The smart thermostat market is now more competitive than ever with manufacturers packing a wide range of features into their thermostats. It was only a matter of time that Vaillant would make their entry with the Vaillant vSMART thermostat. In our review, we will give you an overview of the vSMART and its many features. Once we have taken a look at its features, we will answer the following question: How does it compare to its competitors?
Features
Installation & Compatibility
The vSMART is one of the easiest thermostats to install due to its communication unit’s eBus line connection, which plugs straight into the front of any boiler in the Vaillant ecoTec range. Once the communication unit is in place, you can then set-up the vSMART thermostat on your home WiFi connection. The main unit is battery powered, which makes it even easier to install. Whether you decide to mount the device on a wall or place the device on a stand, you can insert three new batteries into the back of the device and return it to its original location.
The vSMART is only compatible with Vaillant boilers – more specifically the ecoTec range only. You will have to invest in a different thermostat if you’re looking for something that’s suitable for a boiler which is not a Vaillant ecoTec.
Design
The vSMART has a simple design which features an e-paper display to read the current temperature. The device is compact and features plus and minus buttons in the top corners of the display to adjust your temperature settings. The unit itself looks quite like a traditional digital thermostat with its white plastic construction. However, it’s what’s under the hood that counts.
Zoning
Unfortunately, the vSMART doesn’t offer a multi-zone feature like some of its competitors, which means you will only be able to install one vSMART in your property. If you want to be able to set different schedules for different rooms; you may be better off with the Nest thermostat.
Despite the lack of a multi-zone feature, you can control multiple vSMART thermostats from the same Vaillant app account. This feature could be ideal if you have more than one home you need to manage. You will also be able to monitor the performance of the devices to keep an eye on your usage.
Self-Learning
One of the main selling points of the vSMART is its ability to adapt your schedule to your heating habits. The focus of the self-learning feature is to optimise your energy usage and minimise wastage. For example, if you had previously set a schedule that turns your heating on at 6am but you consistently override these settings, the vSMART will learn from your changes and make the necessary adjustments to your schedule.
