In the US, approximately 90% of homes are powered by a central heating/cooling system.central ovenÖa cauldrono einsHeat pump based system. we wrote about itKesselthermostatein this manual, which are thermostats for boiler control.A boiler is basically a specially designed water heater.– which distributes heat via hot water, while systems such as a central furnace distribute heat via hot air. Water is heated in a special boiler chamber (usually fueled by gas or oil) and then distributed to different rooms in the house through radiators or other installed heat distribution systems. A boiler thermostat helps to control the functioning of the boiler and thus maintain a proper temperature in the house.
As I mentioned earlier, there are different types of boiler systems such as gas boilers, steam boilers and fuel oil boilers. Of these 3 types,The gas boiler is the most common in the USA., as well as heating systems based on central furnaces. You can find steam boilers in some older home designs, but they will be replaced eventually. Oil-fired boilers are not used in homes across the United States for many reasons, including odor and efficiency issues. All thermostat models discussed below are suitable for use as a gas boiler thermostat, be it a smart thermostat or WiFi/wireless boiler thermostat model, or just a regular programmable thermostat variant.
We are here to help you learn more about boiler thermostat models so you can find the one that best fits your boiler heating system.
Smart thermostats for boilers
"Smart thermostats" are technologically superior, modern,Internet connected thermostatswhich can save energy like no other thermostat. A smart thermostat can save energy in the range of 10% to a maximum of 23% (under ideal conditions) annually. In addition to energy savings, smart thermostats come with cutting-edge features such as control from anywhere with smartphones, self-learning (auto schedule and auto schedule),voice control,geographic fence(Turn on/off the boiler depending on the location of the owner). Let's take a look at the best smart boiler thermostats available.
Nº 1 Ecobee 4 and Ecobee 3 Lite
of the 2 modelsecological 4- it is the complete model with cutting-edge features such as built-in Amazon Alexa (for voice control), self-learning (automatic scheduling/scheduling), geofencing, smartphone-based control via the Internet and, above all, energy savings of up to 23% (from the indicated company Ecobee). The Ecobee 4 also comes with an additional room sensor to configure zone heating/cooling and manage all hot/cold spots in your home.
You can read our full review atEcobee Smart Thermostat - Ecobee 4 and Ecobee 3 Lite in comparison. You will learn all the features and compatibility with your HVAC system.
Ecobee 3 Lite– is the economy model, which is basically a stripped-down version of the Ecobee 4. The economy model has all the main features of the Ecobee 4, except it doesn't have Alexa built-in (you need to buy the Alexa device separately to enable voice control on the Ecobee 3 Lite) and does not come with an additional environment sensor (you can buy environment sensors separately). Finally, remember that the complete Ecobee 4 model is compatible with more types of heating/cooling (HVAC) systems. The Ecobee 3 Lite may not be compatible with 3 or 4 stage central heating systems. Furthermore, Ecobee 3 Lite does not support accessories such as a humidifier or dehumidifier.
To use:We created a guide withCompatibility of different thermostat models– where we detail compatibility with different scenarios, accessories, auxiliary systems, etc.
#2 Nest 3. Generation e Nest E
Our option #2it's the Nest 3rd Gen and the Nest E. In our opinion, the Nest smart thermostats are just as good as the Ecobee models. Both can equally be the #1 option. But we chose the Ecobee as #1 for the additional room sensor (which comes with the Ecobee 4) and the alternate option for a C wire/common wire (if you don't have a C wire, Ecobee offers a kit PEN power extender that can be used to solve the cable requirement C). Like Ecobee, Nest has two models: Nest 3rd Gen and Nest E. The Nest 3rd Gen Full Thermostat model has more features, greater compatibility and better build quality compared to the budget Nest E model. The Nest also works well as a gas boiler thermostat and is perfect for use with your gas boilers.
Nest 3rd Gen: "Learning Thermostat"– as Nest officially calls it, is a self-learning thermostat that programs itself by learning the lifestyle patterns of its owners. It also has advanced features like geofencing, internet-enabled smartphone control, vacation scheduling, energy reporting, and many other features. The highlight is "Energy Savings", where Nest claims up to 13% annual savings with its thermostats.
If you're interested in the Nest Thermostat, read ourNest 3rd Gen compared to Nest E in test– where we compare the two models with features and compatibility.
nest and- The economy model thermostat is a reduced version of the full model. The main difference is lower compatibility (Nest E is not compatible beyond 2H/1C: 2 levels of heating and 1 level of cooling) and build quality (Nest E is made of plastic materials). In addition to this difference, all the advanced features of a smart thermostat, such as "self-learning", smartphone control, energy saving, geofencing and other functions, are common to both Nest models.
Nest - Compatibility as a boiler thermostat
Nest der 3rd GenerationIt supports up to 2H/2C - two-stage heating and two-stage cooling for boilers. As a boiler thermostat, the 3rd Gen Nest model supports the "dual transformer configuration" where there is more than one R wire.
nest andOnly compatible up to 2H/1C - two stages of heating and one stage of cooling as a boiler thermostat. The Nest E does not support a dual transformer configuration.
can readour compatibility check for thermostatsFor more information on Nest Thermostat compatibility with different systems, click here.
Sem fio/WiFi – Kesselthermostat
As we have seen, “smart boiler thermostats” come with many advanced features such as “self learning”, geofencing, high energy saving, Wi-Fi and internet based control and much more. All these features are really useful, but they also come at a high price. If you arelooking for an affordable modern thermostat, ThenWiFi enabled boiler thermostatsYou are a good choice. As smart boiler thermostats, these WiFi enabled models work well as gas boiler thermostat and oil boiler thermostat.
These models will have all these “next generation essential functions' such as voice control, Wi-Fi connectivity, touchscreen, smart home hub integrations, scheduling/scheduling via mobile apps and many other useful features except advanced features like 'self-learning' or 'auto-scheduling'.The energy saving rate of wireless thermostats would not be as high as that of a smart thermostat, but you can expect 5-10%. The highlight is the affordable price compared to a smart thermostat model.
#3 Honeywell RTH9585WF - Wireless Boiler Thermostat
When it comes to WiFi thermostat models, “Honeywell RTH9585WF' is the #1 option everyone should consider. This Honeywell model is an updated version of their best selling Honeywell RTH9580WF, once considered the #1 wireless thermostat for boilers or other central heating systems.
Check price and details on Amazon
Honeywell RTH9585WF– is a Wi-Fi enabled programmable thermostat with a color touch screen. A highlight of this model is "different color options' available on the touchscreen interface that you can select to match your room interior. The larger screen and touchscreen interface make it appealing to people who don't prefer the "minimum screen size" found on Nest and Ecobee thermostat models.
The highlight of the model is WLAN-based control via the Internet. You can control this thermostat over the internet from anywhere in the world using the mobile app (provided by Honeywell). You can set new schedules or change existing ones, turn on and off, read the current room temperature, etc. from anywhere. In addition to Wi-Fi based control, this model also supports voice control via Amazon Alexa or other smart home hubs such as Apple Homekit, Google Home or any other compatible smart home device.
boiler compatibility
Honeywell RTH9585WF supports boilers up to 2H/2C, i. H. 2 heating levels and 2 cooling levels. This model supports boilers that use gas, oil or electricity as a fuel source. Please note that accessories (such as humidifiers or fans) are not supported. Also note that this model requires a "C wire" in your home wiring.
#4 Emerson Sensi ST75
The next best among WiFi boiler thermostat models is the Emerson Sensi ST75, a wireless/WiFi thermostat from home automation giant Emerson. We havereviewed Emerson Sensi ST75 in detail, and we think this thermostat is a good choice for all common types of boilers used in homes across the United States.
Check price and details on Amazon
FAQs
Do smart thermostats work with all boilers? ›
Smart thermostats typically work with most boilers. But if you find one you like, we'd recommend double checking with the manufacturer before clicking 'buy'.
Can you use a Wi-Fi thermostat with a boiler? ›Wireless Thermostats for Boilers
Nowadays, wireless thermostats mean they don't need to be wired into the walls, and that they can be carried from room to room. Many new boilers come with wireless technology included, but it's often possible to convert your existing boiler to wireless technology with a simple kit.
- Tado Smart Thermostat: The most flexible smart thermostat. ...
- Nest Thermostat E: The simplest smart thermostat to use. ...
- Honeywell Evohome: The most comprehensive room-by-room heating system. ...
- Hive Thermostat Mini: The best Hive thermostat.
- More expensive than manual and programmable thermostats.
- Not every smart Wi-Fi thermostat works with every heating and cooling system.
- You have to feel comfortable using tech to get the most out of these thermostats.
- Best for a Low Energy Bill: Google Nest Learning Thermostat.
- Best Premium: Hive Smart Thermostat.
- Best Overall: Drayton's Wiser Smart Thermostat.
- Best For Zonal Temperatures: Honeywell's EvoHome Smart Thermostat.
All in all, the benefits of smart thermostats outweigh the price tag. Not only do they provide an easy opportunity to make some cost-cutting habit changes, but they also give an in-depth, behind the scenes look into your actual energy usage like never before.