Smart thermostats are becoming increasingly popular, across a range of price points.
The smart thermostats market is expanding rapidly and it is estimated in an article by Big Market Research to be capable of reaching a value of $8.78bn (£6.7bn) by 2026. That has seen a lot of manufacturers coming on board looking for a slice of the action.
One product that seems to be a market leader is the Nest Thermostat E, a ‘budget’ smart appliance designed not only for its price but also the ease of use in mind as well. It boasts a little more functionality than the Tado Smart Thermostats Starter Kit which we have already reviewed, and if you are in the market for a smart thermostat, this may be the place to start looking.
Upon opening the box, you are greeted with a standard array of equipment needed to install your new appliance. You will not only find the Thermostat E, but also a Heat Link E, power adapter, display, base, trim plate, screws, terminal blocks, an installation guide and a quick start guide as well as a welcome guide and the all-important warranty, which is two-year limited,
In terms of compatibility, the Nest Thermostat E works with almost all 24V heating and cooling systems, including gas-driven, electric, heat pump, oil, hot water and solar, amongst others. It is suggested it is functional with 85% of systems, making it wide-ranging. It is also easy to install, it is entirely battery-powered and therefore means no requirement for mains power of a qualified electrician when installing. The Nest app will take you through the process post-purchase, making it easy to do yourself.
Sadly, there is no support for hot water systems, which is standard with other products at a higher price point. It is open-therm compatible, which means you can get a tradesman to wire the Heat Link E to your boiler, but that is an additional expense to consider. Also, if you are wiring it into your boiler, it is worth considering what could go wrong once your new system is set up. It is generally recommended that you take out cover for your system if you make any significant changes, with the depth of cover available to you varying. The range of boiler policies offered by HomeServe includes not only cover in the event of a breakdown but also additions such as a boiler service, ensuring your Nest Thermostat E is able to save you money around the clock, with far less chance of a breakdown or prolonged downtime.
In terms of functionality, the product is a learning thermostat, so it gets to know you and your family’s requirements and schedule and then reacts accordingly. It means the product out of the box is cool, but over a few weeks and months, it will begin to come into its own, as you fiddle with it less and less. It also has a motion sensor and geolocation, so it knows when the house is empty, and when to drop the temperature accordingly, a standard function of any good smart thermostat.
It is also good for home safety, if the thermostat detects carbon monoxide in your home, for example, it will shut down the system to prevent further exposure, which is a nice touch. Given that the NHS reveals carbon monoxide to be both tasteless and odourless, it will be of comfort knowing your thermostats can detect it, even if any detectors in your home go down, for any reason.
On the downside, it does not have the complete functionality of its big brother, the Nest Learning Thermostat, but it is a great product for anyone wanting a budget solution to remedy their smart heating problems.
