Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular as they provide an excellent way to control your home’s central heating system. Smart thermostats are much easier to use than some of the complicated traditional thermostats. Smart thermostats allow you to easily set heating schedules, remotely turn heating on/off, check your energy usage, and much more. If you are looking for the best smart thermostat for combi boiler, then you are in the right place.
Read on to find out!
Before we go into more details about ‘Best Smart Thermostat For Combi Boiler’, we will first describe: what is a combi boiler?
What is a combi boiler?
Combi boiler are the most common type of boilers now used in most parts of UK. Unlike traditional heating systems, these modern boilers are compact, take less space and do not require a storage tank. Combi boilers have water, central heating and gas pipes attached directly to them. The name combi boiler comes from their ability to provide both: hot water and central heating. Combi boilers normally last for 15 years or more.
Best Smart Thermostat For Combi Boiler
There are numerous smart thermostat makes and models, which are available in both high street stores and online, all suitable for a combi boiler. When you are looking for the best smart thermostat for combi boiler, choosing the right one can be a bit challenging, but we are here to assist you in finding the one that suits your needs.
Google Nest Thermostat
Google Nest Smart Thermostat
Hive Smart Thermostat
Hive Smart Thermostat
Best Thermostat for A Combi Boiler
When it comes to smart thermostats, two leading names in the market are Google Nest and Hive Smart Thermostats. In the quest for the best thermostats for combi boilers, it often boils down to these two prominent options. Both of these smart thermostats are compatible with combi boilers.
Both thermostats have many similar functions and are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. These market leading thermostats are easy to set up and operate.
Hive smart thermostat consists of
A thermostat which runs on AA batteries
A receiver which is wired to your boiler
A smart Hub which runs on mains power and is connected to your Wi-Fi router
Nest smart thermostat consist of
A thermostat running on batteries can be placed anywhere in the home
Heat Link which is wired to your boiler.
Also read: Hive Smart Home Thermostat, Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide
Hive Smart Thermostat Vs Google Nest Generation- Which is the best smart thermostat for combi boiler?
Function | Hive | Google Next |
Combi Boiler | ✔ | ✔ |
Connectivity to smart phone or tablet | ✔ | ✔ |
Heating Schedule | ✔ | ✔ |
Remote Access | ✔ | ✔ |
Hub Required | ✔ | ✔ |
Learn Heating Habbits | ✔ | |
Geolocation | ✔ | ✔ |
Weather Responsive | ||
Amazon Alexa | ✔ | ✔ |
Google Assistant | ✔ | ✔ |
Heating History | ✔* | ✔** |
Frost Protection | ✔ | ✔ |
Multizone Control | ✔ | ✔ |
**Up to 10 Days Max
Google Nest and Hive thermostats provide very similar and cutting edge features but which is the Best Smart Thermostat For Combi Boiler
If you are looking for best thermostat for combi boiler, Google Nest and Hive thermostats provide very similar and cutting edge features. Google Nest thermostat provides features such as: heating plan adjustments, more sensors, safety alerts and screen lighting up when it senses someone’s presence.
As summarised in table above, both thermostats provide plenty of smart features. Both are compatible with smart assistants, and can be connected to a smart phone or a tablet, which provide ability to create heating schedules and much more.
While the Google Nest thermostat does come with a slightly higher price tag compared to a Hive thermostat, we believe this additional cost is justified. The Google Nest thermostat offers extra features, such as automatically adjusting the heating when the house is empty through geolocation, which can help save you money on energy bills. Moreover, it adapts to your heating habits and includes additional sensors, such as lighting up the screen to display temperature and time when you pass by it
Do Not Miss: Smart Switches For A Smart Home
Smart Central Heating Thermostat
A smart thermostat enables you to control your central heating system from your smartphone or the thermostat itself. The smart thermostat can be placed on its dedicated stand or left in a room of your choice. The smart thermostat connects wirelessly to a smart hub, providing the thermostat with internet connectivity. This enables you to control it using your phone even when you are not at home. You can set heating schedules, timers, and monitor usage ,depending on the make and model of your thermostat.
A smart thermostat typically comes with an additional device, commonly known as a receiver, which is wired to the boiler, replacing your existing thermostat.
If you’re comfortable with DIY, you should be able to install it yourself. However, if you lack confidence, most thermostats come with an expert installation option (at an extra charge). Alternatively, you can consult with a local electrician for a quote. The receiver should connect to the existing wiring without any problems, making it a quick installation job
Smart thermostats can be connected to voice assistants
Yes, most smart thermostats can be connected to voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant.
When feeling cold, you just have to say, ‘Alexa, turn on the heating,’ without leaving the comfort of your sofa, and let this virtual assistant handle the rest.
Wondering about the privacy of smart home? Read this article!
Smart thermostats connect to internet and provide remote access to your heating system
Smart thermostats connect to the internet, providing remote access to your heating system when you’re away from home. While these thermostats can operate without internet connectivity, we strongly recommend connecting your smart thermostat to your home WiFi. In most cases, a hub is required for this purpose. The benefit of a hub is that it can also connect to additional compatible smart devices in your home. For instance, if you have smart radiator valves, they can connect to the same hub. Installing smart heating valves allows you to control the temperature in each room. However, smart thermostats work perfectly without any smart radiator valves
Additionally, connecting the thermostat to hub gives you ability to then connect it with voice assistants such as ‘Alexa’.
‘Alexa what is the heating temperature?‘ and Alexa will tell you the current temperature in your house.
Buying smart thermostat/receiver and a hub as a bundle, gives you better price!