A Mini Guide to Smart Boiler Controls and Thermostats

However, there are several kinds of boiler controls, and there is huge confusion about how they operate and which boilers they are compatible with. So there you have it:  our smart boiler controls instructions.

An efficient boiler-powered heating system needs proper heating controls. Controls may help you save electricity by guaranteeing that every room is at the correct, comfortable temperature. It will make your home warm while also lowering your energy expenses.

Smart controls may be used on a variety of boilers.

The smart boiler controls you require depends on the kind of boiler you have in your home. The following are the two most common boiler types:

• Combination – this kind of boiler system does not have a dedicated water tank and provides hot water when needed, making a 1-channel controller ideal for it. 

• Traditional — this boiler system includes a separate water tank; therefore, a two- or three-channel controller is necessary.

Tips for using boiler controls and thermostats

Changing the temperature of the rooms

A room thermostat senses the temperature of the air in a room. When it goes below the thermostat level, the heating is turned on, and it is turned off if the room temperature reaches the required level. 

In light of this,

• The temperature sensor in your room should be placed far from the boiler.

• It’ll require an unrestricted airflow to detect the temperature, so ensure that yours isn't obstructed by furniture or curtains.

• Boiler control needs to be placed far from fireplaces, televisions, walls, and table lights, which might cause the thermostat to malfunction.

The room thermostat should be installed in the room that needs to be the warmest, like the living room.

Mechanical boiler timers in detail

When using a primary mechanical timer to operate a central heating system, you generally have three options:

• The boiler has been turned off.

• The boiler generates heat and cycles on and off at predetermined intervals.

• Mechanical timers generally feature a huge round dial in the center with a 24-h clock printed on it. You crank the dial until it has been adjusted to the right time, then allow it to turn on and off on its own.

The temperature of the boiler is unaffected by this. You'll need a thermostat or a boiler control on your boiler for this.

Mechanical timers are easy to program, but the boiler goes on and off simultaneously every day. If you have typical workday and weekend schedules, this may not be the best option for you. If you require more freedom, consider investing in a smart thermostat.

Using the boiler's built-in controls

If your boiler is easily accessible, built-in boiler controls are beneficial, but not when the boiler is in a garage or loft.

On/off switch for the boiler.

The on/off switch is the most basic boiler control. When you turn it on, the boiler goes into a sleep state until it is required to generate heat for your radiator or hot water, such as when you have a thermostat and the room temperature is lower than the set temperature.

However, it's recommended to switch your heating on and off now and again throughout the summer to avoid frozen valves and pumps.