The Thermostatic radiator valve is an essential piece of radiator technology. It is one of the many heating controls for controlling air temperature across rooms, and due to its great value and straight forward function it is one of the most popular choices.   A TRV is fitted on the side of your radiator and correctly set up enables you to maximise a single boiler and enjoy different temperatures across different rooms.   The TRV automatically regulates and as a result adjusts the flow of water into your radiator depending on the chosen setting. As the room temperature changes the valve head of the TRV expands, adjusting a pin in the valve so that it either opens or closes. Expansion happens as the room heats and blocks the valve body to receive less hot water into he radiator. Contraction happens as the room cools and as a result opens the valve body allows more hot water to enter the radiator.   What-Are-Thermostatic-Radiator-Valves The key benefit of thermostatic radi...

WHAT BRAND OR MODEL SHOULD I INSTALL? The only way to get a meaningful recommendation is to set an appointment with the professionals at ecobay. When we come to your home, our heat pump experts will evaluate all aspects of your home and your preferences to recommend the right system for your needs and budget.   ISN’T IT TOO COLD HERE FOR HEAT PUMPS? That is a common misconception, but it is simply not true. They work more efficiently in a warmer climate, but more than 70% of our normal heating season is above 32 degrees (the record setting cold we have been experiencing so far this winter is obviously not the norm) so there is ample opportunity for savings. We can set up your system as “dual fuel” so your system automatically switches over from heat pump to your oil, propane, or natural gas system when needed.   DO THEY MAKE A MODEL FOR MY BASEBOARD OR RADIATOR HEAT SYSTEM? No, but there are options for you too. Ductless split systems and/or adding ductwork ...

We live in an age where smart phones connect us to nearly every aspect of our lives —  and it seems that there is no end in sight. This technological revolution is also extending to the way we control indoor comfort. As a result, the simple thermostat, which has been a basic staple in our homes for decades, has significantly evolved.   Today’s thermostats or control systems can offer a wide range of features and connectivity with a smart phone, making it even easier to align your lifestyle with the comfort in your home. However, will this new, smart home technology connect with your current heating and cooling system?     Your current heating and cooling system likely was designed to perform a single function — to heat or cool your home. It may not have been designed to directly communicate with the various types of control technology on the market today. Depending on the HVAC system in your home, it’s possible that only a specific style...

Before you spend money on a new thermostat for your air or ground source heat pump, there are certain things you need to think about.  Let’s take a look! Types of Thermostat There are three types of thermostat which differ in the way they perform. These are mechanical, electrical and smart.  The least expensive is the mechanical thermostat, as there’s no defined functionality as such. You key in the temperature as per your preference and turn it on or off. Electric thermostats, on the other hand, can be programmed with details like date and time and whether you’d prefer manual or automatic functioning.  Smart thermostats can do everything that its electrical counterpart can do and on top of that, it connects wirelessly to your mobile phone or any smart home device. You can use an app to program, operate and schedule your smart thermostat from virtually anywhere.  Compatibility Thermostats are not universal in their operation as they might not work ...

A thermostat is the brains behind your home’s heating and cooling system, whether that system consists of a heat pump, furnace, boiler, or central AC. By monitoring and controlling the temperature in each part of your home, a responsive thermostat is key to keeping your home comfortable. And some thermostats can save you money. A smart thermostat can shave about 8 percent off your home’s heating and cooling bills, amounting to an average savings of $50 a year, according to Energy Star. (Some thermostat manufacturers claim those savings can reach $100 or more.) Of course, non-connected, programmable thermostats—which, according to the Energy Information Administration (PDF) are used in about 42 percent of U.S. homes—can also provide energy savings. But for years, the problem has been that they’re too difficult to program for many consumers. For that reason, Energy Star stopped certifying the entire product category in 2009. In fact, according to a study (PD...

The world of thermostats moves at a much slower pace than those of more popular electronics, such as smartphones and computers, but there are still some notable changes happening in the industry, especially around smart thermostats. Ecobay was a pioneer when its smart thermostats began using wireless remote temperature sensors, which can be placed in areas away from the thermostat to more accurately heat and cool rooms that might run too hot or too cold. Now, most new smart thermostats offer these sensors. There are also a handful of startups making smart air vents, which connect to select smart thermostats and redirect the airflow of forced air HVAC systems for better heating and cooling. For more information on wireless temperature sensors and smart air vents, check out our guide to getting the right temperature in every room of your home. Last, smart thermostats are becoming much more affordable. Google released a new Nest Thermostat model in 2020 that now costs $100, while smart ho...

At Consumer Reports, we’ve tested hundreds of thermostat models over the years. And while once upon a time they weren’t very accurate, most now are able to keep rooms close to the set temperature. It’s for this reason that we no longer test manual thermostats—all they do is hold a set temperature. With temperature accuracy a given, CR focuses our testing on ease of use—taking note of how simple each thermostat is to set up, program, read, and operate. For programmable thermostats, the ease of use testing is broken down into four aspects of the product experience: setup, ease of reading the display, programming, and manual operation. Our setup test evaluates how easy the thermostat is to configure for your HVAC system after physical installation, and our display test judges how well information is presented and how easy it is to read. The programming test looks at the number of steps it takes to create a heating and cooling schedule and the cues provided fo...

1. Decide whether you’re interested in a non-connected programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat. If all you care about is simple programming, a non-connected thermostat will suffice, and these models are much more affordable. If you’re interested in controlling your thermostat with your voice or an app, or letting it learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly, then you should consider a smart thermostat. To narrow your choices, factor in smart features (such as geofencing), price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style. 2. Consider your HVAC system. Nearly all of our tested models work on common heating and cooling systems, but check the packaging for exceptions. This is especially a concern with smart thermostats, because not all models support all types of HVAC systems. For example, the Nest Thermostat E doesn’t support two-stage heat pump systems, but the Nest Learning Thermostat does. And if you have separate heating an...

Once you’ve picked out the perfect thermostat for your home, check its price at online retailers and your local hardware stores. And don’t forget to check your local electric utility, which might have rebates or discounts on new thermostats. If you aren’t replacing a broken thermostat, the best time of year to buy one is October through December, when holiday and end-of-year sales will include thermostat discounts (even if they aren’t the greatest gift).   Ecobay has focused on thermostat research for 20 years, high-quality 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, Home Programmable Thermostats. We look forward to your consultation and cooperation.

Are Ecobay Smart Thermostats Worth It? Energy Conservation, Sustainable Energy   With the summer heat peaking right now, everyone is looking for creative ways to stay cool without breaking the bank. There are many ways to reduce your energy usage, even when it feels like heat is radiating at you from all directions. Consider the Ecobay smart thermostat.   Ecobay Smart thermostats have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years, but are they worth the cost of investment? Put simply—absolutely. Once you’ve experienced the life-altering convenience of adjusting the temperature from the palm of your hand—whether you’re home or not—actually walking over to your thermostat to change it will feel primitive by comparison.   Ecobay Smart thermostats aren’t just an expensive convenience. About half of the average American electricity bill comes from heating and cooling alone, making climate control the single most significant contributor to...

How Do Ecobay Smart Thermostats Work? The good news is that Ecobay Smart Thermostats function just like regular thermostats. You can control the device via a smartphone app, but you can also use the touch-based interface on the device itself—just like on a traditional thermostat. Many people choose to adjust the temperature with the conventional controls as they become more accustomed with the app. This function also saves you from discomfort if you ever lose Wi-Fi (or misplace your phone) for an extended time, such as during a storm or scheduled maintenance in your area.     Can Ecobay Smart Thermostats Save You Money? Yes, they can—but how much and how quickly depends on your habits. With a Ecobay smart thermostat, those who have long been meticulous about finding ways to conserve energy might not see much of a difference in energy savings after a year, especially compared to the average A/C user.   If you’ve made a dedicated effort to reprogram ...

How Much Do Ecobay Smart Thermostats Cost? The model and brand of the new thermostat greatly influence the cost. Some Ecobay Smart Thermostats come in around $100, while others exceed $500. It all depends on the model, brand, and level of sophistication.   In addition to the upfront cost of the Ecobay smart thermostat, there might be associated installation costs and extra tools or materials required, so keep that in mind when you’re doing your research. Some of these smart devices come with simple, easy-to-understand instructions, and the necessary tools, for a quick home installation that you, or a tech-savvy friend, can handle. For those of us who aren’t confident in our ability to install a Ecobay smart thermostat effectively and safely, professional installation can run up to $400, but the average cost is around $100-$250.   How to Save on Ecobay Smart Thermostats Some states and local city governments incentivize installing a Ecobay smart thermostat with reb...