An exploration of some of the hottest smart heating trends to look out for this year.
Key smart heating developments into the future
In a world where your fridge knows what’s inside it and your phone can unlock your front door, it’s no surprise that home heating is stepping up its game. No longer merely a case of “set the thermostat and hope for the best,” today’s smart heating tech is about control, comfort and – perhaps most importantly – cutting costs.
As we head into the second half of 2025, smart heating continues to evolve in ways that blend efficiency, sustainability, and straight-up convenience. From intelligent electric radiators to whole-home automation, these are the top smart heating trends warming up this year and beyond.
1. Zoned heating goes mainstream
Your spare room doesn’t need to be tropical.
Essentially, heating the whole house the same way makes as much sense as leaving every light on at night. In line with this, zoned heating is becoming less of a “nice-to-have” and more of a vital smart heating element for many homeowners.
Thanks to advances in smart TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) and intuitive multi-zone systems, more homeowners are now:
- Heating rooms independently based on daily use
- Setting personalised room schedules
- Turning down unoccupied zones automatically
Smart thermostat systems like the Milano Connect Wi-Fi thermostat make this easier than ever, championing the merits of smart TRVs against manual valves. You can, for instance, set your living room to 21°C for family evenings, while keeping the guest room at 16°C until someone’s staying over. Smart radiator valves allow you to fine-tune every zone individually, rather than relying on one central setting to (inefficiently) cover all bases.
Why it matters: The Energy Saving Trust suggests that zoned heating can cut energy use by up to 30%, without compromising comfort at all. It’s not just smarter – it’s fairer to your boiler, your bank balance and the planet.
2. AI-powered heating routines
Your heating knows your routine better than you do.
AI isn’t just for silly face swaps and scaring sci-fi fans anymore. In 2025 and further forwards, smart heating systems are using AI to make daily warmth smarter and more adaptive.
Here’s how:
- Learning your habits: AI tracks when you’re at home, how warm you like it, and what rooms you use at what times.
- Auto-adjusting for weather: AI-infused heating systems will pre-warm your home when cold snaps hit or dial it down appropriately on sunny winter mornings.
- Geofencing: Heading home? Your heating knows your schedule, and switches on just in time.
As detailed in our article, How could AI integrate into home heating technology?, features like auto-scheduling, open-window detection and real-time usage reports are expected to further rise in prominence as it pertains to artificially intelligent heating.
Expect AI to become a background heating genius – quietly improving efficiency while you get on with your life.
3. Smarter electric radiators take the spotlight
Plug, play and save.
With more and more UK households moving off the gas grid and embracing renewable energy sources, electric radiators are having a serious glow-up. But not just any electric heaters – the new breed are smart, efficient, and sleek as you like.
In 2025, smart electric radiators are:
- Controlled via app or voice assistant
- Offering dry heat elements for faster, cleaner warmth
- Fully Lot 20 compliant for maximum efficiency
Perfect for:
- Garden offices (where you don’t want to extend plumbing or pipework)
- Loft conversions
- Small apartments or annexes
With remote working still a prominent facet of UK culture, at least on a part-time basis, heating just your workspace without touching the rest of the house is not only smarter, its financially sensible as well. That said, it is as prudent as ever to use smart heating to save on energy costs.
4. Whole-home integration and voice control
“Alexa, heat up the kitchen.”
Smart heating is a big part of your connected home for 2025 and into the future. Expect further integration between heating systems and other smart devices, meaning a greater level of control with fewer apps and less faff.
Thanks to open-source standards improved compatibility across devices, you can now:
- Control heating from a single dashboard (such as Google Home or Apple HomeKit)
- Sync heating via motion sensors or smart locks
- Create custom settings and schedules like “Morning routine” that include heating, lights and blinds
No more juggling all sorts of different apps. Your heating becomes part of a seamless, automated experience.
Example: Build a routine that triggers your bathroom radiator to turn on at 6:30am, switches on a warm lamp, and starts your coffee machine. As well as luxurious living, it’s also smart, repeatable efficiency.
5. Sustainability-driven smart upgrades
Save energy. Reduce bills. Sleep better.
With the cost of living remaining stubbornly high and climate concerns ever escalating, 2025 is the year that eco-smart heating goes mainstream. The tools are already here, and now more and more people are learning how to embrace them.
Look out for:
- Usage tracking dashboards in apps that display real-time energy data
- Smart alerts for inefficient behaviour (such as an open window above a blazing radiator)
- Electric systems compatible with solar panels or green energy tariffs
Furthermore, with legislation tightening around energy usage and emissions, smart heating upgrades are increasingly being supported by grants or incentives, particularly so in retrofit-heavy areas.
Tip: Pair a smart thermostat with TRVs and an electric radiator in your least-used rooms, and you’ll notice the difference immediately with your energy bills.
Bonus trend: Improved design meets smart tech
Now more than ever, smart modern radiators and smart heating controls are incorporating stunning, snazzy design aesthetics.
Think:
- Minimalist matte finishes
- Touchscreen TRVs
- Colour-matched radiator valves and wall thermostats
Your heating doesn’t have to be an eyesore to be intelligent. The likes of smart radiator valves and vertical designer electric radiators prove you can have sleek style and smart functionality all in one.
The future is warm (and wise)
No matter if you’re just dipping your toes into the pool of smart heating technology or going full Iron Man on your setup, now is the time to take control. Smarter heating isn’t just about gadgets. It also delivers comfort on your terms, energy savings you’ll feel, and control without complication.
With AI, zoning, electric options and app integration leading the way, the days of heating the whole house just to keep one room cosy are numbered. Find a detailed exploration of the top smart heating developments in our article, The future of smart heating: Emerging trends and innovations, and tips for installation in our guide on how to setup a smart heating system.
Be sure to let us know which smart heating trends you’re embracing in the comments section below, or through Instagram, Facebook or X.
John is a Research Specialist for the Best Heating Advice Centre, where for over nine years he has dedicated himself to demystifying home heating for our customers. He specialises in creating clear, data-driven guides and how-to articles by collaborating directly with our team of certified heating experts and product engineers.
His work, built on a foundation of journalistic research, has helped millions of readers make confident and informed decisions about their home heating. When he’s not breaking down the heat output differentials from radiators to heated towel rails, John fancies himself as a fine football and music connoisseur.
