Smart thermostat advice please

1867_owl

Hello everyone,

I would be grateful if you good people could share your knowledge and experience with smart thermostats. Basically I would like to have a smart thermostat installed at my dad's house so that he can control the heating from his phone. His work takes him around so he is probably out of the house half the time but the heating stays on because he doesn't like to come home to an empty house. This must cost a fortune!


There are a number of devises on the market ranging from about 150 - 300 pounds. Which seems to me to be a fair price given how much I think it could save! Anyway, what do people think are the factors that I should consider before buying a product? My dad has an Iphone so i'm worried that non Apple products wouldn't be compatible with the phone. Do you think that this a valid concern?


Also, do you have to update your thermostat or buy the new app every year with smart thermostat providers? Are there any other pitfalls like this to fall into?



Thanks in advance everyone.

System

1867_owl wrote: »

Hello everyone,

I would be grateful if you good people could share your knowledge and experience with smart thermostats. Basically I would like to have a smart thermostat installed at my dad's house so that he can control the heating from his phone. His work takes him around so he is probably out of the house half the time but the heating stays on because he doesn't like to come home to an empty house. This must cost a fortune!


There are a number of devises on the market ranging from about 150 - 300 pounds. Which seems to me to be a fair price given how much I think it could save! Anyway, what do people think are the factors that I should consider before buying a product? My dad has an Iphone so i'm worried that non Apple products wouldn't be compatible with the phone. Do you think that this a valid concern?


Also, do you have to update your thermostat or buy the new app every year with smart thermostat providers? Are there any other pitfalls like this to fall into?



Thanks in advance everyone.

Welcome to the forum. Can I suggest that you post your question here:

http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?13-Heating-Control

The posters have detailed knowledge of smart heating controls - including their limitations. I have a Honeywell Evohome system which does everything that you want and more, but it is probably not what you are looking for.