Energy bills keep climbing, and homeowners in Milton Keynes are searching for smarter ways to save without giving up comfort. One upgrade stands out — a smart thermostat. But what exactly do they do, how do they save money, and which one is right for your property? Let’s break it down.
Unlike traditional thermostats which give limited feedback to your boiler, smart thermostats have many more features. They allow you to control your heating with an app, not just through the device on your wall. You can now programme and remotely control your heating from your phone, tablet, or voice assistant (like Alexa or Google Home)! That means your heating fits around you — whether you’re working late, away on holiday, or just curled up on the sofa.
How do smart thermostats save you money?
Here’s how an intelligent thermostat helps reduce energy bills:
- Only heat when needed – schedule your heating around your routine. No more heating an empty house.
- Remote control – forgot to switch the heating off before heading out? Turn it off from your phone.
- Learning technology – many models learn your habits and adjust automatically to avoid wasted energy.
- Room-by-room control – some systems allow smart radiator valves so you only heat the rooms you actually use.
- Energy reports – get insights into your energy use and spot areas where you could save.
Estimates vary on how much you can save. Some manufacturers claim 10%, others nearer to 30%! There are many variables including the size, layout and the way you use your home. If your routine changes – like shift work or kids home from uni – a smart thermostat adapts easily and effortlessly.
Can I change my thermostat to a smart thermostat?
In most cases, we can replace your old thermostat with a smart heating control. Most modern boilers, including combi and system models, work with this type of connected thermostat. They often use the same wiring connections as your existing thermostat for easy upgrades.
Can I use a smart thermostat for a combi boiler?
Yes! You can use a smart thermostat with a combi boiler. As with any system, a connected thermostat gives you better control over your heating schedules and temperatures. Most modern combi boilers work perfectly with smart thermostats. Not sure about yours? Our engineers can check and get you set up hassle-free.
Can I get a smart thermostats with hot water control?
Some smart thermostats control hot water, others don’t. We suggest checking the features of each model before buying as some require add-on kits. Knowing what will work with your system can be tricky so why not ask our heating engineers to recommend the right one for you!
How can I maximise my savings?
For the ultimate control, consider pairing your smart thermostat with smart TRVs. These connected radiator valves can be a game changer when it comes to fine-tuning comfort and energy consumption. With connected TRVs you can set the automatic room temperature for each room. Want your bedroom cosy but your spare room switched off? Smart TRVs let you do just that — no wasted heat, no wasted money. This additional upgrade effectively gives zone control without needing to re-pipe your whole home.
Which smart thermostat is best?
There are several excellent options available. Here some of our most popular:
Hive Active Heating
User-friendly, flexible scheduling, works with most boilers. Good technical support. Very easy swap when replacing existing units.
Honeywell evohome
Best for zoned heating, perfect if you want to control each room separately.
Tado Smart Thermostat
Excellent for remote control and location-based automation. We like the app but chat bot-only support may be off-putting for some.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Great products but not one we recommend any more. From October 2025, Google has withdrawn support for older models in the UK and will not launch any new products.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your boiler type, property layout, and how much control you want.
Smart thermostat installation – why choose Lime Heating
- We’ll recommend the best smart heating controls for your home or rental property
- Our experts will make your new ‘stat works seamlessly with your heating system
- We’ll show you how to use it, so you get the most from your new tech
- If it needs wiring to the boiler, our engineers are qualified to handle that too! (While others may offer installation, it’s important to make sure that only a Gas Safe engineer works on your boiler.)
Ready to make your heating smarter?
Get in touch with the team at Lime Heating today.
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