Hive or Nest - app assisted heating programmer

getmore4less

There is the potential issue that your chosen provider after purchase decides to go to a chargeable model like OWL did.

Key feature I would want from my next system

The local unit stores the schedules and can be updated either through a manual interface on the unit OR via programs on a device in the local network without needing access to external resources.

IT would also be nice to have the water tank with temp/time option like the OWL, most systems are single temp using the existing tank stat setting.

roytom

All interesting, thanks for the replies.
Costs - I see that Tado has a standard user kit for £199, then I think I’ll need a boiler engineer to fit it. Or electrician?
Internet - I’m on BT Infinity. The BT YouView box is cat5 network cabled to the wireless router but sometimes when I’m watching tv a message comes up saying “internet connection lost”. If this is happening then it would affect my smart thermostat/programmer too, I gather?

RumRat

It could also be a fault with your YouView box or the cable.....If it happens again check via your phone or PC that the connection is actually lost.

ianto11

Have a look here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYhZb_GEvPk 2-3mins in

The guy removes a Drayton controller and just replaces it with the extension kit no rewiring required
I did the same with a Danfoss controller, my whole install and setup took less than 15 mins

( I should have watched all the video as he obviously had issues and had to change the backplate ) but in my case it worked right out of the box

giraffe69

With Hive (and others) if the internet goes down you can still control things locally like turn on or off and change temp. Obviously you can't use your phone or change settings when away from home. This has not been any problem for my use in the time I've had Hive.

roytom

ianto11 wrote: »

Have a look here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYhZb_GEvPk 2-3mins in

The guy removes a Drayton controller and just replaces it with the extension kit no rewiring required
I did the same with a Danfoss controller, my whole install and setup took less than 15 mins ...

My BG RC plug controller is wireless so I’d need another sort of setup for Tado that has a wireless connection at the boiler.

fifeken

A thumbs up here for the Salus IT-500 system. I fitted it to my Worcester boiler but there's a Valiant option too. Seems to have all the features required, mantains settings if the internet is down, progammable at the thermostat, website or app and can be configured for one or two heating zones or one heating and one hot water.

https://www.salus-controls.eu/products/it500-internet-thermostat

sal_III

I was picking between Tado, Next and Hive a little over a year ago when I was due to move into my first owned home.

Hive (developed by British Gas) is isolated to the UK and too much akin to a close protocol system with god knows how much longevity, so it was a no-go.

Nest is more targeted at the US where HVAC is prevalent with it's ability to control both heating and AC. The main advantage of Nest is the supposed "smart" schedule where the system learns your behaviour and adjust temperatures etc. With limited advantages in your use case.

Tado's main allure was the smart valve, which allows you to individually control each room, instead of the whole house, which was the deciding factor for us.

bertiewhite wrote: »

What does happen in the event that internet/LAN (as opposed to Alexa/Google) isn't available though?

Losing WiFi/Internet will only affect your ability to manage it from your phone and potentially scheduling if it's stored in the "Cloud" as is the case with Tado. The thermostat itself is still wired to the boiler and you can manually adjust it at will even if all the "smart" bits are unavailable, so you don't risk freezing.

roytom wrote: »

All interesting, thanks for the replies.
Costs - I see that Tado has a standard user kit for £199, then I think I’ll need a boiler engineer to fit it. Or electrician?
Internet - I’m on BT Infinity. The BT YouView box is cat5 network cabled to the wireless router but sometimes when I’m watching tv a message comes up saying “internet connection lost”. If this is happening then it would affect my smart thermostat/programmer too, I gather?

I did the Tado fit myself. They provide step by step instructions with pictures individually tailored to your specific boiler and the old thermostat you are replacing. Any issues (I had some) are addressed within 24h via e-mail/chat/phone.

If you are half-decent at DYI you can fit Tado by yourself with little effort.

As above, internet/WiFi blips are not going to really affect your thermostat, worst case scenario you will have to manually adjust.

getmore4less

Tado's main allure was the smart valve, which allows you to individually control each room, instead of the whole house, which was the deciding factor for us.

Programmable TRV are available for a lot of systems

The traditional heating companies like Honeywell that know the business with the track record for reliable components have started to catch up with their controls.

missile

roytom wrote: »

All interesting, thanks for the replies.
Costs - I see that Tado has a standard user kit for £199, then I think I’ll need a boiler engineer to fit it. Or electrician?
Internet - I’m on BT Infinity. The BT YouView box is cat5 network cabled to the wireless router but sometimes when I’m watching tv a message comes up saying “internet connection lost”. If this is happening then it would affect my smart thermostat/programmer too, I gather?

I have a PlusNet (BT by another name) and occasionally my Youview box can show no internet and needs a reboot. My Hive very rarely does. :T I have the old hive and it is a ball ache to reboot.

If you are competent @ DIY(?) it is very easy to install hive.