digitalzimmer Smart heating ex works: This is what Buderus, Viessmann & Co offer. Entry navigation RECOMMEND Popular today

When it comes to smart heating, many people think of EQ-3, Tado or Netatmo. The retrofitted radio thermostats make an existing heating system remotely controllable. But there is another way – with solutions from heating manufacturers. Buderus, Junkers, Vaillant & Co. have long had their own systems in their range. In a detached house or in an apartment with a gas boiler, you can save on the purchase of additional radiator thermostats. Especially with more recent systems, there is a high probability that the smart heating can be retrofitted. Requirement: the heat generator must be connected to the home network – either via Ethernet cable or via a WLAN module. The installation is carried out by the heating installer. He is also the contact person for technical questions.

Buderus (Bosch Thermotechnik)

All Buderus heaters with an internet connection ("IP Inside") can be controlled via smartphone or browser. The app for this is called Buderus Easy Control, the corresponding internet portal is called Control Center Connect. Both user interfaces regulate both the room temperature and the target temperature of the hot water. Time programs and a holiday function automate the heating operation. Older systems can be retrofitted if they have a so-called EMS heat generator. The Logamatic Web KM200 gateway (around 250 euros) then establishes the connection to the home network. It is connected to the EMS bus of the gas or oil heating or the heat pump. The Buderus Connect Check on the Internet can be used to check whether the heating system is suitable in principle.

There is another solution for some wall-mounted gas condensing boilers: the Logamatic TC 100 WiFi thermostat (around 350 euros). It is similar to the Junkers PendantControl CT 100 and replaces the existing Buderus wall controller. The corresponding app for remote control with the smartphone is called Buderus Easy Mode. However, it does not work with modules and operating units of the EMS control system. The combination of control center and easy control app mentioned above is responsible for this.

Third option: Those who use Innogy Smarthome will soon be able to control a Buderus condensing boiler again via the home control system. That was already possible with the predecessor RWE Smarthome. However, the switch to Innogy brought some problems, which is why the connection between the boiler and the smart home system is currently not working. According to statements in the support forum, Innogy is working on a solution.

Junkers (Bosch Thermotechnik)

The second brand of Bosch Thermodynamics GmbH networks its heating systems in a similar way to Buderus. There is an app for web-enabled heat generators called Junkers Home. It regulates the most important heating functions on the smartphone. The online portal is called Junkers HomeCom and, according to the manufacturer, offers detailed evaluations of energy and gas consumption or solar yields in the browser. With the Junkers MB LAN2 communication module (around 250 euros), older installations can be connected to the home network. If you want to know whether your system is suitable, you can do the Connect Check on the Junkers website.

Additional benefits for the customer: Internet access makes maintenance easier if required. Junkers and Buderus operate professional versions of their online portals. Specialist companies can access the status of the system via HomeCom Pro and the Control Center Connect Pro. You get error reports if the customer requests it and you can pack the right spare parts right away.

Digitalzimmer.de reported on the Junkers WLAN thermostat for gas boilers some time ago. The Control CT 100 works with more than 50 condensing boilers and heaters, some of which date back to 2007. In addition, numerous Junkers devices with EMS controllers can be controlled via the in-house smart home system from Bosch. An integration into Qivicon by Telekom has been announced and should be completed in the course of the first quarter of 2017. Last but not least, as with Buderus, there is the option of controlling the smart heating via a KNX gateway. Then the bus system takes control.

Remeha

The boiler manufacturer from Münsterland works together with the smart home specialist from Wibutler. Condensing boilers such as the Tzerra 24 DS or the TzerraSol 390 hybrid system are available in a package with a Wibutler Pro. The smart home center controls the heat generator via a boiler module from Remeha and the temperature in the rooms with radiator actuators. Information and advice is available from specialist companies. The Wibutler website links to trained companies at the installation site.

Vaillant

The company with the rabbit in its logo is a multi-pronged company. Vaillant recommends the Smart Thermostat from Netatmo to customers who want to network their heating themselves. Alternatively, the manufacturer also offers its own solution: the wireless thermostat E-Relax (around 350 euros) communicates via its WLAN module with wall-mounted gas boilers from Vaillant. Requirement: You must use the serial eBus interface. The Multimatic system is available for larger installations and solar systems. His VR 900 communication module (around 300 euros) establishes the connection to the Internet. It is compatible with all Vaillant heating systems built after 2007. In addition, the Multimatic 700 system controller must be installed. Then the control via the Multimatic app also works when you are out and about. In addition, the authorized Vaillant specialist company can remotely check and maintain the heating system.

Viessmann

The Hessian full-service provider for heating, air conditioning and ventilation supplies newer systems with a network connection ex works. In some cases, the gateway for Internet access is also included. Then the customer decides for himself whether he wants to install it. The Vitoconnect 100 WiFi module is available as an accessory for older heating systems (around 100 euros). Since it is connected to a service interface that Viessmann has been using for some time ("Optolink"), the plug fits many boilers and thermal baths that are ten years old or older. After installation, the customer can load the ViCare app for Android or iOS onto their smartphone and start controlling the heating immediately. The program also contains a search function for heating contractors who offer remote maintenance. Heat generators with an output of up to 60 kilowatt hours receive a warranty extension to five years by connecting the system via the ViCare app.

In addition to the simple ViCare solution, Viessmann has two other smartphone apps in its range. Vitorol and Vitorol Plus offer additional settings for specific systems. This allows the user to penetrate deeper into the system and change heating curves, for example. In addition, several heating circuits can be regulated and consumption data can be displayed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The Vitocomfort 200 is the right solution for anyone who wants to control other household appliances in addition to the heating system. In addition to wireless temperature controllers, the smart home system from Viessmann also includes motion sensors, door and window contacts, wireless buttons and consumption meters. Everything that a networked house needs.

Update from December 4, 2017: Viessmann has apparently removed its Vitocomfort 200 smart home system from the range. All information and support documents have disappeared from the manufacturer's website.

Wolf

Wolf heaters can be networked with interface modules. The variant ISM7i (around 140 euros) is intended for installation. The manufacturer's newer oil and gas condensing boiler models already have a place for the circuit board in the housing. The external version ISM7e (around 250 euros) is attached to the wall outside of the heat generator and is supplied with power via USB. It makes older devices fit for remote control on smartphones. The corresponding app is called Wolf Smartset. Alternatively, it can also be controlled in the Internet browser via the Wolf portal. The user can thus switch between operating modes, activate time programs or read the yield from a solar module. Skilled trades have access to the data for remote diagnosis.

If you want integration into a smart home system, you can install an ISM9 interface module instead of the ISM7. It connects the Wolf heater to a Wibutler Pro.

Lead photo: Buderus

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