Smart thermostats - all you need to know

Energy Saving Trust have estimated you could save up to £150 a year by installing and correctly using heating controls like programmers and thermostats for your new boiler. And with all the high-tech heating controls on the market now, there are even more opportunities to save. For example, smart thermostats are becoming more and more popular as they typically provide a quick and easy way of controlling your central heating.

Smart thermostats in a nutshell

Many smart thermostats feature state-of-the-art technology which allows you to monitor your heating habits and create personalised heating schedules to match your daily routine. Some smart devices sense when you walk in or out of the door and turn your heating on or off automatically.

You can control many smart thermostats via your smartphone or tablet, which means you can access and operate your heating on the go. Worrying about leaving your heating on could be a thing of the past!

What are the benefits of smart thermostats?

A smart thermostat could help make your home more energy efficient. By providing you with a quick, easy and convenient way of controlling your heating, these intelligent gadgets could help you find a temperature that’s right for you without using too much energy. Here’s a list of potential advantages:

• Have more control over your central heating
• Quick and easy to set up
• Easy to use
• Reduce your household’s carbon dioxide emissions
• You could save money on your energy bills by potentially boosting your heating’s energy-efficiency
• Create personalised schedules for your heating and hot water
• Control your heating from outside your home
• You can heat specific areas in your home at precise temperatures

Make the most of your smart thermostat with an efficient boiler

If you're looking to get a smart thermostat, it's worth making sure your boiler is in a good condition. Most boilers last about 10-15 years. After this time they become a lot less efficient. 

You can make sure your boiler is in top condition through regular servicing. A lot of boiler insurance products come with annual service. 

If you're unsure about the efficiency of your boiler, there are some telltale signs of it coming to the end of its life. These include having to call out an engineer more than once a year, repair and parts becoming more expensive and your heating bills becoming higher even if you haven't changed your lifestyle. 

Looking for a boiler replacement?

Replacing your boiler may seem expensive at face value but getting a new one would ensure you're making the most of your enegy. 

It's also worth exploring other electric heating options. You'd be surprised at the efficiency and costs of the new electric storage heaters or air source heat pumps, which could be good alternative to a boiler.