Programmable Thermostats

Herongull

We have a basic thermostat (in our hall) that switches our boiler off and on depending on the temperature it senses. We programme the times when the boiler should come of and on using the boiler (can set time of day and days of week). We have it off at night and on during the day when we are home.

We are thinking of getting one of those programmeable thermostats so that you can programme not only when the boiler comes off and on, but different temperatures at different times of day - warmer in the evening when we are sitting around, and maybe a degree or two cooler during the day when we are more likely to moving around.

Can anyone give feedback on programmeable thermostats - are they worth the money? How much gas are we likely to save?

penrhyn

I replaced my standard thermostat with one of these several years ago.
I prefer the more precise degree of control it gives me.
I'm at home most of the time and typically set it to 18c first thing 17c for the day 19c for the evening and 14c overnight.

Never quantified whether it saves much gas.

I have a Drayton Digistat 3, probably superseded by now, the reason was that it has the same footprint as the old stat.

[Deleted User]

I have what you describe but not really thought of it as money saving more like keeping the house comfortable.

Pincher

The old analogue knob was so quick to turn, I don't even have to think about it. If I want to change the temperature from 14 to 20 on the new digital one, I have to press the right arrow 12 times, because of 0.5 degrees steps.

The new system looks at the indoor, outdoor, target temperatures, and adjust the boiler flame, so the boiler output and return flow are optimised to save money by encouraging condensation. If it was the same cost in gas, I prefer the old knob thermostat, and an easy to press boost button.

macman

Something like this?
http://www.honeywelluk.com/products/Time-Controls/Wired/ST9100C/
Wireless versions are also available, and dual channel ones if you want to control a conventional boiler rather than a combi. Get a 7 day one, not a one day one.
I have an earlier version of the above (it allows 6 independent settings per day) and it's been superb. It's not possible to quantify the savings though-but it does give much more precise control, which should increase the potential to save money.
I like the built in frost protection and the 'holiday' mode.
Well worth £50 or so, and took me 15 minutes to fit it.

bengasman

There are only two things that reduce gas use on an existing ch installation: lowering the thermostat and reducing the time it is on.
A programmable stat will improve comfort but not save you much money.
The roomstat should be in the lounge and not in the hall anyway.