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These days, smart heating control is no longer a luxury or the preserve of modern technology enthusiasts. Thanks to the comfort and savings that affordable smart thermostats deliver, they are finding their way into ordinary homes too. However, to do their job properly, they need to be set up and used correctly. Which mistakes unnecessarily reduce the efficiency of smart heating?
Before you start using smart heating, it needs to be programmed correctly – i.e. select the required temperatures for different modes. Settings vary by brand, but it is usually possible to set the temperature separately for each heating zone, each day of the week and each time of day.
This means the heating output is adjusted fully automatically and you only fine-tune it when necessary. This initial setup is very important and should reflect your typical daily routine; otherwise, you risk overheating when you are out or during the night.
Solution: Write down your needs throughout the day and week in detail, and choose the required temperatures for special modes too, such as holiday mode or eco mode.
Smart heating adjusts the temperature fully automatically to match your daily routine
Many people are not entirely sure how a Wi-Fi thermostat works together with thermostatic radiator valves. A thermostat measures the temperature in one room and, based on the temperature you set, controls the boiler output – i.e. the heating water temperature.
Thermostatic radiator valves then regulate the flow of heating water to the radiators to achieve the desired temperature in a specific room. If the valve is set to a higher temperature than the thermostat, the radiator will not heat sufficiently because the thermostat will not heat the water to the required temperature. If the valve is set to a lower temperature than the thermostat, the radiator will heat to the temperature set on the valve, while other radiators may be warmer.
Solution: The solution is zoned control of the heating system, where a central Wi-Fi thermostat allows you to control the boiler and the temperature in each room separately. However, it is important to choose the reference room correctly, where the thermostat will be located. Ideally, this should be the living room or another room where you typically have higher heat requirements.
Some smart thermostats have a geolocation function that adjusts the time schedule based on the location of your mobile phone. For example, if you come home earlier, the thermostat detects it in time and ensures you return to a pleasantly warm home. If the system does not know you are on your way home – or, conversely, that you are leaving – it heats too much or too little unnecessarily.
Solution: If your thermostat has geolocation, enable it and integrate it with your phone so the heating system can automatically adapt to unexpected changes.
Old firmware, flat batteries or faulty sensors mean that the heating system control does not work properly. You will find out when and how to maintain and update the system in the user manual.
Solution: Regularly update both the app and the devices according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and check the status of batteries and sensors.
When choosing a target temperature, every degree really does matter, and you should not set it “by eye” or by feel. This often leads to unnecessary waste. In addition, each room requires a different temperature at different times of day. A comfortable 22 °C is enough in the living room in the evening; in other rooms, 17–19 °C is more than sufficient.
Solution: Use zoned heating control in a family home and set different temperatures for the living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc.
Choose a lower temperature in the kitchen than in the living room
If your thermostat is programmed correctly, manual adjustments will disrupt the heating modes and unnecessarily cause fluctuations in the heating system output. Smart heating works fully automatically and adjusts the temperature smoothly.
So if, for example, it suddenly gets colder, the system will adapt to the change by itself – increasing the temperature on the thermostat will not heat the room any faster; it will only lead to inefficient overheating. Only intervene in the settings if you change your daily schedule.
Solution: Make sure household members understand how the system works. Alternatively, consider adding a setpoint lock.
Accurate temperature measurement is crucial for smart thermostats to work properly. If sensors are placed in unsuitable locations – for example near windows, radiators, fireplaces or in a draught – the measured values are distorted and the thermostat will not control the heating correctly.
Solution: Install the room thermostat at a height of around 1.5 m, away from sources of heat and cold. The ideal location is where the temperature is stable and representative of the room temperature. If such placement is not possible, choose external temperature sensors.
In winter, you should ventilate briefly and intensively and switch the heating off while airing. If you do not switch the heating off, the sensor will measure a low temperature and the boiler output will increase sharply, leading to unnecessary losses.
Solution: If your thermostatic radiator valves have open-window detection, enable it. Otherwise, consider integrating external open-window sensors.
Smart heating is not only about a Wi-Fi thermostat or thermostatic radiator valves, but also the circulation pump. Electronically commutated circulation pumps with intelligent control can not only increase thermal comfort, but also contribute significantly to savings. If you do not use the smart functions, heating water is distributed inefficiently – rooms further away remain cool while energy bills rise.
Solution: Use the automatic mode on the circulation pump (e.g. AUTOADAPT on Grundfos pumps), which adapts the pump output to current demand. This saves energy and increases comfort.
Smart heating is a complex ecosystem that harmoniously connects a whole range of elements. That is why it cannot work properly if the valves, thermostat and pump do not communicate with each other.
Solution: Ideally, use components from a single brand, which are always compatible. If you already have products from different manufacturers, integrate them via a smart home hub (for example, Loxone, Home Assistant).
Many people habitually turn the heating off when they leave the house. However, heating up a cooled-down house is far more energy-intensive than maintaining a setback temperature. When leaving the house during the day (work, school), never reduce the temperature by more than 3 degrees (2 degrees in the case of underfloor heating).
Solution: Use setback mode, not a complete shutdown.
When leaving the house, do not switch the heating off – simply turn it down
You may find the smart thermostat functions or remote heating control too complicated and struggle to navigate them. This often leads to users not using smart features, or using them incorrectly – and the expected savings do not materialise.
Solution: Choose a thermostat with a simple interface and, at first, use only the basic modes. Gradually familiarise yourself with the advanced functions.
The smart heating system itself must be selected carefully so that it matches the heated property, the type of heating and your individual preferences.
In our range you will find top-quality thermostats for underfloor heating, radiators and combinations of both. We will be happy to help you design the heating control system and advise you on choosing the best tailored solution.
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