Wi-Fi smart thermostats are specially designed to let you control the temperature of your home remotely.
Instead of having to physically interact with a wall thermostat, you can operate your underfloor heating system via a smartphone, desktop, laptop or tablet. As thermostats are connected to the internet, you can switch heating on and off and programme schedules wherever you enjoy connectivity.
Here we take a deep dive into Wi-Fi smart thermostats, including how they work, what they cost and their benefits. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about this innovative technology that is helping homeowners make even greater savings on their heating bills. Read on to get your knowledge up to date.
How do Wi-Fi smart thermostats work?
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is “How does Wi-Fi heating work?”
A standard room thermostat enables users to adjust the temperature in their homes via a control panel or dial. However, a Wi-Fi smart thermostat provides you with more accessible and efficient control of your underfloor heating.
A Wi-Fi smart thermostat is connected to your home boiler or alternative energy source, and is typically controlled through an application that is downloaded onto a smartphone or other personal device. This empowers users to access their home heating from anywhere they wish.
At home, users can also connect their smart thermostat to voice-activated technology like Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa.
Although this is the basic functionality of many Wi-Fi smart thermostats, some options offer far more. For example, some products can detect when you are at home or on your way back to the house from work, and automatically set the temperature you desire for your arrival.
How much does a Wi-Fi smart thermostat cost to buy?
Cost is always a concern when buying any product, so naturally, potential users often consider the question “How much does it cost to install a Wi-Fi thermostat?”
Wi-Fi smart thermostats usually cost from around £100 to £200. However, a professional installation can drive the price up and will vary depending on the rates of the tradesperson you employ. If you decide you need a professional installation, always shop around for a selection of quotes before buying.
How does a smart thermostat benefit you?
So, is it worth having a Wi-Fi thermostat? Being able to remotely control your underfloor heating can have considerable appeal to many.
Imagine you leave the house for a holiday but forget to turn off your system, or end up working late and don’t require a heated home. Bespoke control means that whether you’re stuck at the office or at the airport, you can adjust your heating system with ease.
Underfloor heating is renowned for its energy efficiency, creating lower home heating bills for users. However, Wi-Fi smart thermostats allow users to employ their underfloor heating even more efficiently, which can lead to substantial savings on their annual utility costs.
Other smart Wi-Fi thermostat questions answered
It’s understood that before investing in a smart Wi-Fi thermostat for your underfloor heating system, you’ll have questions you need answering. Here, we provide some helpful information to aid your research.
Can I install a smart thermostat myself?
The good news is that homeowners seeking to save on costs will find that most installation options don’t require a professional tradesperson. However, buyers should ensure that the installation process is within their capabilities before they purchase.
Can I turn my central heating on with my phone?
If you download the compatible application onto your smartphone, you can control your central heating from it when you have smart Wi-Fi thermostats installed. However, you’ll need to make sure that your model of smartphone can run the application.
What is the difference between a programmable and smart thermostat?
A programmable thermostat allows you to set temperatures, and when the heating switches on and off. However, depending on the make and model, the number of heating schedules you can add will be limited.
A smart Wi-Fi thermostat will provide you with more personalised control, but can also learn from your unique heating habits to create the most energy efficient schedules and usage plans on your behalf.
If you still have questions about smart Wi-Fi thermostats for use with an underfloor heating system, don’t worry. You can rely on the extensive product knowledge of our in-house team at FastWarm. Connect with us today to explore all the options we offer from leading brands, and find out which smart thermostat is best for your current underfloor heating installation.