Thinking of getting a Hive Thermostat...anything better?

delirious

At present we have a hard wired thermostat in our hallway but since removing a wall and radiator we no longer have a radiator in the hallway, and as such the thermostat just acts as an on/off switch.

So, we’ve been looking at getting a wireless thermostat for some time and are thinking about the Hive thermostat. However, before we go and spend £179.99 on the Hive DIY kit, I was just wondering if there’s anything else as good that’s available for less (that’s also a DIY install).

We do like the idea of being able to switch the heating on before heading home from visiting family but that’s not essential. We just want something easy to programme (with times and days) and that has a wireless thermostat.

Thanks

pnam

delirious wrote: »

At present we have a hard wired thermostat in our hallway but since removing a wall and radiator we no longer have a radiator in the hallway, and as such the thermostat just acts as an on/off switch.

So, we’ve been looking at getting a wireless thermostat for some time and are thinking about the Hive thermostat. However, before we go and spend £179.99 on the Hive DIY kit, I was just wondering if there’s anything else as good that’s available for less (that’s also a DIY install).

We do like the idea of being able to switch the heating on before heading home from visiting family but that’s not essential. We just want something easy to programme (with times and days) and that has a wireless thermostat.

Thanks

I don't have any experience with alternatives to Hive, but thought I would just mention that Hive is currrently available on Amazon for £159.99 including fitting, or £119.99 without.

JJ_Egan

Solus |Wireless thermostat circa £30 .
Not internet connected but all this turn your heating on from your phone is really a bit of a gimmick .

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Salus-RT300RF-Radio-Frequency-Thermostat/dp/B003EQ8FMC/ref=pd_sim_60_4/260-3729656-3876159?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=99M5H4RFD799KD5QGSNA

ChaunceyGardiner

Consider Tado°. Very flexible and easy to install yourself.

ProDave

JJ_Egan wrote: »

Solus |Wireless thermostat circa £30 .
Not internet connected but all this turn your heating on from your phone is really a bit of a gimmick .

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Salus-RT300RF-Radio-Frequency-Thermostat/dp/B003EQ8FMC/ref=pd_sim_60_4/260-3729656-3876159?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=99M5H4RFD799KD5QGSNA

I would agree with that.

I once saw these internet linked things described thus:

"It allows someone with the latest phone on an expensive monthly contract, to buy an expensive internet linked heating control system, so that when the train on their long commute from their well paid job is late, they can turn the heating off remotely to save £2 worth of gas"

Seeing that OWL are introducing a fee to use the service, I would not trust that the others won't follow.

System

http://www.techadvisor.co.uk/test-centre/digital-home/best-smart-heating-systems-for-2017-3583499/

Drayton Wiser, recently released, is not in the list.

Tyler_Du

Netatmo Smart Thermostat currently £99.99 at Argos, super simple self install to replace an existing wired thermostat, can be controlled manually / via app on phone / amazon echo (and I assume Goggle home)

It can only be programmed via the app / website though.

System

I have had Tado for a couple of years. It really is a hands off system. Each member of the household installs the phone app and it uses location services to detect when the last person leaves the house and switches the heating down to a pre-determined level. Once the first person heads for home the system starts to heat up the house to a comfortable level. It works with the weather forecast to heat more efficiently and has an optional open-window or door detection so it won't heat the house when you have opened a window or door. I love it. The Tado thermostat is an easy slot-in replacement for the current wired thermostat and a little box connects to your router to enable internet connectivity.

getmore4less

ProDave wrote: »

I would agree with that.

I once saw these internet linked things described thus:

"It allows someone with the latest phone on an expensive monthly contract, to buy an expensive internet linked heating control system, so that when the train on their long commute from their well paid job is late, they can turn the heating off remotely to save £2 worth of gas"

Seeing that OWL are introducing a fee to use the service, I would not trust that the others won't follow.

OWL may be going bust.

If a system uses open standards then the web side of things will get community developed stuff for free.

Next system I would now make sure it works not connected and you can do at the basic programming standalone from the provider either through the device or free software you can have on the local network.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

ProDave wrote: »

I would agree with that.

I once saw these internet linked things described thus:

"It allows someone with the latest phone on an expensive monthly contract, to buy an expensive internet linked heating control system, so that when the train on their long commute from their well paid job is late, they can turn the heating off remotely to save £2 worth of gas"

Seeing that OWL are introducing a fee to use the service, I would not trust that the others won't follow.

Just to add, to save £2 on the gas for the once a month journey costs £19.99. Then again, you can check if you’re stupid and left the iron on as well and save money on the electric!

j9faulk

Just in case you are still thinking of buying Hive it is currently on offer on AO.com with £30 cashback on top of the reduced price (£124) and you can also get cashback through Topcashback or Quidco too making it far more reasonable. Cashback is only on self install. ��