When planning a new boiler installation, many homeowners wonder: Should they also upgrade to smart controls at the same time? As a trusted heating engineer in Bristol, we’re often asked this question by customers who want to balance efficiency, cost and convenience. The answer isn’t always the same for everyone, but in most cases, pairing the two upgrades makes a lot of sense.
What Are Smart Controls?
Smart controls are heating controls that connect to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to manage your heating system remotely. You can adjust temperatures, set schedules, and even track energy usage with ease. With Smart Controls, homeowners can benefit from features like geofencing, which adjusts heating when you’re on the move, or weather compensation, which fine-tunes settings based on outside temperatures.
Why Consider Smart Controls With a New Boiler?
Installing smart controls alongside your new boiler ensures everything is set up together from the start. This has several benefits:
- Cost-effectiveness – Combining installation jobs often saves on labour compared to adding controls later.
- Efficiency – Modern boilers are designed to work seamlessly with smart technology, helping you get the most out of your new system.
- Futureproofing – As energy prices and technology evolve, having smart controls already in place makes adapting much easier.
It’s also worth noting that most boiler manufacturers now recommend smart thermostats for maximum efficiency ratings.
Should You Upgrade at the Same Time?
Upgrading to smart controls during your boiler installation is usually the best option. It means your heating system is installed as a complete package, with all components designed to work together. Retrofitting later can mean extra disruption, additional costs, and in some cases, limitations in compatibility.
That said, if your current budget is tight, it’s possible to add smart controls in the future. However, you’ll need to factor in another installation visit, which may increase overall costs in the long run.
Benefits for Everyday Living
Many of our Bristol customers tell us the convenience of smart controls is just as valuable as the efficiency. Being able to adjust the heating from your phone before getting home, or switching it off if you forget when heading out, adds real peace of mind. It’s particularly useful for families with changing routines or for those who spend time away from home.
Smart controls can also highlight areas where you may be using more energy than necessary, giving you the chance to cut back and save on bills. Over time, these savings can help offset the initial investment.
Professional Installation Matters
Installing both a boiler and smart controls isn’t a DIY job. To make sure everything is compatible and safe, it’s the law that boilers have to be installed by a qualified heating engineer. We’ll ensure your new boiler and smart controls are correctly set up, tested, and working together to give you the best performance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re upgrading your boiler, adding smart controls at the same time is usually the most cost-effective and efficient choice. The combination not only improves comfort and convenience but also helps reduce running costs.
Ready to discuss your options? Speak to L&P heating, your trusted heating engineer in Bristo,l today and find out how we can install the right boiler and smart controls for your home.