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Heating and central heating

Smart Thermostats: What They Do and Whether They're Worth It

A smart thermostat lets you control your heating from your phone and can adjust itself to your routine. Here's what to expect and what to check before buying.

3 min read · Updated October 2026

Hand holding a smartphone heating app showing 20 degrees, with a smart thermostat in the living room

What makes a thermostat 'smart'

Smart thermostats connect to your home Wi-Fi so you can change settings from an app. Depending on the model, they can also learn your routine, notice when everyone's left home, account for the weather or show how long the heating has run.

Compatibility

Most smart thermostats work with most gas boilers, but the way they connect varies. Some boilers support a more advanced communication method that lets the thermostat adjust the boiler's output rather than simply switching it on and off. A heating engineer can check what your boiler supports.

  • Check the thermostat works with your boiler model
  • Consider whether you also need hot water control
  • Ask whether the system can be zoned later
  • Think about smart radiator valves for room-by-room control

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Are they worth it?

They're most useful for people with irregular routines, homes that are often empty, or anyone who forgets to change settings. If your routine is fixed and you already use a programmer well, the difference may be smaller.

Common questions

Can I fit a smart thermostat myself?

Some are designed for self-installation, but wiring into the boiler is often best left to an engineer, especially if you're unsure.

Does a smart thermostat work if the internet goes down?

Most keep running on their last schedule, though app control won't work until the connection returns.

What are smart radiator valves?

Battery-powered TRV heads that let you control each radiator from an app.

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