Benefits of a Wireless Programmable Thermostat

Wireless programmable thermostats are very popular amongst plumbing and heating installers and homeowners. They are easy to install and provide effortless control over your central heating and energy use. At a time when every penny counts and everyone is trying to be more environmentally friendly, wireless thermostats can help achieve this end.

Find out everything there is to know about wireless programmable thermostats and their many benefits.

Table of contents

1. What is a wireless programmable thermostat?
2. Benefits of a wireless programmable thermostat
3. Are wireless programmable thermostats reliable?
4. How long do wireless programmable thermostats last?
5. Are wireless programmable thermostats universal?
6. Do wireless programmable thermostats have batteries?

What is a wireless programmable thermostat?

Wireless programmable thermostats combine the functionality of a central heating programmer and a traditional room thermostat whilst offering flexibility and ease of installation with their wireless connectivity. 

The controller usually comes in two parts; a combined thermostat/programmer and a wireless receiver. The programmable thermostat acts like a traditional thermostat sensing the air temperature around it and communicating the results wirelessly with your boiler when temperatures drop or go above your desired settings. They also have the functionality of setting the days and time periods when you require heating on and off and the desired temperatures, giving you much greater control. 

The programmable thermostat is battery-powered and communicates directly to the receiver, which wires into your boiler. The wireless connectivity of the thermostat gives you multiple location options, and most can be wall mounted or stand-mounted.

Benefits of a wireless programmable thermostat

Can wireless thermostats save you money?

Yes. One of the most significant benefits of having a wireless thermostat is that you have more control over when the heating turns on and off and the temperature you want to set in your room.

The controller flexibility means you can ask your boiler to work when you need it and when it suits your life pattern. By setting desired temperatures at given periods of the day and week, you are using the energy you need. They monitor the temperature of your home far more accurately and are easily adjustable, enabling you to maximise the efficiency of your system. 

Some homes only have a traditional thermostat controlling their boiler, requiring you to manually turn your heating on and off, offering little control. Replacing this with a wireless programmable thermostat can offer many benefits and cost savings (we advise checking compatibility with your boiler first).

Flexible heating

Wireless thermostats give you more flexibility because you can adjust your heating as and when required. They are easy to use, so homeowners and renters are much more likely to want to use them to control the heating. Furthermore, wireless thermostat systems also provide an option to set up multiple heating zones in your house, including a hot water control system to get better efficiency when heating your home and water.

Programmable thermostats allow you to turn your heating on and off at different times on different days of the week. Most have multiple functions, for example, 24-hour, 5/2 day or 7-day programming. 24-hour allows you to set on/off times, which are the same for every day of the week. A 5/2 day gives you on/off times for weekdays and different ones for the weekend, and a 7-day allows you to programme each day individually. Additionally, they have multiple time periods per day, depending on the brand. Basically, this means you can set your heating to come on/turn off several times per day, fitting in with your lifestyle and catering to variable living patterns giving you complete control.

Zone heating

Furthermore, wireless thermostat systems allow you to set up multiple heating zones in your house. An example of heating zones could be having a programmable thermostat for upstairs and one for downstairs in your home so that you are only heating an area you are occupying at any given time. Another example is including a hot water control system if you have a boiler and cylinder to improve efficiency when heating your home and water. (You may require additional work in most cases for multiple zones, so please check with your heating engineer for suitability).

You now have the option to upgrade a number of programmable thermostats to a ‘SMART’ controller with the addition of a manufacturer-specific Wi-Fi router giving you control from your smartphone or tablet.

Place the thermostat where you need it most.

Whilst the receiver of the wireless thermostat is wired directly to your boiler, the programmable thermostat has much more flexibility being wireless and battery-powered. You can mount programmable thermostats on the wall, or most have stand mounts for off the wall. 

Programmable thermostats will sense their surroundings to determine the current temperature. Often thermostats are in areas which are generally cooler, giving a meaner temperature for the property, such as hallways. Placing programmable thermostats in these areas is better because other rooms occasionally may be much warmer than the rest of the house at given times, such as kitchens and living spaces where a fire could be present. However, location is optional, and the flexibility means you can place it where it best suits you, such as requiring better access to the controller if you have mobility issues. This flexibility is extra helpful when boilers are in awkward places like lofts and boiler houses.

Helping to protect the environment

Another benefit of having a wireless thermostat is that you can do your bit for the environment by not burning unnecessary energy. For example, when the room reaches the temperature target, the wireless thermostat tells the boiler to turn itself off, only working to maintain a temperature.

Are wireless programmable thermostats reliable?

The only time wireless programmable thermostats might become unreliable is when the wireless controller needs new batteries. Also, depending on the walls in your house, some wireless signals might not be able to get through, which can cause the controller to function incorrectly. For example, block or metal walls can sometimes be problematic.

How long do wireless programmable thermostats last?

Wireless thermostats can last a number of years and usually have up to a 5-year manufacturer warranty. During this period, you can determine the battery life by usage. We recommend changing the batteries every 6-12 months to maintain accuracy and functionality.

Are wireless programmable thermostats universal?

In most cases, you can connect thermostats to any boiler. They are most likely compatible with modern boilers, like combi, heat-only and system boilers. However, check your manufacturer’s instructions for compatibility because they may have a specific system that matches their boiler for greater efficiency.

Do wireless programmable thermostats have batteries?

The programmable thermostat will need batteries which give it power. However, you will need to wire the receiver to your boiler.

Conclusion

We think that all homes in the UK can benefit from a wireless thermostat for their environmental and cost-saving benefits. We hope you understand some of the benefits now you know how they work. 
Here at Build & Plumb, we want to help you save money and take control of your energy usage. That is why we offer some of the best wireless thermostats on the market. Why not browse some of our wireless programmable thermostats to take advantage of their benefits today?