Controlling a gas boiler via a smartphone: the essence of innovative schemes for coordinating equipment operation at a distance

Everything that seemed fantastic and impossible yesterday is becoming a reality today. This also affected autonomous heating systems.

Along with Russian stoves laid out in the “old-fashioned” way, “smart” heating units have appeared that are capable of receiving commands and changing the operating mode from a distance. Remote control of a gas boiler via a smartphone has become accessible and popular.

We offer useful information on using a mobile device as a control panel for the heating system of a house with a gas boiler. If your equipment runs on natural gas, but you have not yet used remote control, pay attention to the new opportunities - with them, life in a private home is much more comfortable and attractive!

Benefits of remote control

Not all home appliance users are supporters of new technologies. Many are quite satisfied with the usual mechanical control - simple, accessible, without unnecessary bells and whistles.

But before making final conclusions, we suggest considering the advantages of “smart” equipment, which not only makes life easier and more comfortable, but also allows you to significantly reduce costs.

By controlling a gas boiler from a distance, you can save from 20 to 50% of your total home heating costs by simply changing the operating mode or choosing the appropriate program

The main advantage of remote control of a gas boiler is hidden in the method itself: you do not need to be constantly present in the house, “communication” with the equipment occurs at any distance.

Moreover, it is two-way - you send commands to the unit, which it executes and, in turn, notifies you about the current parameters and instantly signals about failures and irregularities in operation.

The programming capabilities of heating equipment are limited, but still quite wide. Today, having a gas boiler with remote control, you can schedule the heating mode while at work, visiting or even on a long trip

Users who have successfully tested the remote control system highlight the following advantages:

• Increasing the service life of the boiler due to the optimal choice of mode, reducing the number of switching off/on, and, in general, more careful use.
• A long-term absence no longer threatens to return to a cold cottage - on the way home you can set the desired temperature.
• If external weather sensors are installed, you won’t even have to interfere with the operation of the boiler during a thaw or frost - the temperature will be adjusted automatically.
• From a distance, you can select a more comfortable “night” mode for sleeping.
• If an emergency occurs or any part fails, you will know about it right away.

Of course, a lot depends on the nuances of installation and the complexity of the heating system.

The advantage is that from a smartphone you can control not only the simplest, but also an extensive network - with a radiator or convector heating, "warm floor" system.

On the open market you can find equipment for climate zoning, which will allow you to adjust a comfortable temperature in the rooms: in the bedroom or kitchen - lower, in the living room or children's room - higher

Some functions of the system start automatically, that is, you don’t even need to select a mode on your phone - the equipment will switch itself based on sensor signals.

Options for controlling the boiler via smartphone

Three solutions are available for remote control of a domestic gas boiler:

• connection GSM module;
• use of a “smart thermostat” via WI-FI communication;
• installation of thermostats.

Each remote control method is good in its own way, and its choice depends on several factors: availability of the Internet, gas boiler model, financial capabilities.

Let's consider all three options - one of them may suit you, and as a result of a partial upgrade, managing the heating system will become much easier.

Option #1 – connecting the GSM module

This is the most common solution, applicable even in areas not covered by the Internet.

The gas boiler is controlled using a GSM unit - a compact controller module. A SIM card is inserted into it, which personalizes the owner and makes it possible to keep in touch with remote equipment

In order to save money, the homeowner can choose the most suitable cellular operator and favorable tariff.

The GSM module is programmable and its operating principle resembles a computer with limited functions. This block is connected to sensors installed both in equipment and in the environment - in rooms, on the street.Depending on the parameters produced by the sensors, the gas unit automatically changes the program or is controlled from a smartphone.

To communicate with the control unit installed in the house, you will need any electronic device - a laptop, tablet, but it is most convenient to use a smartphone, which is more compact and versatile

For ease of control, selection of modes and programs, developers have created applications for various operating systems: iOS, Android, Windows Phone.

There are several modes by which a gas boiler is controlled:

• Fully automatic control. The unit operates according to the specified parameters entered into the program in advance. If changes are required, the program should be adjusted.
• Transmission of alarm notifications in the event of emergency or repair situations. If there is a gas leak or the boiler suddenly stops working, a signal is sent to the smartphone.
• “Communication” using SMS messages. There is a list of commands that are recognized gas boiler automation, and then makes changes to the operation of the equipment.
• Advanced management options. Using a special program, you can control all systems connected to the GSM unit.

The advantage of remote control via mobile communication is considered to be almost constant control and unlimited possibilities, depending only on the selected application and installed equipment.

A few more advantages of using a GSM module:

Problems can happen if the cellular connection is poor. The homeowner needs to carefully monitor the expenditure of funds - if the balance is negative, the ability to control the heating equipment will be interrupted.

Option #2 - using the Internet

If the Internet network extends to the area with your country home, then you can control the gas boiler using it.

A WI-FI router is installed in the house, and an Internet thermostat is connected to the boiler equipment. He is the link between the owner of the building and the heating equipment

As soon as the temperature in the room drops below normal, the sensor transmits a signal to the receiver, which interacts with the boiler and turns on the desired heating mode.

The user can control the entire process from a smartphone, monitor changes, and make adjustments. The provider acts as an intermediary between the home owner and the equipment. For continuous communication, it is important to provide access to the Internet both in the home and at the user’s location.

The advantage of the system is unlimited gas boiler sensors – the heating level can be adjusted in all areas served by the building’s heating system.

As with remote control of a gas boiler via a GSM module, the homeowner can control the heating process remotely and make relevant changes. It is possible to install a program that changes the boiler operating mode depending on the time of day, days of the week, and season.

Thermostats, the operation of which depends only on the stability of the Internet connection, are different, but their operating principles are similar.

Portable temperature sensors with preset settings are installed in living rooms and other heated rooms. They are connected to an electronic thermometer, the program of which includes operating parameters

If desired, you can set an economical temperature regime for water used for domestic use or for heating "warm floors".

The operation of the boiler and other equipment can be monitored using application diagrams or graphs. If an unusual situation occurs, the user receives alerts.

The boiler is controlled from an electronic device - a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, but there is also the possibility of manual control from a panel on the unit.

Option #3 – installing thermostats

If a router is installed in the house and the Internet is connected, it is possible to control even an old boiler model without electronic components and automation.

To do this, you need to buy universal type thermostats and create a network connecting all heating equipment. The system can be controlled via an Internet connection

The main element of the system is an electronic controller and a WI-FI transmitter “all in one”. It is programmed, after which it becomes possible to control heating functions in different zones. The number of such zones depends only on the capabilities of the homeowner - electronic thermostats can be installed on each radiator.

The controller is connected via a special channel to the boiler shutdown unit. If the need arises, the unit is turned off from a distance of hundreds of kilometers or from the next room. The controller is controlled not only wirelessly, but also manually, directly on the unit.

The thermostat system easily covers several zones, and up to 6 thermostats can be installed in each area.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

About the capabilities of budget GSM modules:

Technical nuances of remote control:

Practical use of the gadget for adjusting the operation of a gas boiler:

Remote control is convenient and increases the degree of comfort, but it is not 100% protected against communication failure. You should always have insurance in case your internet connection or power goes out.

Advanced heating engineers suggest implementing only proven remote control systems, using licensed equipment, thinking through backup power methods and duplicating communication channels with a gas boiler.

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