Any Tips For Choosing A Wi-Fi Type Central Heating Timer?

[lacmag3]

My manual, clock type, central heating timer has broken again any I was thinking of replacing it with one that would let me turn the heating on/off if I was away from home. Has anyone any tips for me when choosing one?An easy to use device would suit me best. Thanks.

[barry1010]

Choose one from a large, established company.
Some years ago I invested in security cameras that no longer work because the company folded and the cameras would only work with their software.
Honeywell is my favourite from this list of five but it is not cheap. You need to decide what you need it to do before you buy
https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723403/best-smart-thermostat-2.html

I don't think I would bother with a smart thermometer, really. Unless your life is unpredictable and the house unexpectedly empty often then I really can't see the point. My manual timer must be 20 years old and is still going strong, I can't see any smart meter lasting anything like that - after a few short years it will be unsupported by the manufacturer and be useless.

[lacmag3]

Thanks barry1010. I did see an item on companies failing to support their smart devices after even a few years. I’m not into zones and remotely controlled valves etc, I just want to remotely turn on or off the heat if the unexpected happens when I’m away. If all else fails I’ll just replace my manual one. What model is your trusty one?

[237SJ]

I`ve got a Hive. Very happy with it. Download the app and you can operate it from anywhere (I turned it on from Hong Kong once)

[klazomaniac]

Hive Active Heating Thermostat V3 Combi Boiler (for combi boilers)

or

Hive Active Heating Thermostat V3 Hot Water (for central heating and hot water if you have a conventional system)

Fantastic and easy to use. I bought my one on offer for £100 last summer. But as it's winter, they are back to full price at £149.

You will need to buy the kit. It consists of the Thermostat, reciever and hub.

[klazomaniac]

(702JK) for combi

(246JK) for hot water and heating

[lacmag3]

Thanks for the Hive recommendations folks. I'll investigate.

[Zacs-Master]

The Google Nest (Generation 3) controllers are slightly 'smarter' than the Nest in that they learn your habits and can tell when you're in or out. Water heating can only be set in half hour or hour blocks though.