How to connect a wireless thermostat to your boiler

A wireless thermostat can save you time, money, and energy - as long as you connect it to your boiler correctly.

With a smart thermostat, you can control your home heating from anywhere and at any time. Plus, with built-in sensors, wireless thermostats can detect when you're at and away from home. It can then create heating times that fit your schedule exactly.

However, to reap these benefits, you have to first set the thermostat up. This involves connecting your new thermostat to your boiler, as well as your smartphone.

In this guide, we'll explain how to connect a wireless thermostat to an array of different boiler types.

Tips before you get started

Regardless of which kind of boiler you're connecting the thermostat to, there are certain preliminary things you should do to ensure the set-up is smooth sailing.

The main thing you need to do before getting started is to choose the right thermostat placement. In the instruction manual, you'll normally find some model-specific recommendations. However, there are key placement guidelines that apply to all remote thermostat devices.

These placement guidelines include:

• Distance - The fewer walls between the boiler and the receiver for the thermostat, the better. The receiver needs to be wired into the boiler directly or into a system wiring centre.
• Draft and window-free - Ensure you're not placing your thermostat in any particularly drafty areas. Additionally, ensure there are no windows facing the thermostat. Drafts and direct sunlight could affect the thermostat's sensors, leading to inaccurate temperature sensing.
• Unobstructed wall - There shouldn't be anything in front of the thermostat or directly below it. Fix the wireless thermostat onto a bare wall for best results. Try and ensure that there is no fridge freezer or any large mirrors in the way between the receiver and the wireless thermostat.

Always seek the advice of a professional or better still get a professional to install your chosen wireless / smart thermostat.  Installation of these thermostats can in some instances be straightforward, however accessing electrics within boilers or the system wiring is hazardous and should not be attempted without relevant qualifications or experience.

Connecting a smart thermostat to your boiler isn't always a straightforward process. There could be several issues with boilers or wiring that could cause connectivity issues. Even when the smart thermostat appears to be connected, the boiler may not be achieving the desired temperature or you could have no hot water.

If you're struggling, contact BOXT for support. We'll be able to resolve any issues and give you complete control over your heating systems.

Final thoughts

Smart thermostats help you keep on top of your home heating when the temperature drops. Leading models such as Google Nest help you organise your heating remotely so that you can return home to the ideal temperature.

Setting them up should be a simple process. As long as you find the right place for your thermostat and read the instructions manual thoroughly, you shouldn't have any issues.

Want to upgrade your boiler so you can move to a wireless thermostat? Check out our online Find a Boiler tool to discover the best new boiler for your home.