Smart thermostat

ispookie666

I installed Netatmo thermostat - connected via wifi and is a learning thermostat.

In the short spell of cold weather - I found the temperature curve to be smooth(without any overshoots)when the heating was on constant temperature during the day compared to variable(programmed) - Looking at the graphs the boiler on times were far less during the constant temperature program which translates into less Gas consumption.

There are plenty of discussions around supporting the argument that "only use heating when needed(programmed)", but people have shown reduced gas bills with central heating being constantly on!!!!

I used to be a firm believer in Heating only during times of need - but this has got me thinking!!

I'm just after peoples experiences and- do understand that the heating/cooling down of each house is different:o:o

Tyler_Du

How easy was this to install ? I have a combined boiler with a wired timer / thermostat in the hallway, would this be an easy diy install.

ispookie666

It was easy for me - I had a system boiler with a hot water cylinder.
I wired the relay to the old thermostat and my thermostat is where ever I want it to be - in effect I changed the position from the hallway to living room.
It was easy enough - I had previously changed my analogue thermostat to digital so knew little bit of wiring and the rest from the manual and googling

Tyler_Du

Have you noticed any difference in your bills ?

System

Treat all manufacturers' claimed savings with huge doses of salt. The theoretical savings possible from smart controls are shown in this paper:

http://www.salford.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/562989/pdf2-BEAMA-Heating-control-White-paper.pdf

I have a fully configured smart heating system with programmable TRVs (wifi) in every room. This zoning system replaced the usual hall thermostat and manual TRVs. Looking back at my gas consumption during the period Jul 14 to Jul 15, I have saved about 17.5% in my gas usage.

ispookie666

Tyler_Durden_UK wrote: »

Have you noticed any difference in your bills ?

Hey
I had not installed for money saving -it was for more convenience - ie., able to control temperature via wifi and when away from home, ablility to move the thermostat to where I wanted.
I also installed digital TRV's which help in a kind of zoning.

At least the Netatmo/all smart thermostats - learn overtime so that they can get the house to the set temperature at the correct time rather than the normal thermostats starting at the preset time and reaching the temperature a few hours down the line.

So if there is any saving - its a bonus!

Hope this helps

ispookie666

Hengus wrote: »

Treat all manufacturers' claimed savings with huge doses of salt. The theoretical savings possible from smart controls are shown in this paper:

http://www.salford.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/562989/pdf2-BEAMA-Heating-control-White-paper.pdf

I have a fully configured smart heating system with programmable TRVs (wifi) in every room. This zoning system replaced the usual hall thermostat and manual TRVs. Looking back at my gas consumption during the period Jul 14 to Jul 15, I have saved about 17.5% in my gas usage.

But the elephant in the room is - Upfront cost of installing the system - How long is the payback time?

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

I bought the honeywell 7 day programmable thermostat to replace previous, 13 year old variant.

And it is a lot cheaper than the fancy item that you can throw your smart phone at!

http://www.screwfix.com/p/honeywell-cm901-room-thermostat/39124

ispookie666

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth wrote: »

I bought the honeywell 7 day programmable thermostat to replace previous, 13 year old variant.

And it is a lot cheaper than the fancy item that you can throw your smart phone at!

http://www.screwfix.com/p/honeywell-cm901-room-thermostat/39124

I did chuck away my honeywell 7day programmable thermostat CM 907 and bought the netatmo for the same price - beat that..!
My honeywell did the same thing but the netatmo gives me more options.

bearcat16

ispookie666 wrote: »

But the elephant in the room is - Upfront cost of installing the system - How long is the payback time?

Npower supplied and installed our Nest smart thermostat free. (I think it was a limited time deal)

Has it saved money? Too early to say, and difficult to compare because it has been a mild year. But my perception is that it has, and it's great being able to put the heating on from your phone when you're out of the house (or in bed)

techno12

I had a Nest from NPower as well, though it cost me £99 at the time (the free offer turned up a year or so later).

I haven't used it much as it's been so mild this last couple of years (it's only been on once or twice this winter).
However, I do like the ability to switch it on when I'm away from home if/when it is cold, so that the flat is warm when I arrive.

So, I haven't tried out the 'learning' functionality as my heating is on so infrequently it's not worth it. I've never used timers for 10 years, as my old boiler never had one, so I've gotten used to switching it on as and when.