Remote control central heating?

[clayspaniel]

Has anyone got one of these (Hive Active Heating), or similar remote control central heating? If so do they save on fuel bills?

There are loads of devises like this and at the moment I think they are a bit of a gimmick for people who like to spend money but totally unnecessary for most people.

If my goal was to save money I would not spend it on this.
I would spend it on:

1. good insulation
2. modern boiler
3. in house controls - thermostat & rad valves and timer.
4. new radiators (considerable saving to be made from various modern rads that hold less water compared to those that are 14 years or older.

If you mostly know when you are going to be home then you do not need to turn your heating on and off by remote control because it can be done by the timer.
You could invest in a weather compensator which detects the outside temperature and makes adjustments to the heat being thrown out from your boiler - this can be a good idea and may save you money.

There are quite a number of downsides to the remote control devises. They connect via the internet so internet connection at your home must be on and working.

This device will be useful for some people, eg. to turn the heating on in a holiday home that is mostly vacant and you only use adhoc.

Thanks MrsTara, really useful info. Are you a plumber?

I am not. My DH is.
But I also work for our plumbing company.