How do smart thermostats work? Our guide

What is a smart thermostat?

A smart thermostat is a digital upgrade to your home’s heating system that lets you manage the temperature from your phone, tablet, or smart speaker.

It connects to the internet, allowing you to control your heating remotely, create schedules, and monitor energy use. Ultimately, a smart thermostat gives you more comfort and control than a traditional thermostat.

How does a smart thermostat work?

In simple terms, a smart thermostat connects to both your boiler and your home’s Wi-Fi, allowing it to control and monitor your heating more intelligently. Using built-in sensors, it measures the temperature in your home and uses algorithms to decide when to turn the heating on or off to maintain your chosen comfort level.

Over time, it can learn your heating habits, such as when you usually wake up, go out, or come home, and automatically adjust the temperature to match. You can also make manual changes through an app, giving you complete control even when you’re not at home.

Some models go a step further with geofencing technology, which uses your phone’s location to detect when you’re nearby. That means your heating can switch on before you walk through the door and turn off when you leave, helping you save energy without lifting a finger.

Can a smart thermostat work with any boiler?

Most smart thermostats work with most modern boilers, but compatibility isn’t guaranteed. It depends on the brand of thermostat and the features of your boiler, so always make sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines before buying to avoid disappointment.

Are smart thermostats safe?

Yes, smart thermostats are generally safe to use. However, like any internet-connected device, they can pose small cybersecurity or data privacy risks. To keep yours secure, choose a trusted brand, use strong passwords, and keep your app and firmware up to date.

Can a smart thermostat work without Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with limited functionality. Without Wi-Fi, you can still use your smart thermostat for basic temperature control and manual scheduling directly on the device. However, remote access, energy insights, and app-based control won’t work until you reconnect.

Do smart thermostats work with heat pumps?

Yes, most modern smart thermostats are compatible with heat pumps, whether air source, ground source, or water-source. Some models are specifically designed for heat pumps, helping you get even greater efficiency from your system.

Installing a smart thermostat

Installing a smart thermostat is usually straightforward, but the process can vary depending on your current setup and wiring.

Are smart thermostats easy to install?

Many smart thermostats are designed for DIY installation, but if you’d rather not handle wiring or setup, book one of our Ding engineers to install a Tado° smart thermostat for you. We’ll make sure it’s fitted correctly, safely, and working perfectly from day one.

How long do smart thermostats last?

Typically, a smart thermostat lasts around 5–10 years, depending on the brand and how often it’s used. Keeping it updated with the latest software will help extend its life.

Can I replace an old thermostat with a smart one?

In most cases, yes, you can replace an existing thermostat with a smart version. However, this depends on your home’s wiring and heating system. If you’re unsure, book one of our heating engineers for safe, stress-free Tado° thermostat installation and setup.

How many smart thermostats do I need?

That depends on your home setup and the brand you choose. Many systems let you install multiple thermostats to control different heating zones.

For example, Tado° allows up to 25 heating devices (including smart thermostats and smart radiator thermostats) within one home setup, and up to seven devices per room. This gives you complete flexibility over your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Common benefits of a smart thermostat

• Remote control: Adjust your heating from anywhere using your phone, whether you’re at home, at work, or away on holiday.

• Learned routines: Smart thermostats can recognise your daily patterns and automatically adjust the temperature to match when you’re home or out.

• Energy insights: Track how much energy you use and when, helping you make small changes that can cut energy waste and lower bills.

• Energy savings: By only heating your home when needed, smart thermostats can help reduce overall energy consumption.

• Geofencing: Uses your phone’s location to detect when you’re on your way home and turns the heating on, ready for your arrival.

• Automated schedules: Let you set heating times in advance, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature without manual adjustments.

Are smart thermostats worth it?

Yes, for most households, they’re well worth it. Smart thermostats make heating more convenient, help lower energy costs, and add a layer of comfort and control that traditional systems can’t match.

Do smart thermostats save money?

They can. Because they learn your habits and adjust heating based on real-time use, you’re less likely to waste energy. While smart thermostats cost more upfront than traditional models, the long-term savings on energy bills could make up for the difference.

Which smart thermostat should I choose?

There are plenty of great smart thermostats to choose from, and the right one depends on your home setup and what features matter most to you. Popular options include Tado°, Nest, and Hive, which all offer easy app control, smart scheduling, and energy-saving insights.

Thinking about upgrading to a smart thermostat? Just Ding it!

If you’re ready to make your home more efficient, book your Tado° smart thermostat installation with Ding. Our expert engineers make upgrading your heating simple - there’s no stress and no hassle, just smart comfort that works.

Whatever your heating issue, our expert engineers are just a click away. Simply book your repair online and we’ll take care of the rest: from installing a smart thermostat to repairing your boiler. We’ll get your home warm, comfortable, and running smoothly again in no time.

Written by:

Martin Garbutt

Head of Technical

Martin has more than 30 years' experience in the gas industry working in all sorts of roles; from gas regulators to the private sector.

At Ding, he makes sure the technical information we share in the field and online is up-to-date and accurate. That includes helping to write helpful articles like this one.

View Martin's profile