Energise Sussex Coast is able to access a free fully funded HIVE thermostat package and installation through our funder the British Gas Energy Trust. SMART thermostats enable households to save on average £200 a year by being able to zone heating and heat different rooms to different temperatures. The HIVE thermostat is controlled by your smartphone. The package also includes 3 thermostatic radiator valves which means you will be able to heat these rooms to the exact temperature you want. It also includes a smart plug which can be switched off using your phone (useful for those hard to reach plugs such as the back of tvs etc!) and smart lightbulbs which again can be controlled remotely and can be set up to go on and off when you’re away from the house for security.
Eligibility criteria
- Household income under £31,000 or someone in the house receives benefits (includes disability benefits)
- Gas/ oil or electric boiler in full working order
- Current heating controls in property are working
- 24/7 domestic broadband
- Spare ethernet port in the back of internet router
- Spare power socket next to internet router
- Homeowner or confirmed permission from landlord
APPLY
Please fill in this short application form to apply: https://forms.gle/ZjnJZ7KjegScSGKV9
If you have any problems you can call our energy advice team on 01424 390062
FAQ
What is a SMART Thermostat?
“Smart thermostats are a nifty piece of kit that connects your heating system to the internet. At their most basic level, smart thermostats will let you set up a schedule for when your heating comes on and turns off, and the temperature. Yet because they’re connected to the internet, they let you vary this schedule remotely, allowing you to turn the heating on or off at will, or change the temperature. Usually you’ll do this via a smartphone app.
Smart thermostats are NOT the same as smart meters
It’s easy to confuse smart thermostats and smart meters, but they’re actually very different pieces of kit. While smart thermostats give you remote control over your heating system, smart meters mainly deal with your gas and electricity readings. Plus, unlike smart meters, you install or arrange installation of smart thermostats yourself – so it doesn’t matter which energy provider supplies your energy.” text taken from Money Saving Expert
What happens if it goes wrong?
You can contact the HIVE support team at any time even years after the product has been installed for help if there are any issues.
Which heating systems/boilers are compatible?
Hive Thermostat Mini is compatible with a range of boilers/heating systems:
Most Natural Gas & LPG Boilers/systems.
Most Oil Boilers (BG engineers do not install ON oil boilers, please contact an OFTEC Engineer)Electric Boilers – If your boiler works with a standard room thermostat or programmer.
Can I control my hot water using the Thermostat Mini?
Yes, if you have a conventional heating system then your thermostat can control both your heating and hot water. You can’t control your water temperature, but you can set schedules and boost your hot water from between 1 – 6 hours.
Does the Hive Thermostat Mini work with underfloor heating?
Yes, it can be used to control wet underfloor heating systems. Does not support electric underfloor heating systems.
Can I connect this to Google Home or Alexa?
Yes! Our Hive devices can be linked to both Google Home or Alexa- meaning you can turn your heating on by using your voice!
Can I install the thermostat myself?
The thermostat will be installed free of charge by an engineer. they will also be able to help you set up the heating controls.
Where should the thermostat be placed?
Your thermostat will work best when fixed to a wall about 1.5m off the ground, away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight. You can also use the thermostat stand (available separately) to position it on a table or shelf within your home.
Where can i learn more?
The HIVE thermostat website has more information: https://www.hivehome.com