Smart thermostats are now one of the most common add-ons to new boiler installations. The marketing claims savings of £100–£200 per year. Is this realistic?
What makes a thermostat "smart"?
A smart thermostat connects to your WiFi and can be controlled via smartphone app from anywhere. More advanced models like Google Nest learn your daily schedule and programme themselves, switching heating on just before you arrive home and off when you leave.
The honest energy saving figures
The Energy Saving Trust's research suggests smart thermostats save an average of £75–£150 per year compared to a standard programmer. The range is wide because savings depend heavily on your current heating habits.
If you already heat your home efficiently with a programmable timer, savings will be at the lower end. If you currently leave heating on all day "just in case," the savings will be much higher.
The best smart thermostats
Google Nest (3rd Gen): Best learning algorithm, sleekest design. From £189 fitted.
Hive Active Heating: Best ecosystem — integrates with smart lights, plugs, and sensors. From £199 fitted.
Tado: Best geofencing — tracks your phone's location to heat the house just before you arrive. From £179 fitted.
Our verdict
Yes, they're worth it for most households. At £150 fitted (budget option) and £100/year savings, the payback period is 18 months. After that, you're saving money every year for the life of the boiler.