How to Choose the Right Boiler Controls

Boiler controls determine when your heating fires, what temperature it targets, and how efficiently it responds to your actual schedule. Upgrading controls can save £75–£200/year — here's how to choose the right ones.

Level 1: Basic programmer and room thermostat

The minimum: a time switch that turns heating on and off, and a simple room thermostat that prevents overheating. Adequate if you have a very fixed routine and are comfortable programming the timer. Cost: £50–£100 installed. Savings vs no controls: significant. Savings vs smart: limited.

Level 2: Programmable room thermostat

Combines the programmer and thermostat into one unit with different temperature targets for different times of day. Relatively easy to programme. Good for households with consistent but slightly varied weekly schedules. Cost: £100–£150 installed. Most new boiler installations use at least this level.

Level 3: Smart thermostat

App-controlled, geofencing-capable, often self-learning. Best for households with variable schedules, frequent travel, or those who want remote control. Cost: £189–£299 installed. Typical saving: £75–£150/year over a standard programmer.

Level 4: Smart thermostat + smart TRVs

Full room-by-room control. Each radiator independently scheduled. Unoccupied rooms automatically reduce. Best for 4+ bed homes with varied room usage. Cost: £400–£900+ installed. Typical saving: 15–25% on heating bills.

Which controls work with my boiler?

Most modern boilers accept any thermostat via a simple wired connection. For maximum efficiency, OpenTherm-compatible combinations (boiler + thermostat) allow modulating control — the boiler runs at partial load rather than full on/full off. We advise on compatibility as part of every installation. Ask about controls when getting your quote.