While furnaces and heat pumps are the most commonly used heaters in today’s market, radiators remain highly popular because of their efficiency, affordability, and easy maintenance. You can increase your home’s energy efficiency and gain more control over your radiator with a smart radiator thermostat.
Whether you have an old thermostat that needs to be replaced or a new one you’d like to install, the following guide offers a step-by-step look at the installation process.
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Why Your Home Should Have A Radiator Thermostat
Radiator thermostats offer many clear advantages that aren’t available when manually operating your radiator. For instance, you’re able to control single room temperatures with these devices. You’ll also save a considerable sum of money by avoiding the common overheating issues that occur when using manual valves.
If you choose the Aqara Thermostat E1, you’ll benefit from a colorful backlit display, geofencing technology capabilities, and configurable smart schedules. When programming schedules into this device, you can set varying temperatures for the day and night, which allows for seamless transitions.
You’ll also be able to monitor the thermostat’s temperature from your phone once the thermostat is connected to the Aqara Hub. Some of the other benefits available to you include:
- Device grouping support
- One-year battery life
- Quick and easy installation
- Compatibility with ecosystems like Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa
- Can be paired with the Aqara TVOC air quality monitor or temperature and humidity sensor
How To Install Your Radiator Thermostat
The thermostat of your choice should come with adapters that allow for compatibility with different types of radiator valves. If you buy the Aqara radiator thermostat, you won’t need to use any additional tools.
Before Installation
The E1 thermostat supports the majority of radiator valves. Make sure you identify the valve your radiator has before getting started. The various valve types include:
- Traditional M30 x 1.5mm
- RA valve
- RAV valve
- RAVL valve
- Even though this thermostat can only be used with thermostatic valves, it isn’t too difficult to convert your current radiator valve to one that this device supports with the use of an aftermarket adapter. This option is suitable for radiators with a monotube, return temperature limiter (RTL), or manual systems.
Choosing The Right Radiator Thermostat
When you’re searching for the right radiator thermostat, your best option is to select Aqara’s Radiator Thermostat E1 for the best functionality. Most radiators support thermostatic radiator valves or traditional thermostats. A TRV alters the flow of water in your heating system once the temperature reaches a specific point, which ensures the radiator doesn’t get too hot.
While you can obtain a conventional thermostat for your radiator, you’ll need to control the device manually. In comparison, the E1 model allows you to pair the device to your smart home hub, which means that it’s controllable from your smartphone or tablet. Even when you’re away from home, you can change the settings as you see fit. For example, you can implement a smart schedule or turn the temperature down when you’re at work.
With a smart radiator thermostat, it’s also possible to adjust the temperature based on the preference of each individual in your home. If you obtain the Camera Hub G3, you’ll benefit from local face recognition. Once the camera detects a friend or family member entering the room, the temperature changes automatically to suit their preferences.
How To Remove The Old Radiator Thermostat
Radiator thermostats are simple to remove. Your old thermostat should be in the same position that you’re installing the new one. While this process somewhat depends on the type of valve your unit has, you should be able to simply twist the rotating nut in a counterclockwise motion until it becomes loose and can be effectively removed.
How To Install The New Radiator Thermostat
If your radiator is outfitted with a M30 x 1.5mm valve interface, the installation process begins by pulling out the thermostat’s insulating tab and making sure the device is turned on.
The next steps are as follows:
- Install the device on the valve interface within five minutes after the thermostat starts up.
- The Aqara Smart Radiator Thermostat E1 supports vertical and horizontal installations. The horizontal installation method provides more accurate temperature readings.
- Align the thermostat’s interface nut with the valve before rotating the nut until it’s fully secure.
- Press the button on the thermostat three times to properly calibrate the valve. Calibration should take around 10-15 seconds, after which the correct temperature will be displayed.
Do I Need To Hire A Professional To Install A Radiator Thermostat?
While installing a radiator thermostat differs based on the model you buy and the type of radiator you own, most can be installed without any professional help. You should be able to install the thermostat by placing it in a slot or attaching it to a valve, which doesn’t come with any safety risks. However, you can call a professional to install it for you.
How To Connect Your Radiator Thermostat To Your Smart Hub
To add the radiator thermostat to your smart hub, you’ll first need to make sure that you’ve already downloaded the Aqara Home app. You should also have an Aqara Zigbee 3.0 hub installed. Once the necessary app has been downloaded, bring it up on your smartphone or tablet.
Look at the upper-right corner of the app’s home page to find and click the “+” button. From here, navigate to the “Add Device (Accessories)” page. Choose Smart Radiator Thermostat E1 to pair the radiator thermostat by long-clicking it for 10 seconds to your smart hub.
The right radiator thermostat allows you to lower your monthly bills, use less energy, and maintain a more comfortable temperature in your home. Now that you know how to install or replace your radiator thermostat, you have what you need to get started.
Aqara is your reliable provider of radiator thermostats and other smart home devices. To find an Aqara device near you, visit our “Where To Buy” page. We have numerous retail and online shopping partners in many countries across the globe.
