Install a smart thermostat like Nest, Hive, or tado° — these connect to your boiler and let you control heating from your phone anywhere in the world.
🏠Homeowner view
Controlling your heating remotely is straightforward with a smart thermostat. The most popular options in the UK are Google Nest Learning Thermostat (£200–250, self-installs in most homes), Hive Active Heating (£200–250, requires a Hive Hub device), and tado° (£130–200, highly efficient with geolocation). These devices replace your existing thermostat and connect to your home Wi-Fi. You control them through an app on your phone — turn the heating on from the office so it's warm when you arrive home, turn it off if you forget when you leave, or set schedules automatically. Smart thermostats can save 15–25% on heating bills by avoiding heating an empty house. Installation is usually straightforward if you have a combi boiler — it's often a DIY job for someone reasonably practical. For older systems with separate hot water cylinders, a more complex installation is needed, and a professional installation may be better.