If you are looking for the best smart thermostat for a combi boiler which actually offers smart features then you have landed at the right page! Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular as they provide an excellent way to control your home’s central heating system. Generally, word ‘smart’ is used for thermostats when they have internet connectivity and can connect to a mobile phone device and are controlled using a mobile app. However, with advancements in technology and recent AI developments the word ‘smart’ means much more. Consumers expect a smart thermostat to do more than just connect to their phone. In fact, many thermostats on the market today don’t meet the criteria of being truly smart in this AI-driven age. For instance, instead of manually setting schedules and adjusting the temperature, a smart thermostat should be able to learn your habits and automatically manage your home’s heating.
In this article, we compare best selling smart thermostats, exploring their pros & cons, value for money, and weather they truly offer “smart” features beyond just from WiFi connectivity.
Smart thermostats are much easier to use than many traditional, complicated thermostats. Smart thermostats allow to easily set heating schedules, remotely turn heating on and off, check your energy usage, and much more. Keep reading to find out which combi boiler smart thermostat might be best fit for you.
Best Selling Smart Thermostats For A Combi Boiler
Google Nest 4th Gen
True smart learning, learns your heating habits to automatically adjust heating, while also accounting for outdoor conditions.
Hive Smart Thermostat
If you’re after a smart combi boiler thermostat that is both effective and user friendly, the Hive Smart Thermostat by British Gas is a great option for you.
Google Nest 3rd Gen
Smart learning, learns your heating habits to automatically creates heating schedules. Geofencing, automatically turns your heating down if you are not home to save £100s.
Ecobee 3 Lite Smart Thermostat
Smart learning with built in Alexa. Optional smart room sensors to control hot and cold spots
Tado Smart Thermostat
Compatible with range of voice assistants including Google Assistant and Alexa. Detailed energy saving report and much more!
Honeywell Smart Thermostat
Large clear touch screen display. Geofencing, automatically adjusting temperature when you are away. Apple home kit and Google home compatible.
Best Smart Thermostat For Combi Boiler
With numerous smart thermostat makes and models available both in high street stores and online, selecting the best one for a combi boiler can be challenging. However, we’re here to help you find the perfect thermostat that fits your needs.
What Features are you looking in a smart thermostat for a combi boiler?
When buying a smart thermostat you may be tempted to go far one with most advanced features. Smart combi boiler thermostats with advanced features come with a higher price tag. It is important to consider whether those features are actually worth the price. These features might sound impressive, but they’re not always necessary or practical. Focus on what will best suit best for your home. Consider things such as ease of use, compatibility with your current system, and the specific functionalities that matter to you.
Google Nest Thermostat 4rd Gen With Smart Learning
Google Nest 4th Gen
True smart learning, learns your heating habits to automatically adjust heating, while also accounting for outdoor conditions.
Hive Smart Thermostat For Combi Boiler
Hive Smart Thermostat
If you’re after a smart combi boiler thermostat that is both effective and user friendly, the Hive Smart Thermostat by British Gas is a great option for you.
Google Nest Thermostat 3rd Gen
Google Nest 3rd Gen
Smart learning, learns your heating habits to automatically creates heating schedules. Geofencing, automatically turns your heating down if you are not home to save £100s.
Ecobee 3 Lite Smart Thermostat
Ecobee 3 Lite Smart Thermostat
Smart learning with built in Alexa. Optional smart room sensors to control hot and cold spots
Tado Smart Thermostat
Tado Smart Thermostat
Compatible with range of voice assistants including Google Assistant and Alexa. Detailed energy saving report and much more!
Honeywell T6 Smart Thermostat
Honeywell Smart Thermostat
Large clear touch screen display. Geofencing, automatically adjusting temperature when you are away. Apple home kit and Google home compatible.
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
Best Selling Smart Thermostats For Combi Boilers- What features do they offer?
| Function | Hive | Nest | Ecobee | Tado | Honeywell |
| Combi Boiler | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Connectivity to smart phone or tablet | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heating Schedule | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smart Learning | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Considers Outdoor Conditions | ✔ | ||||
| Remote Access | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hub Required | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Learn Heating Habbits | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Geofencing | * | ✔ | ✔ | ** | * |
| Weather Responsive | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Google Assistant | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heating History | ** | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Frost Protection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multizone Control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
*Limited, not smart
** Subscription required
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!
We hope now you are aware which smart Thermostat may be best for your 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.
