What Is the Best Smart Heating Control System?
The best smart heating control systems for energy saving are available from Tado, Netatmo, Google Nest and Hive.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, to determine which is the best smart heating control system, the comparison includes these four categories:
- Pricing
- Features
- Appearance
- Apps
Hive Thermostat
- Easily compatible with gas and oil boiler heating systems
- User-friendly app with scheduling and boost functions, geolocation and integration with other home assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Multi-zone control available with Hive Radiator Valves
- Some users mention issues with the app's performance
Verdict: 4/5
Nest Thermostat
- Learns your habits and preferences over time and automatically adjusts the temperature
- Offers geo-fencing and integrates well with other Nest and Google Home products
- User-friendly app
- More expensive than other brands and requires professional installation
- Some users prefer the manual control of other thermostats compared to the Nest learning algorithms
Verdict: 5/5
Netatmo Thermostat
- Compatible with other home assistant programmes such as Google Assistant
- Energy consumption reports along with smart features such as auto-adapt, smart scheduling and open window detection
- No subscription required to access more advanced features
- No geo-fencing to auto-adjust temperature based on your location
- Battery powered requiring replacement
Verdict: 3/5
Tado Thermostat
- Multi-zone control with smart radiator valves, geo-fencing and open window detection
- Detailed energy reports and compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Display can be hard to read at times and needs to be wall mounted
- Lacks smart learning and some advanced features require a paid subscription
Verdict: 5/5
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How Much Do Smart Heating Controls Cost?
Smart heating controls range in price from €150 to €300 depending on the size and functions available on each heating control.
| Thermostat | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| Tado | €149.99 |
| Netatmo | €179.99 |
| Google Nest | €239 |
| Hive | €299 |
Are There Budget Smart Heating Controls?
Hive have some budget friendly options for as little as €79. These mini heating thermostats come with all the basic features and offer an affordable alternative to the more expensive models.
What Are the Main Smart Heating Control Features?
Here are the more important features of a smart heating control you will want to compare:
- Text control: With this feature, you can turn your heating on or off via SMS.
- Auto-adapt: Your thermostat will use the outside temperature and what it has learned about your insulation to automatically adapt the heat required to get to the set temperature.
- Smart schedule: The heating control tracks your habits, similar to other energy saving gadgets, to know when to turn on and off your heating.
- Open window detection: This option turns off your heating in a room where a window is open to improve energy efficiency at home.
- Geofencing: Geofencing allows your smart heating control to tell if anyone is home by tracking the GPS location of users' mobiles.
- Hot water: You'll have some control over your hot water, depending on the thermostat. Some just allow you to turn it on, while others allow you to set the temperature.
- Multi-zone heating: Allows you to control different heating zones of your home, to avoid heating up rooms you're not using. Useful when working from home.
- Compatibility: If the thermostat is compatible with Google and Alexa home assistants.
Smart Heating Controls Features Comparison
| Feature | Hive | Nest | Netatmo | Tado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Text control | Yes | No | No | No |
| Auto-adapt | No | No | Yes | No |
| Smart schedule | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Open window detection | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Geofencing | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hot water | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-zone heating | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Home compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apple HomeKit compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overall rating | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Where Can I Buy Smart Heating Controls in Ireland?
A variety of both online and in-store retailers in Ireland sell smart heating controls.
| Retailer | Brands Offered | Online | Stores | Installation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DID Electrical | Tado | Nationwide delivery, physical stores | |||
| Currys | Nest, Hive, Tado | Click-and-collect available | |||
| Screwfix | Hive | Trade counters available | |||
| Bord Gáis Energy | Hive | Often offers installation | |||
| Brooks Online | EPH Ember | Nationwide delivery | |||
| Lights.ie | Various | Selection of smart home thermostats | |||
| Amazon.ie | Wide range | Various sellers, delivery across Ireland |
Before Purchasing a Smart Heating Control, Remember to Consider
- Check compatibility: Always verify that the chosen smart heating controls are compatible with your specific heating system.
- Features: Consider the features you need (multi-zone, geofencing, smart integrations, etc.) when choosing a brand and model.
- Reviews: Read online reviews for specific products and retailers.
- Installation: Determine if you will DIY or need professional installation.
- SEAI grants: If applicable, ensure the products and installers meet the grant requirements.
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Are There SEAI Grants for Smart Heating Controls?
The SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) offer grants for upgrading your heating controls under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.
The grant amount is fixed at €700 and to be eligible you must:
- You must be the owner of the home, including landlords
- Your home must have been built and occupied before 2011
- You cannot have previously claimed a grant for a Heat Pump System, as heating controls are a mandatory part of that upgrade
What Do the Upgrades Consist Of?
The upgrade must include:
- Installation of a seven-day timer and temperature control for your existing boiler
- Zonal control over at least two zones in your home (heating and hot water)
- Time and temperature control of an electric immersion (if applicable)
- A boiler interlock
- Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) on at least three radiators, but no less than half of all radiators
You can apply online through the SEAI website or by post.
How Much Can I Save With Smart Heating Controls?
Given the high cost of home heating in Ireland, even small percentage savings can mean significant euro value back in your pocket.
Manufacturer Studies and Savings Data
Manufacturer studies consistently demonstrate significant savings on heating bills:
- Typical heating savings: General use of certified smart thermostats can save homeowners an average of 8% on heating bills by eliminating simple waste.
- Advanced performance: Systems with learning algorithms and geofencing (like Google Nest) often show higher results, with users reporting saving an average of 10–12% on heating costs.
How These Savings Are Achieved
These savings come from the smart features that eliminate energy waste:
- Geofencing and occupancy sensing: The system uses motion sensors or your phone's location (geofencing) to detect when the last person leaves the home. It automatically shifts to an energy-saving setback temperature and ramps back up only when someone is about to return.
- Learning algorithms: Over time, the thermostat learns your comfort preferences and the unique way your home heats and cools. It then optimises its runtime, preventing unnecessary heating by anticipating temperature changes before they happen.
- Weather-responsive adjustments: By pulling local weather forecasts, the system can modulate the boiler or heat pump run time, reducing effort when a mild day is forecast.
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What Are the Smart Heating Control Apps Like?
Most of the functionality of your new smart thermostat cannot be easily accessed without using an app, so it is quite important.
Hive Thermostat App
The Hive thermostat app has an average rating of 4.2 across both the Google and Apple app store, with most customers satisfied with its functionality and effectiveness.
| App Store | Rating |
|---|---|
| Google Play | 3.9/5 |
| Apple Store | 4.5/5 |
- Great app to control heating and lighting when away
- Issues with the connection to the boiler being constantly dropped
- Recent updates have caused issues
Nest Thermostat App
The Nest app receives positive reviews with an average rating of 4.4 across both app stores for its versatility and ease of use.
| App Store | Rating |
|---|---|
| Google Play | 4.2/5 |
| Apple Store | 4.7/5 |
- Can be used for your alarm system and security cameras, not just the thermostat
- Very easy to install
- No longer integrated with HomeKit
Netatmo Thermostat App
The Netatmo app has an average of almost 4 stars across both app stores, with customers highlighting its ease of use and dependability.
| App Store | Rating |
|---|---|
| Google Play | 3.7/5 |
| Apple Store | 4.6/5 |
- Good, functioning app
- Very easy to use
- Never drops the connection
- No geofencing
Tado Thermostat App
The Tado app has the highest average rating across both app stores at 4.5 with customers praising its functionality and features.
| App Store | Rating |
|---|---|
| Google Play | 4.5/5 |
| Apple Store | 4.5/5 |
- Great functionality
- Geofencing kicks in too late when returning home
- Window detection doesn't always work well