Guide to buy a thermostat
Choosing the correct control system is crucial in ensuring that the heating system works in the best possible way, efficiently and easily, whilst saving money on heating bills. Our buying guide helps to choose the best control system based on individual heating requirements, lifestyle and budget.
Choose a thermostat that works with the house
The first thing to look at is the heat source, as not all thermostats are compatible with all heat sources. They can be suitable for floor heating only, central heating only, or in some cases both. So we take the case of central heating, then the compatible thermostats are the ones that can work with central heating. Similarly, if looking to control floor heating, they should be suitable for use with the choice of system.
The latest addition to the Warmup thermostat range, the 4iE WiFi thermostat works with radiator-based central heating as well as both electric and water floor heating systems.
Types of Thermostats
Smart
Smart thermostats are internet-enabled and the most advanced type of thermostats. They offer superior energy and money saving functionality. The Warmup 4iE, for example, finds smart ways to heat a home more efficiently which could lead to large savings in energy bills.
The internet connection feature of smart thermostats accompanied with the MyHeating app and location services built-in smartphones allow the smart thermostat to control the heating automatically whilst ensuring the home will always be at the ideal temperature using as little energy as possible.
Programmable
These thermostats adjust the room temperature automatically according to the desired temperature and timings. The heating can be programmed to be on or off by setting up target temperatures and times – the thermostat takes care of the rest, ensuring the right temperature at the right time. Features such as the Active Energy Management™ found in advanced programmable thermostats like the Warmup 3iE can save up to 10% on heating bills by helping to choose the best temperature for each room.
Manual
The manual thermostats provide very basic temperature control with limited energy and money saving ability. Manual thermostats are best suited for areas where the heating requirements stay the same day in day out, e.g. when there is no seasonal changing and where heating is required every day as these work around the clock, or where the heated zone is used very infrequently or intermittently, such as a garage or garden office.
Features to look for in a thermostat
There is a variety of thermostats available and the best choice will depend on the preference of capabilities and features. We have highlighted below a list of features to look for when choosing a thermostat.
Compatibility
This is one of the most important features, as a thermostat serves no purpose if it does not work with the heating. system Always check with the manufacturer on the suitability for the heating system.
Remote Access
For users that are a lot on the move and want to be able to control the heating settings from everywhere, a smart WiFi thermostat is the best choice. The 4iE comes with a MyWarmup account where it can be managed and monitored from anywhere where there is an internet connection.
Weather and traffic updates
If weather and traffic are important factors, then the 4iE is a great option. The 4iE displays weather conditions and traffic updates, so it’s possible to know whether it will rain or shine and what traffic is like before leaving home.
Programmability
If the thermostat is for a room that has varied temperature and time requirements such as a bathroom, living room or bedroom, a programmable thermostat is by far the best option as it will allow setting different room temperatures at different times. This will avoid wasting energy by heating an empty room and will give precise control of the heating settings.
Display
Having a high definition backlit display makes it easier to use the thermostat even when it’s dark. Having a large display with a large size font should also be considered for ease of use. The resolution of the screen is important as low-resolution screens are less clear to operate and will not look as aesthetically appealing on the wall. More advanced thermostats such as the 4iE even allow setting a background image, giving it a personal touch.
Monitors energy usage
Knowing where and when energy is used gives better control of the heating system. A thermostat that controls the heating automatically by learning habits and routines, can ensure to reach the lowest possible energy usage.
Unique capabilities
Unique capabilities such as travel updates and the ability to set a background image are all features that can be provided by a thermostat. The need for these depends on the desired use of the thermostat. The more interested in saving money and wishing to set different temperatures for different periods, the more likely we look at the thermostat often and these small features can make a big difference.
Options and features to suite the lifestyle
Choose a thermostat that allows adjusting the heating settings to suit the lifestyle. This could be the frequency of the temperature changes (programmability) or the ability to save money by choosing a thermostat that will help to reduce energy bills (such as the 4iE).
Buy the right thermostat
It is worthwhile to note that, chosen correctly, a thermostat is the type of product that can pay for itself. There is no need to buy it often, so investing in an advanced and high-quality thermostat is often the top choice. When deciding which thermostat to buy, the best thing to do is to define criteria, research the options available and decide which one is right for the project.
We recommend the 4iE Smart WiFi Thermostat which finds smart ways to heat a home more efficiently, saving on energy bills.
