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Smart Thermostats and Heating Controls: cost, savings and EPC impact

Better controls let you heat the rooms you use, when you use them. They are among the cheaper upgrades, and the savings depend heavily on how you run your heating now.

IndicativeFigures on this page are indicative ranges for a typical UK home. They are not a quote, a survey or an EPC. Your home will differ.

What it is

Options range from a programmable room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to app-based smart thermostats and multi-zone systems.

Controls only help if the heating system itself works well. A badly balanced system or a very old boiler may need attention first.

Indicative cost, savings and EPC effect

Savings depend on how you use heating today.

For comparison, the Energy Saving Trust’s average installed cost for a typical semi-detached home is £600 (heating controls). See Energy Saving Trust: Retrofit explained for the latest figures.

Better heating controls can add a few EPC points where the home has basic or no controls. See how EPC ratings work. Savings from several upgrades do not simply add up.

Is it right for your home?

• Homes with a single old dial thermostat, no TRVs or no timer.
• Households that are out for part of the day and want to avoid heating an empty house.
• Homes with a heat pump, where good controls matter for efficiency.

What affects the price

• Number of radiators and rooms
• Smart or standard controls
• Zoning or extra wiring
• Compatibility with the boiler

Questions to ask any installer

• Is the system compatible with my boiler or heat pump?
• Does the price include fitting, setup and showing me how to use it?

Always get a proper survey and written quote. We introduce you to one vetted firm to do that, and explain why only one.

Related upgrades

• Draught-Proofing
• Air Source Heat Pump
• LED Lighting