Best Smart Radiator Valves: [Top Picks in 2024]

Living with a smart heating system for over two years has been a great experience. Before deciding on my current system, I tested and researched many smart heating devices. My experience has allowed me to assess the functionality, usability, and performance of different smart radiator valves.

With smart radiator valves, you can create the ideal home environment while saving money on heating bills.

Now, I bet you’re wondering: “How do I pick the best smart radiator valve for my house?” Don’t worry–this article is here to answer this question. Before investing in a system, I took some time to compare and evaluate all of the top models on the market.

So, if you want to upgrade your home’s heating setup while saving energy costs, buying a smart radiator valve should be something you consider.

Continue reading our best smart radiator valves review and begin the journey to make your home smarter and tailor it to your daily routine.

What Is a Smart Radiator Valve?

A smart radiator valve, also known as a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV), is a digitally controlled valve that replaces the manual knob on a radiator, allowing you to control the temperature of a single radiator with precision. It’s an integral part of smart home heating systems, providing the ability to adjust heating settings remotely via a smartphone app or even voice commands through smart home assistants.

They can also be programmed to follow schedules, so you can set the temperature to lower when you’re out of the house and warm up just before you return or reduce the heat overnight. Many smart radiator valves also have features like open window detection, which automatically turns off the radiator if it detects a sudden drop in temperature, indicating that a window has been opened.

By providing room-by-room temperature control, smart valves can help improve your home’s energy efficiency, potentially leading to many advantages like cost savings on your energy bills by heating only the spaces you’re using to the desired temperature. They often form part of a larger smart home ecosystem, working alongside other devices for a fully integrated home automation experience.

How Do Smart TRVs Work?

Smart Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) work by allowing you to control the temperature of each radiator individually. Here’s a breakdown of how they operate:

Temperature Detection: Smart TRVs have built-in sensors that detect the room’s ambient temperature. They constantly monitor this temperature to make decisions on whether to heat the room or not.
Wireless Connectivity: These devices connect to a central smart home system or hub using Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Bluetooth. This connectivity enables you to control them remotely from your smartphone or tablet.
Remote Control: Through a dedicated app on your smartphone or tablet, you can set specific temperatures for each room, create heating schedules, and sometimes even control the TRVs with voice commands through smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Automation: Smart TRVs can be programmed to follow heating schedules to automatically adjust the heat at different times of the day. For example, you can set the TRVs to lower the temperature during the day when no one is home and to heat the rooms just before you arrive.
Radiator Control: The smart TRV attaches to the radiator valve and physically opens or closes it to regulate the flow of hot water into the radiator. When the room reaches the desired temperature, the TRV will close the valve to maintain the set temperature.
Energy Efficiency: By heating only the rooms that are in use to the desired temperature, smart TRVs can help reduce overall energy consumption. Some even have features like open window detection, which shuts off the radiator if a rapid drop in temperature is detected, indicating that a window has been opened.

By using smart TRVs, you can have a more efficient heating system tailored to your lifestyle, providing comfort where and when you need it while saving energy by not heating unused spaces.

The Best 5 Smart Radiator Valves

If you have already decided what you want, here are my picks for the 5 best smart radiator valve reviews. They range from low-cost alternatives to more versions with extensive ecosystems and user-friendly features:

Hive White Smart Radiator Valve – Best All-around Option

Right out of the box, the Hive thermostatic radiator valve looks smart. It’s got a clean white design that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb on a radiator.

It’s made from high-quality materials that feel robust and durable. The digital display is crisp and easy to read, even from a distance and at night, so checking current temperature settings is easy.

In terms of performance, the Hive valve effectively controls the temperature of individual radiators. Keeping the living room toasty while not wasting heat on an empty guest room all from a phone. In my experience, the valve responds promptly to adjustments made via the app, and the scheduling feature is very intuitive to set up. Users can create custom heating profiles, which is a great way to ensure comfort while optimizing energy usage.

The installation process of the Hive White Smart Radiator Valve is simple. The smart radiator valve fits most standard radiators, and the adapters cater to various sizes. The instructions are clear, and the Hive app guides you through the setup process. The DIY-friendly approach is straightforward, and users should be able to install it without specialized tools or knowledge.

But the best part? The Hive Smart Heating system is compatible with other smart home devices, like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. So you can control your heating using just the sound of your voice, which I’ve found to work reliably during testing.

The Hive also works well with other Hive products, so if you’re building up your smart home, this valve fits right in.

Overall, the Hive White Smart Radiator Valve is a smart buy. It’s practical and user-friendly while looking good doing its job. For anyone looking to dip their toes into smart heating, give Hive a shot. It’s one of the most popular smart valves out there, and Hive’s rich ecosystem ensures that if you decide to upgrade your smart home experience, there are more devices that you can buy.

Tado Smart Radiator Valve – Best For Smart Features

The Tado thermostatic radiator valve sports a minimalist yet brilliant look. It’s not just about looking good; the build quality feels solid like it will last, precisely what you want when upgrading your home.

Getting this thing up and running is pretty straightforward. Pop in the batteries, twist them onto your radiator (they’ve got adapters for different types), and sync them up with the Tado app. The awesome design allows for vertical or horizontal implementation as they adapt around different radiator shapes. Even if you’re not a tech whiz, the app walks you through everything step by step.

The Tado valve lets you control the heat room by room from your phone. Heading home early? Fire up the app and get your place cosy before entering the door. It’s all about personal comfort without wasting energy.

Speaking of saving energy, Tado has some smart features that help reduce heating costs. It learns your schedule, adjusts to the weather, and even turns down the heat when you open a window.

If you’ve got other smart devices, Tado plays nice with some of them. Voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant? Check. Geofencing to heat your home as you get close? Double-check. Additionally, window sensors are great for turning off heating as they detect any changes in humidity or temperature.

The Tado Smart Radiator Valves are a solid investment for technology-oriented homeowners. Its advanced features and smart looks will help shave some bucks off your heating bill. While its ecosystem is not as rich as Hive’s, it can be integrated with other smart home devices using a smart home hub like Amazon Alexa.

Honeywell Evohome Smart Radiator Valve – Best Digital Display

In my experience, when testing out smart home devices, you want something that’s not just smart but also user-friendly. During testing, I found it to be easy to install. It’s almost as simple as swapping out a light bulb, assuming you’ve ever wrestled with a radiator valve.

You can set specific temperatures for each room from the controller’s touchscreen or the app. I’ve had the living room toasty for movie nights while keeping the bedroom cooler for sleep—a game changer.

One of the coolest features of these thermostats is the open window detection. You know that feeling when you open a window to let in some fresh air but forget to turn off the heat?

Suddenly, you’re wasting energy and money on heating a space that doesn’t need it. But with the Honeywell Home Evohome valve, that’s no longer a problem. When the smart thermostat detects that a window has been opened and air is seeping through, it automatically shuts off the temperature control.

Aesthetically speaking, the Honeywell valve is quite the looker. It’s got this minimalist vibe that blends nicely with most decors. The Honeywell Evohome smart radiator valve isn’t just about good looks. In my experience, the precision and responsiveness of these valves are very good.

It features a compact LCD screen that displays the temperature setting for the individual radiator to which it’s attached, allowing for easy adjustments directly at the valve. The interface on the LCD screen is intuitive, showing the temperature set points and icons that indicate battery life and signal strength, which is particularly useful to ensure that the thermostatic radiator valve communicates effectively with the Evohome controller.

The only hiccup, and it’s one to consider, is the cost. Setting up a complete Evohome system with multiple HR92 valves can be expensive. But, as I’ve noticed in my own home, the energy savings start to show over time. It’s an investment, sure, but one that can pay off over time with reduced heating bills.

If you’re in the market for a smart heating solution that gives you granular control over your home’s climate, the Honeywell Evohome Smart Radiator Valves are a solid bet. Its distinct feature from the previous products is an LCD digital display that can be tiled, enabling users to make quick changes without needing to access the central Evohome controller or the app.

Netatmo Smart Radiator Valve – Best Style and Elegance

Netatmo smart radiator valves are designed to retrofit your hot-water radiators into smart, energy-efficient devices. They’re compatible with a whopping 90% of hot-water radiators, and they come with six types of adapters to ensure easy fitting.

Fortunately, Installation is easy; there’s nothing worse than a smart home product that requires an engineering degree to install.

From my experience, the smart valves let you adjust the temperature of each room individually and with an accuracy of within 0.5°C. That level of precision means you’re not overheating rooms you’re not using, and that’s where the cost savings come into play.

The design, created by Starck, is sleek and discreet, blending in with most decors—a small but important detail for those of us who value aesthetics as much as functionality in smart home devices.

The valves work with a heating schedule adapted to your lifestyle, which you can control via the Netatmo app. This programmability is a cornerstone of smart home technology, allowing for increased comfort and energy efficiency.

The Netatmo brand holds a strong reputation for producing quality smart home products. The smart radiator valves show their commitment to creating user-friendly, energy-efficient solutions.

In conclusion, the Netatmo Smart Radiator Valves offer a compelling package for anyone looking into smart heating. They’re easy to install, elegantly designed, and packed with features that can save energy and increase comfort. Their accurate temperature management of 0.5°C is a great standout feature if you are after precise control of your home environment.

Bosch Smart Home Radiator Thermostat Starter Kit – Best Modern Design

The Bosch Smart Home Radiator Thermostat is not only pretty good at maintaining a comfortable temperature across different rooms but also being able to fine-tune settings from our phones. During testing, I found the Bosch app to be pretty user-friendly. It’s a key part of the experience because you’ll spend most of your time controlling the heating. The interface is clean, and navigating through the options is intuitive. You can easily set up schedules for your heating.

The design is something Bosch got right as well. It’s sleek and modern and will look well on any radiator. The build quality feels solid, and the LCD is clear and easy to read; it even displays all the essential info on the screen that can be seen from a distance.

In terms of performance, when integrated with the smart thermostat, it responds quickly to adjustments, whether you’re using the app or manually tweaking the settings on the device itself. It’s responsive, and I didn’t experience any lag or connectivity issues while using it.

I have also integrated the Bosch radiator thermostat with my Amazon Alexa, and controlling it with voice commands was great.

It’s important to note that if you want to integrate this smart valve into your system, you’ll need the Bosch Smart Home controller. If you opt for the starter kit, it will be included in the package. The package includes the Radiator Thermostat II, batteries, Danfoss RA and RAVL adapters, and a quick start guide in 11 languages.

If you’re looking to upgrade your home heating system with some smart technology, the Bosch Smart Home Radiator Thermostat is worth considering. It’s a quality product from a reputable brand, and in my experience, it delivers on its promises, making it a valuable addition to any smart home setup. Its design, in my opinion, is one of the best on the market, and the contracting LCD screen lets you see the current temperature settings from a distance.

Drayton Wiser Smart Radiator Thermostat – Best Value Option

The Drayton Wiser system is a game-changer for those looking to step into smart heating without breaking the bank. During testing, I found that the system’s simplicity is one of its most significant selling points. It’s designed with a user-friendly approach that doesn’t intimidate—even if you’re not the most technical individual.

If you’ve got a large home with many rooms, the Wiser smart heating system can install up to 32 thermostatic radiators in 16 different spaces – more room-by-room control coverage than you’ll know what to do with.

When combined with a smart thermostat, the smart open window detection automatically paused heating when it sensed a window was left open. It is a smart touch for safeguarding against energy waste. The manual twist top for an instant override of schedules proves handy.

Still, as I have assessed its performance across different areas of the home, it was evident that the connectivity range can be a hurdle in more expansive spaces. To ensure consistent performance, you may need to invest in a Wiser Smart Plug, which might be necessary to extend the range, especially in homes with thicker walls.

The Drayton Wiser smart radiator valve can be integrated with Alexa and Google Home, enabling fine-tuning of temperatures through simple voice commands. Remote control via the app and IFTTT is also possible, which adds to the convenience factor.

Energy efficiency drove me to these devices, and the Drayton TRV did not disappoint regarding battery life. The batteries lasted close to the 12-month mark, lining up with the manufacturer’s estimates—a merit for those concerned about maintenance.

In conclusion, the Drayton Wiser Smart Radiator Thermostat is a well-priced, robust solution for multi-room heating control. It may not have all the smartness of some high-end models, but it offers reliable performance. If you are looking for a smart home solution that provides excellent value, this smart valve is undoubtedly the best option compared to other devices.

Eve Thermo Smart Radiator Valve – Doesn’t Require Dedicated Hub

Are you searching for a smart radiator valve that doesn’t require any hub and can be operated without an internet connection?

Eve Thermo is all set for your home heating needs. It has precise temperature control, which goes as low as 0.5°C. That means you can adjust the temperature with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that every room in your house is at the perfect temperature.

The design is elegant, and the integrated LED display gives a real-time temperature setting. You can adjust the temperature with a simple tap or swipe on the device or use the Eve app or Siri to set up schedules for automatic adjustments.

The integration with Apple HomeKit is seamless. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, you’ll appreciate how well the Eve Thermo plays with your other devices. You can set up scenes and automation easily, like warming up your bathroom before you wake up.

Now, it’s not the quietest when adjusting the temperature, something I noticed when comparing it to other smart radiator valves I’ve used. But it’s not a deal-breaker by any means; it’s something to be aware of if your room is usually pin-drop silent. However, if you’re not already invested in the Apple ecosystem, you might not get the benefits this smart valve offers. It’s made for the HomeKit platform, so Android users must look elsewhere.

So, if you have an Apple ecosystem, check out the Eve Thermo. Its precise temperature control and excellent integration with your ecosystem will expand and improve your smart home experience, saving money on energy bills over time.

TP-Link Kasa Starter Kit – No Bridge Required

This smart valve integrates well with our daily routines, allowing you to control heating in individual rooms from a smartphone. It is handy for managing the temperature in rooms that aren’t in constant use, cutting down on unnecessary heating and ultimately saving on energy bills.

One of the best benefits is that you don’t need an internet bridge to use it. That can provide nice savings since no additional devices will be required, making setting up the thermostat much easier.

Adjusting the temperature is as easy as tapping on the device or using the Kasa app. You can set schedules, adjust temperatures on the fly, and even monitor your energy usage, which is a huge plus for those looking to cut down on their bills.

Performance-wise, the Kasa Smart Radiator Thermostat is responsive and maintains the set temperature well. It’s all about giving you that precise control over your environment, and it delivers on this promise. You can set up zones, control multiple radiators, and tailor the heating to suit your lifestyle.

One potential downside we noticed is that when the valve is in use, there can be a slight noise, which could be disruptive in quiet environments. Fortunately, a ‘Night Mode’ option is available, lessening the frequency of adjustments and reducing the sound emitted. 

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Radiator Valve strikes an outstanding balance of cost and functionality. It’s a smart choice for those wanting to dip their toes into home automation without investing in a full-fledged smart heating system—a product to consider for the modern, energy-conscious household.

Qiumi Zigbee Thermostat Radiator Valve – Best With ZigBee Protocol

The Qiumi Zigbee Thermostat is designed to fit the standard M30 x 1.5 connection, common in radiator valves.

Pairing the Qiumi with your Zigbee hub is simple. It’s compatible with most Zigbee hubs, so you can integrate it into your existing smart home system. Once connected, you can control it via an app or voice commands if you’ve got a smart speaker that supports Zigbee. This flexibility is a huge win for those who love to have multiple control points for their devices.

One downside we noted is the dependency on a Zigbee hub. While it’s a standard requirement for smart devices, it could be an additional cost for those not already invested in a Zigbee ecosystem. However, once set up, the ability to connect multiple devices through a single hub could simplify smart home management.

Lastly, while Qiumi isn’t as recognized as some other brands, the performance of this TRV didn’t disappoint. If you’re looking to delve into smart heating control and your home is Zigbee-ready, this radiator valve is worth considering.

Are Smart Radiator Valves Worth it?

Smart radiator valves, also known as smart thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), have multiple advantages over traditional thermostatic radiator valves. And it’s essential to understand their benefits.

Benefits of Smart Radiator Valves

Room-by-room control: With smart radiator valves, you can set different temperatures for each room, giving you greater control over your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Remote access: You can adjust the temperature settings from your smartphone, tablet or computer, making it easy to make changes on the go or from the comfort of your sofa.
Energy savings: By heating only the rooms you are using, smart radiator valves can help reduce your energy consumption and, as a result, lead to more savings on your heating bills.
Compatibility with voice assistants: Many smart radiator valves work with popular voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, making them even more convenient to use and integrate into your smart home setup.
Custom heating schedules: Optimize the temperature in each room based on your preferences and usage patterns.

Drawbacks of Smart Radiator Valves

Initial investment: Smart radiator valves can be quite expensive upfront, especially if you have multiple radiators in your home. Additionally, some systems may require a hub or a bridge, which adds to the costs.
Compatibility issues: Not all smart radiator thermostats will be compatible with all smart heating systems, so it is important to ensure you choose a model that works with your existing setup.
Complexity: Installing and configuring smart radiator valves can be more complicated than traditional thermostatic radiator valves and may require some technical know-how or even professional assistance.

Do I Need Smart Radiator Valves on Every Radiator?

You don’t need a smart radiator valve for every single radiator in your house. What matters most is working out what type of heating you want and then figuring out how this ties into the layout of your home – these two things will help determine how many smart radiator valves you need.

Are you the owner of a big house with several rooms?

You’re probably considering installing smart radiator valves to ensure each room gets heated. But for smaller flats, one or two radiator valves usually suffice. Thus, your home size must be assessed before choosing how many devices you need.

Investing in smart radiator valves for your most-used rooms is often a good idea. Not only does it allow you to regulate the temperatures of those areas exactly, but it also keeps them feeling comfortable!

When it comes down to it, the number of smart radiator valves you install is based on your finances and heating needs. If you’re unsure how many smart valves will work best for your home, consult a heating specialist who can give you an informed opinion.

Can I Install and Setup SRVs Myself?

Setting up SRVs doesn’t require extraordinary skill or a far-fetched technical capability. Rather, it’s an easy undertaking that the average homeowner can sort out independently. No special engineering knowledge is needed either.

Installing an SRV is easy as it usually comes with adaptors to fit on the existing radiator. Before launching into the installation process, it’s essential to keep in mind that you need to turn your radiator off! Don’t even attempt water flow until after the job is done.

Installing a Smart Radiator Valve (SRV) doesn’t have to be complicated; manufacturers often provide step-by-step guides that simplify installation. Take Netatmo’s Starter Pack, for example – its accompanying guide outlines the procedure within 10 minutes, making it easy.

Once you’ve got the SRVs plugged in, it’s time to set them up with any apps or smart home systems they are linked to. Depending on what make or model you have, setting them up may require different steps – so just read the product guidelines of your chosen device.

Getting your smart heating system up and running doesn’t have to be tech-savvy. All it takes is downloading an app, setting up an account, and connecting the device to the Wi-Fi network – easy! Now, you can enjoy maximum comfort in each room of your home with just a few simple taps on your smartphone or compatible hub. Also, energy efficiency isn’t affected as you can control it remotely using modern technology right from your fingertips!

Does it matter which end of a Radiator the Smart RTVs go to?

The hot water flows into the radiator, heating it and your room. If you wish to change the temperature of your space, a smart valve can be installed at its flow side. This lets you control how much hot water enters the radiator, adjusting your room’s degree.

The smart radiator valve won’t be effective if installed on the radiator’s part where cooled water comes from the boiler. This is because tinkering with the flow rate at this stage won’t change room temperature much since the water has already been cooled through the radiator.

Conclusion

If you want to upgrade your home heating system, consider the offerings from Hive, Tado and Netatmo. These options provide unique benefits for those who want to control their heating schedules and save energy costs. In this article, we’ve reviewed the advantages of using Smart Radiator valves – giving you exact temperature regulation and ultimately helping with cost savings.

We advise evaluating each model’s characteristics and considering aspects like simplicity of installation, expandability, and compatibility with current smart home technologies when choosing which smart radiator valve to purchase.

A smart radiator valve may enhance your home heating experience with ease and energy efficiency if you make the proper decision.