How Does Hive Heating Work? – Beginners Guide

This idiots guide is about Hive heating system. If you are wondering ‘how does Hive heating work?’, then carry on reading.

Hive heating system is developed by British Gas. It is one of the best-selling smart heating systems in the UK. It helps you control your home’s central heating system through a smart thermostat, a smart phone, or a tablet. They system is very easy to use and setup and very user friendly.

Hive heating system has three components. Two of the components are mandatory while third is optional but highly recommended.

These three components are:

A smart thermostat which runs on batteries. It can be fixed to a wall or freestanding.

A receiver which is wired to your boiler running on mains power

A smart hub (optional) which connects to your broadband router and runs on mains power

So, if you are wondering how does the Hive heating system actually work then read on this ‘hive idiots guide’ for the answer!

Hive smart thermostat monitors the temperature

Hive system includes a smart thermostat which is a digital device and has  built-in temperature sensor. You can set the target temperature using the smart thermostat. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature where its place. Once the target temperature is reached the heating system automatically turns off while the room temperature matches the target temperature.

Hive smart thermostat connects wirelessly to a receiver

The hive smart thermostat connects wirelessly to your boiler through a receiver. You can use the Hive heating system to control your heating, if you have a Hive thermostat and a receiver. However, by just using a thermostat and receiver, you can only control your heating with the help of smart thermostat.

Buy a Hive smart hub for full functionality

Additionally, you can also buy a Hive hub.

The hub connects to:

Your broadband modem with the help of an ethernet cable

To hive receiver wirelessly

With the help of a smart Hive hub. Your central heating system can be connected to Hive app on your phone. Once it is connected to your smart phone or tablet you can control your home heating system through your smart phone. This even allows you to control your heating system remotely while you are away from home. You can also set the target temperature using your smart phone instead of the hive thermostat.

Hive hub for a combi boiler

Hive hub works with most boilers and combi boilers are one of the compatible ones. If you have a combi boiler at home, then you will have no problem using the hive smart thermostat to control the central heating system. Hive heating can easily be installed on the combi boilers which will replace your old thermostat and its receiver. DIY installation of Hive heating system is possible. If you are unsure, then opt for professional installation. You can either choose professional installation option while buying the Hive smart heating system or you can ask for an installation quote from your local tradesman.

What is the difference between Hive Thermostat and Hive Mini Thermostat?

With the normal Hive Thermostat you can create schedules and use button on the top to boost heating using the thermostat itself. You can do this with Hive Mini, but you have to do so using the the Hive app on your smart phone or your tablet.

Hive radiator valve

You can also buy hive radiator valve for full functionality and control the heating room by room. This means, you don’t have to heat the empty rooms again and save cost on energy bills. Using the Hive radiator valve you can manage heating in the rooms individually without over heating any of the rooms. You can set schedules, for example, you can set the heating to turn on only in your bedroom just before you go to bed.

How to install a Hive radiator value

By this point you are probably wondering if you need a professional installer for these valve or if these can be installed by yourselves.

The good news is: installing hive radiator valves is extremally easy!

Step 1: Unscrew the existing TRV (the top part of the valve – you do NOT need to drain or remove water from you radiators for this).

Step 2: Screw on the Hive TRV.

You are all done!

Buy a pack of 1 or 5 valves from Amazon!

Hive smart hub works with Alexa

Furthermore, Hive hub is compatible with Alexa which is Amazon’s virtual assistant. Meaning, you can control your heating with voice.

You can use commands such us:

Alexa, turn on the heating

Alexa, turn the heating off

Alexa, Turn the heating up!

Alexa, What’s the temperature in my living room?

Hive app not working on iPhone or Android? Easy and Simple Hive App Troubleshooting Guide!

Hive heating not turning on at scheduled times? Read the troubleshooting guide here!

Hive heating schedules examples

Hive heating system lets you set heating schedules. For example, if you want to wake up in the morning in a warm house. You can set heating to turn on 15-30 minutes before your waking time and set the schedule to turn off when you leave the home in the morning. Similarly, if you want to come back to a warm home from work, you can set heating to turn on automatically while you are on your way back from your work place.

If you do not want to set the heating schedules, you can use the boost option which turns the heating on for 2 hours with a single tap. However, you can change this duration. Additionally, you have the option to turn the heating on/off manually. For example, if you are unsure what time you will  be coming back from work. You can manually turn the heating on while you are on your way back from work.

Also read: Hive Smart Home Thermostat, Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide

Hive app not working on iPhone or Android? Easy and Simple Hive App Troubleshooting Guide!