Smart Thermostats
Smart Thermostats: Smarter Heating for ASHPs & Gas Boilers
Heating technology has moved on—and your controls should too. Whether your home is heated by a gas boiler or an air source heat pump (ASHP), a smart thermostat can dramatically improve comfort, efficiency, and running costs.
At MyBuild Renewables & Plumbing, we install and commission smart controls every week, and we see first-hand how much difference the right thermostat makes—especially when paired correctly with the heating system.
What Is a Smart Thermostat?
A smart thermostat replaces (or upgrades) your traditional wall thermostat. It allows you to:
Control heating remotely via your phone
Set detailed schedules and temperature zones
Learn your habits and optimise heating automatically
Reduce wasted energy without sacrificing comfort
But not all smart thermostats are the same—and this is where professional advice matters.
Smart Thermostats & Gas Boilers
Gas boilers respond quickly, making them ideal for smart controls.
Benefits with Gas Boilers
On-demand heating – heat only when and where you need it
Lower gas bills – reduced boiler cycling and run time
Improved comfort – stable temperatures, fewer cold spells
Weather compensation – adjusts output based on outdoor temperature
For gas systems, smart thermostats work best when combined with:
Properly balanced radiators
Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
Correct boiler flow temperature settings
A smart thermostat won’t fix an inefficient system—but it will maximise a well-set-up one.
Smart Thermostats & Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
ASHPs work very differently from gas boilers, and this is where many homes go wrong.
Key Difference
Heat pumps are designed to:
Run slowly and continuously
Maintain steady background heat
Avoid frequent on/off cycling
Using the wrong thermostat—or incorrect settings—can:
Increase electricity use
Reduce efficiency (COP)
Cause comfort issues
Shorten system lifespan
The Right Way to Use Smart Controls with ASHPs
When installed and configured correctly, smart thermostats:
Maintain consistent indoor temperatures
Work with weather compensation, not against it
Prevent unnecessary cycling
Reduce running costs over time
The key is setup and commissioning—not just the device itself.
Common Mistakes We See
🚫 Treating an ASHP like a gas boiler
🚫 Large temperature setbacks overnight
🚫 Incorrect flow temperature control
🚫 Smart thermostats installed without system understanding
These mistakes often lead to higher bills and frustrated homeowners who think the heat pump is the problem—when it’s actually the controls.
Zoned Heating = Real Savings
Smart thermostats allow zoning, meaning:
Bedrooms can run cooler
Living areas can be prioritised
Unused rooms aren’t overheated
For larger homes, this can make a significant difference to comfort and costs—especially in winter.
Is a Smart Thermostat Worth It?
In most homes, yes—but only if:
It’s suitable for your heating system
It’s installed and commissioned correctly
The system is balanced and set up properly
A smart thermostat is not a “plug-and-play” upgrade—it’s part of a wider heating strategy.
Expert Advice from MyBuild Renewables & Plumbing
We don’t just fit smart thermostats—we make sure they actually work properly with your system.
We offer:
Smart thermostat supply & installation
Correct setup for gas boilers and ASHPs
System optimisation and balancing
Honest advice based on how you actually use your home
📞 Thinking about upgrading your heating controls?
Get in touch with MyBuild Renewables & Plumbing and let’s make your heating smarter, cheaper, and more comfortable—without the guesswork.
Smart controls. Smarter heating. Done properly.
