Anybody knowledgeable about central heating controllers?

whitegoods_engineer

I have a simple gas condensing boiler setup which heats the radiators and provides hot water. It is controlled by a programmer with the usual 2 large buttons, one on the left for turning on the hot water and the other for the central heating.

I'm interested in replacing the programmer with one which I can set up using an app, rather than having to programme timings directly on the little screen on the unit.

I have found one called a MiGenie and from what I understand, this uses the industry standard backplate so should just push-on as a direct replacement.

My question is, would I need a single channel or dual channel? I'm not sure what channel means. It may be for other wireless components such as stats, or is it 2 channels, one hot water and the other central heating?

I'm fairly sure the channels refer to external components, which, in my case would not be needed as I'll continue to use the wired thermostat - and that's another question, do I have to have the wireless thermostat or can I just leave the bog-standard bi-metal thermostat in place? I would have thought that any central heating programmer will work with the existing stat? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Le_Kirk

Try this web site. I am not suggesting you use the Wave, it is one of the many systems available but there are videos to watch and it should give you what you want.


https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/products/boiler-controls/wave

pete-20-11

I think two channels means it can control two things - e.g. Heating and water. A three channel could do two two different heating zones (a different thermostat linked to each one) and water.

You would need to replace the traditional thermostat with the new controller and the radio linked battery powered thermostat.

The controller needs mains power, hopefully you have enough cables behind the existing thermostat.

Mine (a one channel for combi boiler - heating only) needs live, neutral, Earth and switch live. I guess to control water you need one extra cable for it - another switch live?