One of the most common questions we get asked is “which smart central heating controls are the best on the market?” With lots of experience in installing a variety of controls, we firmly believe that Nest and Hive are the two market leaders. However, different households look for different features, and we have come up with a clear review of both systems so that you can choose the one that suits your needs the best.
Hive vs Nest – Key Features
Both Hive and Nest offer a wide range of features that you can use to add to your smart home capabilities. They are designed to make it easier than ever to maintain a comfortable temperature, and offer a range of features for you.
- The main features for Nest include:
- Learning about your heating habits and then deploying them automatically.
- Being able to use your GPS location to know where you are, so that you arrive home to a warm house.
- You can control your heating from your mobile phone.
- Motion sensor capability to set the heating according to the movement in the house.
- Zoning capabilities that allow you to heat portions of the house that are in use.
- Voice compatibility that works with Google Home and Amazon Echo to help control your heating with your voice.
The main Hive features include:
- GPS location sharing so that your device can heat your home before you arrive, so that you are warm and toasty at all times.
- You can control your heating from your mobile phone.
- Zoning options that allow you to zone out your home, and only heat the areas that are in use.
- Voice commands when you use the device with Amazon Echo or Google Home.
Hive vs Nest – Ease of Use
All smart home devices are made with ease of use in mind, and both devices can be powered directly from the thermostat unit or via an app that you can download to your smartphone.
Both apps are easy to use, and allow you the ability to set your temperature preferences over the course of the day and night.
Hive vs Nest – Compatibility
Your final choice may be dependent on whether the system is actually compatible with the heating system you have at home. To make it easy for you to decide, we have listed the heating type that works with both systems:
Hive
- Gas boilers
- Electric boilers
- LPG boilers
- Oil boilers
- Domestic hot water tanks
Nest
- Gas boilers
- Electric boilers
- Air Source and Ground Source heat pumps
- LPG boilers
- Biomass boilers
- Oil boilers
- Domestic hot water tanks
Hive vs Nest – Pricing
Finding a system that offers great value for money is essential to all consumers, and both of these devices fall somewhat in line with one another when it comes to purchasing the unit. Hive will set you back between £140 and £250, and Nest will cost between £140 and £200. These costs do not include the price of installation.
Installation costs vary depending on a range of factors, and it is essential that you get a quote for the work before you agree to have it done so that you end up with the right price for you. We provide a free quote service so that you can feel fully informed before arranging to have the work undertaken; get in touch to book it in.
Hive vs Nest – Installation
With both of these devices, you have two installation options to choose from: install it yourself or arrange a professional installation service. Both Hive and Nest thermostat installation may appear to be straightforward, but we would always recommend that you use a professional installation service so that you can be certain that your new devices will work without any issues.
Both companies state that their devices are designed to be installed by professionals so that you can feel confident that everything is safe and will work with minimal fuss. With the Nest thermostat, you can either wall mount or keep it on a stand so that it can be moved around, whereas the latest Hive thermostat needs to be wall-mounted.
How We Can Help
Whether you decide to get Hive or Nest for your smart central heating controls, we are here for you and will provide a first-class service Rowlen takes pride in supporting all our clients to make the right choice for their home. With our experienced and professional team on hand, you can be sure that your new system will be everything you wanted, and more. Call us today to book an initial appointment to discuss your needs.
