A GUIDE TO SMART HEATING CONTROLS

Discover the Best Smart Heating Solutions Available in the UK

​Introduction

As homeowners across the UK search for more efficient, cost-effective ways to manage their heating, smart heating controls have rapidly become a popular solution. These intelligent devices let you monitor and adjust your home’s heating from anywhere, helping you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the leading smart heating controls available in the UK and provide ratings based on features, ease of use, and overall value.

​What Are Smart Heating Controls?

Smart heating controls are systems that let you control your heating remotely via smartphones, tablets, or computers. They often include scheduling, automation, and zoning features, enabling you to fine-tune your heating to suit your lifestyle. Some even learn your routines and adjust themselves automatically for optimal comfort and efficiency.

​Top Smart Heating Controls in the UK

Below, we review several popular smart heating controls currently available in the UK market. Each product is rated out of five stars based on performance, user experience, and features.

Tado Smart Thermostat

• Rating: ★★★★☆
• Key Features: Geofencing, multi-room control, open window detection, and energy reports.
• Overview: Tado stands out for its powerful automation features and precise location tracking, which help to reduce energy usage. The app is intuitive, and Tado offers compatibility with most heating systems in the UK.
• Thermostatic radiator valves available

Hive Active Heating

• Rating: ★★★★☆
• Key Features: Simple installation, robust app, scheduling, and voice control integration.
• Overview: Hive is backed by British Gas and has become a household name in smart heating. Its straightforward interface and reliable performance make it a good all-rounder, especially for those new to smart home technology.
• Thermostatic radiator valves available

Honeywell Evohome

• Rating: ★★★★☆
• Key Features: Zoning capabilities, customisable schedules, and compatibility with a wide range of boilers.
• Overview: Honeywell’s Evohome is perfect for larger homes and those wanting room-by-room temperature control. While it may require a more complex installation, the flexibility and efficiency it offers are well worth considering.

Drayton Wiser Smart Heating

• Rating: ★★★★☆
• Key Features: Modular design, smart radiator thermostats, and user-friendly mobile app.
• Overview: Drayton Wiser offers excellent value for money and is especially well-suited to homes that want to upgrade gradually. Its modular approach allows you to add more smart controls over time.

​Worcester Bosch Easy Control

• Rating: ★★★★☆
• Key Features: communicates directly with Worcester Bosch boilers which allows the boiler to reduce its output according to demand. This makes this device more efficient than standard smart thermostats. Controls heating and hot water
• Overview: The ideal control for your Worcesterr boiler, keeping the boiler at its lowest possible kilowatt output at all times. The disadvantage is that it has not batteries, so needs to be plugged in. This limits the possibility of wall mounting the unit.

Vaillant SensoHome

• Rating: ★★★★☆
• Key Features: This is an excellent option if you have a modern Vaillant boiler. The controller communicates directly with the boiler, allowing it to modulate its output according demand. This is probably not the right choice if you don’t have a Vaillant boiler.
• Overview: the display on the room unit is matched on the front of the boiler, showing the room and radiator temperatures. This device is usually only fitted alongside newly installed Vaillant boilers.

Why Isn't Google Nest Included?
Many readers may notice the absence of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat in our recommended list. Although previously a market leader, the Google Nest Thermostat has been discontinued in the UK, making it no longer available for new installations. For this reason, we have omitted it from our selection to ensure this guide only covers products you can currently purchase and install with confidence.

Choosing the Right Smart Heating Control

When selecting a smart heating control for your home, consider factors such as compatibility with your existing heating system, the features you value most (e.g. zoning, automation, energy reports), and your budget. If you have a hot water cylinder in your house, you’ll need a dual channel controller. For comprehensive multi-room control, Honeywell Evohome or Tado are excellent options. Hive is a solid choice for those seeking simplicity and reliability.

Can I install my own smart thermostat?

​You can install it yourself if you’re confident with electrical work, especially if the thermostat controls a combi boiler.

If gets more complicated when you’re replacing a programmer for heating and hot water; and even harder with multiple zones. In this case it might be better to get a professional to do it.

​Final Thoughts

Smart heating controls offer a convenient and effective way to improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. With a range of options available in the UK, there’s a solution to fit every household’s needs.
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We would be happy to discuss the thermostat that would best suit your home. If you’d like more information, feel free to get it touch.