Review: the Tado smart thermostat
The Tado smart thermostat of course has a hefty price tag, especially when you also examine the extra costs, but the possibilities are also very extensive. Especially the smart functionalities and options such as voice control are an important plus point. In addition, Tado actually succeeds in achieving a considerable saving, although in practice this saving may be lower than the attractive figures the manufacturer displays. All in all, Tado is a good choice for anyone looking for an intelligent thermostat that can pay for itself quickly enough.
Disadvantages
The purchase price and the subscription costs make the Tado thermostat less accessible.
Although the theoretical saving can amount to up to 31%, in practice it is lower.
1 account does not support multiple homes, which is awkward if you also have a holiday home.
You do have to fiddle a bit to replace the thermostat's batteries.
The thermostat interface is just slightly less handy than with competitors such as Honeywell Evohome.
Advantages
With Tado a considerable saving can be achieved, which gives it a good payback period.
Detects open windows so that you do not heat to warm up the earth.
Thanks to geofencing, the heating automatically turns down when you are not at home.
Various smart functionalities and voice control options.
Thanks to weather forecasts, Tado anticipates immediately and you always have the right temperature at home.
01Review conclusion Tado thermostat
From 200 euros you can buy a starter pack. Such a pack consists of the smart thermostat and a special bridge. These give you the option of connecting to the wireless network. This is how you connect to the internet. The system can be expanded with optional radiator knobs. The extension kit enables you to connect the thermostat to your central heating boiler without the intervention of wires.
02Full review of Tado
The Tado system works via a link between the central heating boiler and the smart Tado thermostat. This Tado thermostat then connects to the router and thereby also to the smart radiator knobs. Via the router and the cloud, the whole is also connected to the Tado app and the Smart Home System. This means that the Tado installation can be quickly and effectively expanded with extra smart radiator knobs. It therefore works with virtually all radiators, air conditioners and heat pumps.
In terms of intelligence, Tado is doing just fine. The many smart skills offer all kinds of possibilities. For example, Tado can detect open windows, but it can also adjust the temperature settings according to weather forecasts. This makes Tado ideal for a smart home in which you can even use voice commands. Still, the far-reaching automation does not mean that you lose control, because you can, for example, set cooling and heating schedules yourself.
As far as the design is concerned, minimalism has clearly been chosen here. If you are looking for a fancy thermostat, Tado is therefore not the right choice. The Tado thermostat looks very good especially in a modern interior with light walls. In other interior styles it is often somewhat less so, but competitors also suffer from that. In any case, it is a plus point that Tado is present in the interior in a restrained way.
The Tado app, for its part, is sufficiently clear. The most important data are displayed immediately and so you can also set things up straight away. Among other things, the heating temperature can be raised or lowered, the saving achieved is displayed and you have access to all kinds of handy functionalities such as geofencing. In theory you can still control the temperature manually, but because the app runs so well, you will probably not use that option very often any more. Still, there are also minus points, for example for those who commute between two locations, but we certainly do not consider them decisive.
Add-ons for Tado
Of course, it is not only the app and the smart thermostat that deserve the necessary review work. We can say the same about the radiator knobs. Here too Tado opts for a conservative design, which, however, fits perfectly with the white radiator. These radiator knobs can work autonomously, but it is most practical to add them to your Tado system. You can then work in zones or operate the radiator knobs individually.
Another novelty that is quite positive is the weather forecast we talked about earlier. Because Tado retrieves weather forecast data, it can anticipate it. A cold day today? Then of course the heating may stay nicely on. Is it going to warm up considerably towards midday? Then Tado switches off the heating in good time. Not only is it more pleasant that the system prevents unnecessarily high room temperatures in this way, but it also contributes to energy saving.
Out of the box
Tado offers several packs, but in our opinion the starter kit is the best idea. With the starter kit you immediately have everything you need to be able to use this smart thermostat. For example, it comes including the internet bridge that handles the connection with the router, as well as the smart radiator knob. You will also find adapters and the like in the packaging. It of course remains possible to buy extra smart radiator knobs, but in principle you can get started straight away with the starter kit.
We do want to stress that it is important to check in advance which radiator valves you currently have at home. There are different connections and not all knobs are equally suitable. This is neatly displayed on the Tado website, where they help you check whether or not the smart radiator knobs fit your radiator. This transparency is of course a plus point that we must mention, but at the same time it is a point of attention for every customer. You may have to have the old radiator valve replaced by the plumber, but this of course involves extra costs. We discuss those costs below.
Actually saving with Tado
From 200 euros you can already buy a starter pack. To be able to use all the functionalities, you do of course need a number of extras. If, for example, you want to be able to use voice commands, you need Google Home, Apple HomeKit or Amazon Assistant. On top of that come the subscription costs, which of course make the bill rise further. For those who want to save on these purchase costs, there are also refurbished Tado deals to be found via the Tado website. These are second-hand products that have been refurbished, are considerably cheaper and at the same time simply come with a full guarantee.
And now the crucial question: does Tado also actually help with saving? It certainly does. By handling heating and cooling in a smart way, the manufacturer states that savings of up to 31% are possible. Our own experience shows that the actual saving is lower, but after all a lot depends on how you used energy before and now. In any case, you can count on a good payback period. The Tado energy saving guarantee also speaks in the manufacturer's favour: if the energy saving during the first year is insufficient, it is possible to return Tado free of charge.
03Installing the smart radiator knob
First of all, it is important to add the smart radiator knob via my.tado.com. You may first need to create an account there. After creating an account and adding the smart radiator knob, a step-by-step instruction overview will guide the Tado user through the installation process. Next, it is necessary to remove the existing radiator knob and install the smart radiator knob. An adapter is supplied as standard so that the smart radiator knob fits virtually any thermostatic radiator valve.
04Starting the installation of the smart thermostat
After installing the smart radiator knob, it is now time to install the smart thermostat as well. Just as with installing the smart radiator knob, you need to go to my.tado.com for this and add the smart thermostat there. Again, an installation wizard will appear with which the installation process can be completed step by step. Next, it is still necessary to enter the heating details. This is necessary in order to pass the correct instructions on to the heating system.
05Removing the old room thermostat
Next, go to the fuse box, where you make sure that the old heating system is switched off. To do this, you only need to switch off the relevant fuse. You can then safely remove the existing room thermostat. If you are unsure about this, it is advisable to remove the room thermostat according to the online instructions that can be found via my.tado.com. These instructions show you step by step how to remove the existing room thermostat in a suitable way.
06Mounting the smart thermostat
Finally, you can now fit the smart thermostat. Once again, we recommend following the online instructions carefully for this. These instructions are tailor-made and explain step by step how the smart thermostat should be connected and mounted. Finished mounting and connecting? Then you may switch the heating system back on. Finally, don't forget to configure the smart thermostat in the Tado app as well and to try everything out.
07How do you install Tado?
The designers have made installing Tado extra easy. This is because Tado has very good online instructions that guide users step by step through the installation process. This applies not only to the installation of the smart thermostat, but also to the installation of the smart radiator knob. As far as the latter is concerned, an adapter is supplied straight away so that it can be connected to virtually any thermostatic radiator valve. The valve always remains intact during and after installation, so you need not fear water leaks or faults.
08Frequently asked questions about Tado
Although Tado is not enormously complicated to install and use, it is still a considerable investment. So it is only logical that you gather extra information in advance. To help you on your way, a number of frequently asked questions are included below.
Listing all models here would be an endless task. On the Tabo website you can find an extensive six-page compatibility guide where various things can be checked. Here you will also find out whether you need an adapter and, if so, which one.
Which radiator valves can I use the smart radiator knobs with?
To do this, put the internet bridge into pairing mode. To do so, press the thermostat button for three seconds. The LED will then start flashing rapidly. Make sure the distance between the bridge and the device is at least 3 metres. Now press the pairing button above the battery compartment of the radiator knob, or press and hold the main button of the wireless receiver or extension kit for three seconds.
How do I pair my Tado device with my internet bridge?
The Tado app is compatible with iOS and Android devices on which Google Play Services and Google Play Store are installed. These devices must, however, have a recent operating system version. On outdated devices, the Tado app may not work.
Which operating systems is the Tado app compatible with?
They do indeed, but the impact is negligible. Take, for example, the smart air conditioning control, which uses about 0,15 W in standby mode. On an annual basis, that comes to 1,31 kWh, which costs about 28 euro cents. So this is certainly not your biggest concern.
Don't Tado's solutions use extra energy themselves?
First of all, switch on the internet bridge. To install Apple HomeKit, go to the Apple Home app. Here you click on add accessory. You will be asked for a code. This is the eight-digit code that can be found on the side of the internet bridge. For Google Home, you add the Tado app in the Google Home app. To do this, go to ‘devices’ and then click on ‘+’. In the list, now search for Tado and then follow the installation wizard.
How do I add Apple HomeKit or Google Home?
Yes. Tado, including installation, can be obtained from Vattenfall, among others. Sometimes Tado is also given away as part of a promotion or offered at a discount. Ask your energy supplier or check on this website whether there are currently any relevant energy deals running.
Are there energy suppliers that offer Tado?
For this energy saving guarantee, the Tado heating products must have been purchased no more than 12 months ago and must have been connected for at least six months. You do not have to prove that no saving was achieved, but a copy of the receipt is necessary. In other words, keep it safe. An application can be submitted via the website. If Tado is then returned undamaged, you get the purchase price back. Extra costs, for example in-app purchases or installation costs, are still at your own expense.
How does Tado's energy saving guarantee work?
Tado processes refunds as quickly as possible. Experience teaches us that it takes up to 14 days, from receipt of the Tado devices, before the refund is in your bank account.
When will I receive my refund via the energy saving guarantee?
Tado can be used with virtually all heating systems, even in combination with hydronic underfloor heating systems and multi-room systems. Nevertheless, it is possible that Tado is not compatible with your heating system, but Tado has published an informative list about this. If in doubt, it is therefore better to contact Tado's customer service.
Which heating systems can I use Tado with?
That cannot be said. Much depends on local interference, but the type of construction and the insulation materials can also play a role. Depending on the construction of the building in question, it is possible to have coverage up to the second or third floor.
What distance can there be between my Tado bridge and devices?
Connecting a Tado thermostat? Read the Review + Deal here
In this review we discuss the possibilities and limitations of the Tado smart thermostat. Check whether this thermostat is something for you.
Work out the monthly amount with your usage and feed-in.