Hive central heating controller - one channel or two

NY · 2016-11-25T10:33:39+00:00

We're thinking of getting a Hive remote-controlled central heating controller/thermostat so we can set our heating to come on several hours before we get home from holiday etc. I'm trying to work out whether we need a single- or dual-channel controller. Hive's customer support was dire: they wouldn't offer any advice and just said "speak to a qualified central heating installer". Imagine not being able to offer any pre-sales advice! We have a combi boiler which currently has a dual-timer: one for the central heating and one for the hot water. The hot water is pre-heated in a reservoir in the boiler, hence the reason for being able to time when that pre-heat comes on and off, so it's not wasting fuel keeping the reservoir hot overnight. Hive say "single-channel for combi; dual channel for conventional boiler with hot water cylinder". Our system sounds as if it has some features of both: it's mostly heat-on-demand but with timed pre-heat of a small reservoir in the boiler. So, single or dual?

Nov 25, 2016 23 Replies

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RJH 9 years ago

Mine are more unpredictable than that. Last night I went for an unscheduled drink for example - got back at 8.00, set the heating just before I left the pub.

Of course, I accept it's not for everyone, and I'd concede an element of frivolousness. Even I can wait 20 minutes while the house warms. For me it's probably more expensive in gas, given my tendency now to preheat the house.

It's there in the shops, I can afford it, it is of some use and I get some enjoyment out of using it, so I've got it. Should I? Dunno.

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Dave Plowman (News) 9 years ago

Snag is this place takes quite a time to come up to temperature. With no-one else in the house I have it switched off during the day. So it needs a couple of hours to come up to what I want on a cold evening.

That is perfectly acceptable. It's those who say 'this is what you need' without knowing anything about you that annoy. Like those bloody ads on the telly. And some on here, of course.

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Graham. 9 years ago

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Not suggesting anything, just saying.

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The Natural Philosopher 9 years ago

They still are by and large...

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