Netatmo Smart Thermostat: An Expert Review

In recent years, the market for smart thermostats has been booming, and among the various options available, the Netatmo Smart Thermostat stands out as a popular choice. With a competitive price point and compatibility with major voice assistant platforms, it has quickly garnered attention from homeowners seeking efficient and convenient heating control. This article will provide a comprehensive Netatmo Smart Thermostat review, insights into its features, and why it is among the finest smart thermostats available.

The Netatmo thermostat is designed to be user-friendly, boasting an E-Ink display that shows the current temperature and setpoint, making it easy to monitor and adjust as needed. The smart heating system can be controlled through your phone, offering flexibility and convenience, whether at home or away.

The Netatmo Thermostat provides a unique and affordable solution for those looking to enhance their home heating system, making it an attractive option for many. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the specifics and share our insights on this clever piece of tech.

Technical Specifications

• Subscription: No
• Warranty: 2-year warranty
• Installation: DIY is possible but professional installation advised
• Power: Wireless and Wired
• Weight: 399 g
• Dimensions:8.3 x 8.3 x 2.2 centimetres
• Self-learning: Yes
• Smart Voice Assistant: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit
• Smart Radiator Valves: Yes, 69.54£ each

Netatmo Smart Thermostat Overview

Design and Aesthetics

We found the Netatmo Smart Thermostat to be a minimalist yet functional device for your home. Its simple E-Ink display seamlessly blends into your interiors without paying too much attention to itself. The display shows essential information like the current temperature, target temperature, and heating status.

Furthermore, the Netatmo Smart Thermostat provides an added level of functionality with the option to expand using Smart Radiator Valves. This extension allows you to set temperatures and control the heating in different areas of your home, creating an efficient and customized heating setup.

Netatmo Smart Thermostat offers an excellent balance between design, features, and affordability, making it a viable option for those looking to enhance their home heating experience.

Installation and Setup

Compatibility with Heating Systems

The Netatmo Smart Thermostat is designed to be compatible with most boiler models and heating systems. However, it is essential to check the compatibility of your specific heating system before proceeding with the installation.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

To install the Netatmo Smart Thermostat, follow the steps below:

• Turn off the power: Before beginning, ensure the power to your boiler is switched off to avoid any accidents during installation.
• Install the Relay: The Relay is the device that connects with your thermostat wirelessly. Connect it to your boiler using the included control cables. Typically, control wires are colour-coded to indicate their function.
• Choose the mounting option: The Netatmo Smart Thermostat may be hung on the wall or a stand, depending on your requirements. To fix the thermostat to your selected place, use the accompanying wall-mounting plate and screws. Attach the thermostat to the accompanying stand if you want a stand setup.
• Install the thermostat: Connect the thermostat to the control wires matching the colour codes for a wall-mounted option. Secure the thermostat to the mounting plate using the provided screws. Connect the live wire to the thermostat and place it onto the stand for a stand-mounted option.

Initial Configuration

Once the Netatmo Smart Thermostat is installed, it’s time to configure it to your preferences. Follow the steps below to start using your thermostat effectively:

• Power on your boiler: Turn on the power supply to your boiler and make sure everything is functioning correctly.
• Connect to your smartphone: Download the Netatmo app and follow the prompts to connect your thermostat to your phone. This will allow you to control your heating remotely.
• Set up using HomeKit (optional): If you’re an Apple user, setting up your thermostat with HomeKit and the Apple Home app is easy. Enter the pairing code displayed on the thermostat’s screen to connect.

With the installation and initial setup complete, our Netatmo Smart Thermostat will learn your preferences over time and automatically adjust for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

Smart Features

Let’s discuss the smart features of the Netatmo Smart Thermostat, which sets it apart from other thermostats available in the market.

Auto-Adapt Feature

Netatmo’s Auto-Adapt function learns your daily routine and preferences and changes the temperature automatically.

The Auto-Adapt mode considers elements such as outdoor and indoor temperature and your home’s insulation and utilises this information to optimise your heating system for energy efficiency. For example, if the weather is unusually cold outside, the Auto-Adapt mode may gently raise the temperature to compensate.

The Auto-Adapt mode is simple to enable via the Netatmo Energy app and may be tailored to your tastes. For example, you may change the temperature range for the Auto-Adapt mode or turn it off entirely if you want to control the temperature manually.

Scheduling and Profiles

Smart scheduling and profile capabilities of the Netatmo smart thermostat allow you to build up personalised heating schedules for each day of the week based on your daily routine and preferences.

Using the smart scheduling tool, you may design a heating schedule for each day of the week, with various temperature settings for each time of day. For example, you may adjust the temperature to be warmer when you get up in the morning and lower while you are gone from home throughout the day.

Both the smart scheduling and profile functions are readily activated inside the Netatmo Energy app and may be tailored to your specific needs. You may change the temperature settings according to the time of day, or you can build unique profiles for each member of your home.

Open Window Detection

The open window detection feature of the Netatmo smart thermostat detects when a window is open and immediately turns off the heating in that room to reduce energy waste.

When the open window detection feature is enabled, the Netatmo thermostat monitors the temperature and humidity levels in the room. It turns off the heating if it detects a rapid decrease in temperature or a change in humidity levels. This is beneficial if you leave a window open by accident or need to open a window to allow fresh air.

Weather Forecast

The Netatmo smart thermostat’s weather prediction feature is a smart feature that delivers weather forecast information, allowing you to modify your heating settings accordingly.

The weather forecast function displays the current outdoor temperature and a forecast for the following several days. This is important if you modify your smart heating settings based on outside weather. For instance, if the weather is unusually cold, you may wish to raise the temperature to compensate gently.

Geofencing and Away Mode

Geofencing and away mode is clever Netatmo smart thermostat features that allow you to automatically modify the temperature of your house based on your location.

The geofencing function detects when you leave or return home using your smartphone’s location and changes the temperature appropriately. For example, if you leave the house, the thermostat can switch to away mode and lower the temperature to save energy. When you come home, the thermostat may reset to home mode and raise the temperature to guarantee that your house is pleasant when you arrive.

The away mode function allows you to manually engage the setting, which lowers the temperature in your house to save energy and money while you are away. This might be handy if you are on vacation or will be away from home for a long time.

Frost-Guard Protection

Netatmo’s Frost-Guard Protection is a smart feature of the Netatmo smart thermostat that can protect your home from freezing temperatures and prevent damage to your pipes and heating system.

When the Frost-Guard Protection is activated, the Netatmo thermostat will monitor the temperature in your home. The heating will automatically turn on if the temperature drops below a certain threshold. This can help prevent freezing temperatures and ensure your home is always safe and comfortable.

Smart Radiator Valves

Netatmo’s Smart Radiator Valves are a noteworthy addition to the Smart Thermostat system. Designed to bring more control and efficiency to your heating system, these thermostatic valves can be attached to individual radiators in different rooms.

By doing so, we can have full control over the temperature of each room separately, creating a tailored comfort level while optimizing energy consumption.

The Netatmo app allows us to set schedules easily, monitor temperature changes, and access various other features. A significant advantage is the Smart Radiator Valves’ ability to learn our preferences over time and auto-adjust accordingly, making our heating system more intelligent and user-friendly.

Moreover, they also have an attractive, stylish design that will blend well with any home interior.

Netatmo App and Interface

iOS, Android, and Windows Phone Compatibility

Netatmo’s app is available on various platforms such as iOS, Android, and Windows Phone, making it accessible to many users. We found that regardless of the platform, the app provides a consistent and user-friendly experience.

Remote Access and Control

The ability to regulate your heating system remotely is one of the key advantages of utilising the Netatmo Smart Thermostat app. The app allows you to alter your thermostat settings from anywhere, whether at work or on vacation, ensuring your house remains pleasant and energy-efficient. Here are some things you can do with your smartphone:

• Monitor the temperature in your home in real-time.
• Adjust temperature settings on the go.
• Check energy consumption and savings.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

When considering the Netatmo Smart Thermostat, the pricing is undoubtedly an attractive feature. We can find it online for around £149, a reasonable cost for a smart thermostat.

One notable aspect of Netatmo’s offer is that no subscription fees are associated with the device. This means that the upfront cost is the only expense you’ll incur when adding this smart solution to your home heating system.

For those seeking a more advanced option, Netatmo also offers the Modulating Thermostat. This particular model is priced at £259.95. Please note that this version is not available for purchase in the United States now.

In summary, here is a brief overview of the available models and their pricing:

• Netatmo’s Smart Thermostat: Price: £149, no subscription fees
• Netatmo Modulating Thermostat: Price: £259.95, not available in the US
• Additional Smart radiator valves: £69.54 each

Netatmo Device Ecosystem

As for the Netatmo ecosystem, the company offers a range of other smart home devices that can work together with the thermostat. Some of these products include:

You can individually adjust the temperature of each room in your house with the Netatmo Smart Radiator Valve. It functions by swapping out your current radiator valves and is appropriate for most radiators. You can use the Netatmo app on your smartphone or tablet to regulate the temperature of each room after the device connects to your Wi-Fi network. Each room can have a schedule set up so that it is heated to the appropriate temperature at the time of day.

Additionally, the device features an open window recognition feature that immediately shuts off the heating when it notices a window has been opened, allowing you to conserve energy and lower your heating costs.

A security camera called the Netatmo Smart Indoor Camera employs cutting-edge AI technology to spot and notify you of suspicious behaviour in your home. It includes a 1080p HD camera that captures images in fine detail and uses facial recognition software to tell family members from outsiders.

Additionally, the camera features an infrared night vision mode that lets it see in the dark, ensuring that your home is constantly being watched. A microphone and speaker are also included inside the Netatmo Smart Indoor Camera, allowing you to communicate with anyone in the space using the Netatmo app on your smartphone or tablet. Your data is kept safe and secure because the camera also records video locally on an SD card.

Even in poor light, you can monitor the exterior of your home with the Netatmo Smart Outdoor Camera, a weatherproof security camera. It employs cutting-edge AI technology to detect and notify you of any suspicious behaviour in your outside space, and it has a 1080p HD camera that captures crisp, detailed footage.

Additionally, the camera features an infrared night vision mode that lets it see in the dark, ensuring that your home is constantly being watched. A microphone and speaker are also included inside the Netatmo Smart Outdoor Camera, allowing you to converse with people outside your home using the Netatmo app on your smartphone or tablet.

With the Netatmo Smart Doorbell, a video doorbell, you can use your smartphone or tablet to watch and communicate with visitors at your front door from anywhere. It includes a 1080p HD camera that captures images in fine detail and uses facial recognition software to tell family members from outsiders. Additionally, the gadget features an infrared night vision mode that lets it see in the dark, ensuring that your house is always being watched.

The Netatmo Smart Doorbell also includes a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing you to chat with visitors at your front door using the Netatmo app on your smartphone or tablet. When someone rings the doorbell or when it senses motion, the doorbell may also transmit real-time alerts to your phone, enabling you to keep an eye on your front door even when you’re not at home.

When smoke is detected, the Netatmo Smart Smoke Alarm sends you a notification to your smartphone, providing you peace of mind when you’re away from home. It features a built-in 85 dB alarm that sounds when it detects smoke, and when the alarm is triggered, real-time warnings are sent to your phone. A sensor integrated into the device also monitors the presence of carbon monoxide, a dangerous chemical that, in high amounts, can be fatal. The Netatmo Smart Smoke Alarm also comes with a built-in battery that may last up to 10 years, so your house will be safe for a very long period.

The Netatmo Smart Weather Station is a gadget that offers real-time local weather data to confidently plan your daily activities. It features sensors that can measure temperature, humidity, air pressure, CO2, and noise levels inside and outside. Utilising the Netatmo app on your smartphone or tablet, you can view your data from anywhere after the device connects to your Wi-Fi network. The app gives personalised weather warnings based on your choices and presents your data in easy-to-read graphics.

Competitors

When evaluating the Netatmo Smart Thermostat, it’s crucial to consider its competitors in the UK market. Here’s a table with a comparison of significant competitors:

Additional Considerations

Hot Water Control

While the Netatmo Smart Thermostat primarily focuses on heating control, it does not offer direct hot water control. For those with separate hot water tanks, this could be a limitation. However, it is worth noting that the thermostat works with OpenTherm boilers.

GPS and Hysteresis Threshold Settings

A helpful feature of the Netatmo Smart Thermostat is its ability to integrate with your smartphone’s GPS. Using your phone’s location, the thermostat can determine when you’re away from home and adjust the heating accordingly to save energy.

Furthermore, you can customize the hysteresis threshold settings, giving you control over the temperature difference between when the heating is activated and deactivated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Netatmo Smart Thermostat may have some limitations, such as the lack of hot water control, it is an affordable, easy-to-use thermostat with valuable features and available accessories. This thermostat can be a great addition to your smart home setup, whether for an iPhone, tablet or standalone use.