Smart thermostat are becoming increasingly popular as these are a great way to control your home’s central heating system. Smart thermostats are much easier to use then some of the complicated traditional thermostats.
Smart thermostats let to easily set heating schedules, remotely turn heating on/off and much more.
If you are wondering what are the best smart thermostats for a combi boiler then you are at the right place. Read on to find out!
Before we go into more details we will describer what is a combi boiler.
What is a combi boiler?
Combi boiler are the most common type of boilers now used in most UK homes. Unlike traditional heating systems, these modern boilers are compact, take less space and do not require a storage tank. These 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.
Smart Central Heating Thermostat
Smart thermostat enables you to control your central heating system from your smart phone or the thermostat itself. Smart thermostat can be placed in its dedicated stand or left in a room of your choice. It is normally connected to a hub which provides it internet connectivity. This enables you to control it using your phone even when you are not at home. You can set heating schedules, set timers, and monitor usage (depending on make/mode of a thermostat you have).
The smart thermostat normally comes with an additional device (commonly known as Receiver) which is wired to the boiler replacing your existing thermostat. If you can do some diy, you should be able to install it yourself. However, if you are not confident most thermostat come with expert installation option (at an extra charge). Additionally, you can speak to a local electrician for a quote. The receiver should connect to existing wiring without any problem making it a quick installation job.
Most smart thermostats can be connected to a voice assistants
Yes, most smart thermostats can be connected to a voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant.
When feeling cold. You just have to say: ‘Alexa turn on the heating’ with out leaving the comfort of your sofa and leave the rest to this virtual assistant.
Wondering about the privacy of smart home? Read this article!
Choosing The Right Smart Thermostat For Your Needs
There are many different smart thermostats available on the high street stores as well as online suitable for a combi boiler. Choosing the right one can be a bit difficult. However, we will help you choose the right one for your needs.
Smart thermostats connect with internet to provide remote access to your heating system while you are away from your home. Even though these thermostats can work without internet connectivity. However, we do recommend connecting a smart thermostat to your home WiFi. For this purpose a hub is required in most cases. Benefit of a hub is that it can connect to additional compatible smart devices in your home. For example, if you have any smart radiator valves in your home, those should connect to the same hub. Installing, smart heating valves enables you to control temperature in each room. However, smart thermostats work perfectly with out 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!
Best Thermostat for A Combi Boiler
When it comes to smart thermostats, two big names which are leading the market are Google Nest and Hive Smart Thermostats. Most of the times it only comes down to these two big names if you are looking for best thermostats for combi boilers. 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 Vs Google Nest 3rd Generation- Which is better?
| 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 | ✔ | ✔ |
Google Nest and Hive thermostats provide very similar and cutting edge features. Google Nest 3rd gen thermostat is the latest in the Nest thermostat range. It is the newest model. Compared to 2nd gen it provides certain extra 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, can be connected to a smart phone or a tablet, provide ability to create heating schedules and much more.
Google Nest 3rd gen do cost a little bit extra compared to Hive thermostat. However, we believe this extra cost is justifiable as Google 3rd Gen thermostat has same extra features such as turning the heating down when house is empty through geolocation, saving you money. Furthermore, it can adopt to your heating habits. It has different sensors e.g. it lights up the screen showing you temperature and time when you pass by it.
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