controls. 

Resideo

If you’re looking for room-specific heating control, Resideo (Honeywell) is an ideal option. The evohome smart thermostat allows you to divide your property into up to 12 individual heating zones so you can heat different areas of your home to your ideal temperature. It also provides hot water control, and you can remotely control your thermostat via a smartphone app, making this particular smart thermostat perfect for households with varying demands.

Heatmiser

Heatmiser smart thermostats are a popular option for those looking to enhance their home heating control while also adding a touch of modern convenience. Known for their user-friendly interfaces, these thermostats allow homeowners to effortlessly set schedules, adjust temperatures, and track energy usage from anywhere using a smartphone app.

Compatible with various types of heating systems, the Heatmiser Neo series in particular lets you enjoy advanced features such as multi-zone control and integration with other smart home systems for seamless operation.

Drayton Wiser

Drayton’s Wiser Smart Room Thermostat offers advanced room-by-room heating controls which is great if you have individual circumstances. With a dedicated user-friendly app, you can adjust your heating schedule and set individual room temperatures, helping you to optimise your energy usage by only heating spaces that are in use. As well as that, this smart thermostat can be integrated with other smart home devices like Alexa and Google to allow for voice-enabled functionality.

Learn how you can make your home more energy efficient

Smart thermostats are revolutionising the way homeowners manage and optimise their heating systems more efficiently and effectively. However, ensuring your property is also energy efficient is the only way you can truly maximise the benefits of smart thermostats.

By installing energy-efficient heating and insulation measures to your home, you can reduce your energy consumption, maintain an all year-round comfortable living temperature, and save money on your energy bills.

At Eco Providers, we specialise in offering tailored heating and insulation upgrades to homes across the UK to improve energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and combat fuel poverty. We can also check your eligibility and help you access government funding you’re entitled to. Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly experts today and discover what improvements and savings can be made to your property.