Which vital elements are required for an effective and efficient smart home heating system.
Required kit for cost-effective smart heating
If you’re still relying on a dodgy dial thermostat akin to an Indiana Jones relic, it’s high time to embrace the future. A smart heating system isn’t just a luxury – it’s fast becoming the standard for anyone looking to cut energy bills, boost home comfort, and gain full control of their heating.
Whether you’re upgrading a single room or embracing smart heating automation technology all throughout the home, here’s your no-nonsense guide to the essential components of a smart heating setup. We’ll cover what they do, why they matter, and how they work together to ensure your smart heating setup helps cut energy costs, all year round.
The smart thermostat: The brains of the operation
The smart thermostat is the brain of your smart heating system. Unlike the basic, set-it-and-forget-it thermostats of the past, today’s smart options are intuitive, connected, and highly customisable.
What to look for:
- Programmable schedules for each day
- Remote control via app
- Geofencing to detect when you’re home or away
- Weather-responsive adjustments
- Boiler compatibility for modulation tasks
BestHeating tip: Seek out thermostats that can sync with your existing heating setup, whether you have a single zone or multiple heating circuits. We offer a range of smart thermostats and controls perfect for UK heating systems.
Smart TRVs: Room-by-room heating precision
If you’re heating empty rooms “just for the hell of it”, it’s time to stop (and maybe turn The Fratellis down). Smart thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) allow you to control individual radiators independently, so you only heat up the spaces you’re using so.
Why smart TRVs are essential:
- Adjust each radiator manually or via app control
- Create personalised schedules for individual rooms
- Cut energy use without compromising on comfort
- Ideal for zonal heating setups
BestHeating tip: We stock a selection of radiator valves compatible with smart heating systems, including stylish designs and energy-saving models. These can be combined with programmable thermostats to unlock full zonal control capabilities. Discover all the merits of thermostatic radiator valves in our article, Smart TRVs or manual TRVs: Which is better for your home?
The heating app - Remote access, real-time insight
With a smart system, your phone becomes your command centre. Heating apps enable you to control the temperature of your home radiators, create schedules, monitor usage and get notifications – all from your pocket.
Key app features:
- Multi-zone temperature control
- Usage tracking and efficiency tips
- Location-based automation (geofencing)
- Holiday/frost protection modes
BestHeating tip: Our compatible smart controls are supported by user-friendly apps that simplify setup and provide real-time insights into your home heating habits.
Zonal heating - Efficient, tailored warmth
Why heat the whole house when you’re only using half of it? Zonal control allows you to divide your home into independent areas, each with their own temperature and timing settings.
How to set it up:
- Combine smart TRVs with a smart thermostat
- Set up separate heating zones (e.g. upstairs/downstairs or bedrooms/living rooms)
- Schedule zones based on your typical daily routine
BestHeating tip: Most smart thermostats we offer can work alongside radiator valves and compatible actuators to enable zoned heating. This is especially ideal for larger homes or households with varying schedules.
Boiler controller or interface - The essential link
If your boiler has been installed for a while, there’s a good chance it isn’t naturally “smart,” and you may need a controller or interface for connectivity with your thermostat and valves. This ensures your boiler is only in operation when required and in line with your smart system’s instructions.
Look for:
- Compatibility with your boiler type (combi, system, conventional)
- Easy pairing with smart thermostats
- Modulating capabilities for improved efficiency
BestHeating tip: Many of our thermostats and kits feature boiler control modules or can be paired with add-ons designed to suit UK-standard systems.
Internet bridge or hub - Seamless connectivity
Some systems require a dedicated hub or bridge to sync all your devices. Our Milano Connect gateway hub connects everything seamlessly – thermostat, TRVs, app, boiler controller – so they work in unison.
Typical features:
- Wi-Fi or ethernet connection
- Secure communication between devices
- Centralised updates and firmware management
BestHeating tip: Our multi-zone smart kits come ready with the necessary hub components – so setup is streamlined from the start.
Energy monitoring: Track, tweak and save
One of the biggest advantages of a smart heating system is seeing your usage in black and white. Energy monitoring tools will display:
- Which zones use the most energy
- When your system runs most often
- Where efficiency can be improved
BestHeating tip: Select thermostats we offer include energy usage feedback and learning features – so you don’t just set it and forget it. You learn as you go.
Smart assistant compatibility: Talk heating to me
Voice control may sound like a gimmick, but when your hands are full or you’re snuggled under a blanket, being able to say “Turn the living room to 20” is genuinely useful.
Compatible with:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Apple HomeKit (via select integrations)
BestHeating tip: Our smart thermostats and controllers support voice assistant integration, making your heating fully hands-free when you want it to be.
Bonus: Smart heating starter kits and accessories
If you’re not sure where to start, a smart heating starter kit can be a great solution. These kits typically include:
- A central thermostat
- A smart hub
- TRVs and control modules
BestHeating tip: Our Milano Connect smart radiator thermostat starter kit is curated as an ideal smart starting element for UK homes. Whether you’re upgrading one room or retrofitting a full heating system, this nifty bundle offers the perfect means to dip your toe into the smart heating waters.
Smart heating, made simple at BestHeating
A smart heating setup might sound high tech, but the aim is simple: more control, better comfort, and lower bills. By combining the right components – from thermostats and TRVs to connectivity hubs and smart apps – you create a system that works around your life, not the other way around.
And with everything you need available at BestHeating.com, you’re just a few clicks away from a warmer, smarter, and more efficient home.
Be sure to tell us how your smart modern home heating upgrade went down in the comments, or through our social channels on 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.
