The Comprehensive Guide to Buying and Installing Thermostats

Buying the right thermostat for any home or installation is vital. A good thermostat can make all the difference in terms of home comfort, and can save users some serious money on their energy bills.

This guide will explain the three types of thermostat you can buy, and take you through the key considerations to keep in mind when buying and installing a thermostat.

The first thing you should consider when purchasing a thermostat is the heat source. Not all thermostats are compatible with every heat source - thermostats can be designed for use with central heating only, underfloor heating only, or occasionally both. This should be the first thing you check before making a purchase.

With that out of the way, here’s a quick overview of the three types of thermostat you’ll be choosing from.

The cheapest and the most basic thermostat type available is the manual thermostat. They offer temperature control at a fundamental level, and are by far the simplest thermostat to install and set up. 

Since manual thermostats cannot be put on a schedule and must be adjusted manually, they are better suited to rooms that have consistent heating requirements day after day.

Programmable and smart thermostats come with a varied range of features to choose from, designed to give users greater control over their heating, keep their homes at optimal temperatures, or provide an easy, hassle-free user experience.

Some smart thermostats, such as the popular Google Nest Thermostat, ‘learn’ user behaviours and preferences through location geofencing and other smart software. This means the thermostat will become even more efficient with time, automatically keeping the temperature optimal for the user and reducing the temperature whilst they are away.

It’s no secret that some thermostats - namely those older programmable thermostats - could be an absolute minefield when it came to programming and operating. Endless buttons, menus, submenus, sub-submenus, and dimly lit screens made programming a heating schedule feel like trying to do theoretical physics - whilst blindfolded.

Thankfully, large backlit displays and intuitive interfaces have made this a thing of the past. Still, it’s important to keep in mind who will be using the thermostat. Elderly and vulnerable people may prefer a thermostat with a simpler, easy-to-use interface with clear screen prompts and large, intuitive controls.

Those with air conditioning or certain HVAC systems may appreciate a thermostat that can notify users when the filters need to be changed.

The rising popularity of underfloor heating has installers and tradespeople alike wondering what the best thermostat for underfloor heating is. Smart thermostats are generally preferred for creating the most energy-efficient setup possible, and most smart systems are fully compatible with UFH systems. 

Generally speaking, the thermostat you choose will depend on usage. Google Nest Thermostats are perfect for having a wide range of smart, energy-saving features, whereas Honeywell Thermostats have advanced multi-zone control to keep every room at the perfect temperature. Drayton, TADO, and Hive also offer a range of compelling features for UFH systems, so it’s worth taking a look at our whole range of smart thermostats to find the perfect one for your needs.

Before installing a new thermostat, it’s worth opening up the existing thermostat (if applicable) to check the type of wiring that’s already in place. Standard manual or programmable thermostats can work with just two low-voltage wires, which is common in older heating systems.

Advanced programmable thermostats or smart thermostats require a C-wire (common wire) in order to function. This wire powers the thermostat display, as well as advanced features such as WiFi connectivity.

If there’s no C-wire but you’re looking to install a smart thermostat, it’s not necessarily game over. Third party add-a-wire adaptors can be purchased, and some Honeywell models come with a power extender that can add a C-wire to your system.

If you’re unsure, it may be worth hiring a certified HVAC professional who can safely install a C-wire.

No matter the thermostat you’re after, City Plumbing stocks a varied range of thermostats - from the extremely cost-effective Drayton RTS8, to the slick, feature-packed Worcester Bosch Easycontrol Kit for complete temperature control - and everything in between. 

You can view our full range of thermostats by clicking here - or click here for our extensive range of smart thermostats. 

Got any questions? Get in touch with our experts by clicking here.