Question on Smart Thermostats - Nest, Climote etc

Zascar

I really want to get a smart Thermostat but I have some questions. I live in a 2 bed apartment so I don't think I need any 'Zones' as such - I just want to be able to control the time the heating and hot water come on, and be able to 'boost' it for an hour via mobile when I need to. Which smart thermostats do this?

What confuses me is that most of them I see are based around a thermostat. I've only ever use my heating by setting the time it comes on and off twice a day - I don't use the thermostat as such. Do people really just set it at 22 degrees and leave it? This does not make sense to me. I dont need my home heated at night when I'm in bed or during the day when I am at work. I assume its somewhat smart about it, but is this really the best way to do it? I adjust my times every once in a while - but rarely would the heating be on when its already warm.

Can anyone tell me more about how they work, and which one would be best for me?

Caillte

Zascar,

Where to start. I own a nest thermostat (part of an electric ireland package deal which isnt really a deal). In short Nest works on Wifi and Climote works on 3G/4G Network in the absence of a wifi network) The both do exactly the same thing in that you can set timers for heating to come on via the machine itself, a web app or via your mobile device remotely. These work perfect for single zone heating systems. If you have more than one zone then you'd probably need another device to control that.

As a nest user I have set my heating to come on before I come home after work so its where I want it to be when im home but the smart thing about the nest is it knows when you have left the house and automatically turns the heating off or down so its not heating when you are away. It also knows what the temperature is outside so it will turn on sooner or later to get to the right temperature on time. It even turns off early to allow the heat that remains in your heaters to keep on heating your apartment with the remaining heat in the radiators. quite a clever bit of kit mind you.

They also give you a report every month to show you how you are doing.

Warning: getting into devices like this is addictive and an expensive past time

stimpson

I've a nest too. One thing I like is that there is no "turn on and turn off". You set a schedule to say when you want it to be a certain temperature. It then learns from when you adjust it and tweaks your schedule accordingly. I found that I had to adjust it a bit when I had it first, but not so much now. It's great in the winter when you're away and you can bump up the heat from the airport before you get home...or indeed turn it off remotely when you forget to do it before you leave.

I think the newer ones will also control the immersion too which would be handy.

Ericdravancrow

I think the heating system has to be compatible for these smart thermostats, check their website's.

stimpson

Ericdravancrow wrote: »

I think the heating system has to be compatible for these smart thermostats, check their website's.

It works like any other thermostat. It just controls a relay connected to your boiler to turn it on and off.

Zascar

Ok great, thanks. I called Electric Ireland who I am with but they want €200 for the nest. It's a bit much really for what is kind of just a gadget. However if it does save money maybe its worth it. Its annoying as its cheaper if you are a new customer.

Caillte

Thats a good offer. The unit RRP is €250. If the €200 includes fitting then totally take it.

Zascar

If you switch to Electric Ireland it's only €99 all in: https://www.electricireland.ie/switchchange/planOutlineDVS_nest_Elec_New.htm?gclid=Cj0KEQjwvve_BRDmg9Kt9ufO15EBEiQAKoc6qvN6urK74S-mF2fFF-mT1ds-EVDL6QNG_HLhVDnU02MaAt7q8P8HAQ

I wonder can I love away to a different provide for a month and then move back to avail of this offer?

whiterebel

Zascar wrote: »

Ok great, thanks. I called Electric Ireland who I am with but they want €200 for the nest. It's a bit much really for what is kind of just a gadget. However if it does save money maybe its worth it. Its annoying as its cheaper if you are a new customer.

I was quoted €210 to install 2, so €200 installed sounds very good.
There's a very good thread on Bargain Alerts too, with lots of information.

stimpson

Zascar wrote: »

If you switch to Electric Ireland it's only €99 all in: https://www.electricireland.ie/switchchange/planOutlineDVS_nest_Elec_New.htm?gclid=Cj0KEQjwvve_BRDmg9Kt9ufO15EBEiQAKoc6qvN6urK74S-mF2fFF-mT1ds-EVDL6QNG_HLhVDnU02MaAt7q8P8HAQ

I wonder can I love away to a different provide for a month and then move back to avail of this offer?

I looked at it before and the price of the Nest is built into their tarriff (and a few quid more). When I compared it to what I could save by switching to a different supplier it wasn't a great deal at all. Use bonkers.ie to comapre providers.

BTW, the 3rd gen is £187 on amazon.

Zascar

Cool thansk for that.

Another quick question, I rent and lets say I want to leave, can I take this with me or not?

stimpson

Zascar wrote: »

Cool thansk for that.

Another quick question, I rent and lets say I want to leave, can I take this with me or not?

It depends if you need an electrician to do the wiring I suppose. If you can install/uninstall yourself then you should be fine.

Zascar

Thanks. Does it work with the existing box or does it replace it? Mine is similar to this http://assets.jewson.co.uk/category-images/8072/Main/8072.jpg

stimpson

Zascar wrote: »

Thanks. Does it work with the existing box or does it replace it? Mine is similar to this http://assets.jewson.co.uk/category-images/8072/Main/8072.jpg

I'm assuming that box is in your living room. It will be connected to your boiler by a cable and it contains a relay (just a switch really). When it wants to turn the boiler on it turns on the relay (switch), this connects the two terminals on the boiler and it switches on.

With the Nest you get a box the size of a light switch that sits near your boiler and contains the relay. The Nest sits in your living room (where your current thermostat is) and activates the relay either by using the existing wiring, or wirelessly (best to use the wiring if it's there).

TBH, if you know what you are doing then it's no harder than wiring a plug. If you don't then it's best left to the professionals. Ring a few sparks - mine will do a callout (with about half an hours work) for 50 quid.