Smart radiator

With electricity prices on the rise, more and more households are looking for ways to better manage their heating consumption. Unlike a conventional radiator that always uses the same settings, a smart radiator adjusts its operation to suit your presence and habits. Remote control, unexpected trips, and more: it helps you limit your consumption and enjoy more freedom.

What is a smart electric radiator?

A connected radiator lets you control your heating from your smartphone. You can adjust the temperature, create custom schedules, connect it to a voice assistant (Alexa & Google Assistant), or check your energy consumption in real time (depending on the model), even when you’re away

The radiator with presence detection automatically adjusts its heating level using an infrared sensor (PIR) built into the unit.

How does a radiator’s presence detection work?

If the room remains unoccupied for a certain amount of time, the radiator automatically lowers the temperature to avoid heating unnecessarily. Conversely, as soon as someone is detected, the radiator automatically returns to the last mode used. 

• The infrared sensor (PIR) is specially designed to detect human movement.
• The movements of a pet do not trigger the system.

In a bedroom used only in the evening, presence detection offers little benefit. In an office with an irregular schedule, however, it can prevent unnecessary heating for several hours a day.

Open window detection: heating that adapts automatically

When you air out a room, a conventional radiator generally keeps heating to compensate for the drop in temperature. With open window detection, that’s no longer the case.

Thanks to its built-in sensor, the radiator detects the temperature drops characteristic of an open window and automatically reduces heating while the room is being aired. Once the window is closed, it resumes normal operation.

Featured on all Bestherm radiators and heated towel rails and compliant with the European EcoDesign standard * **, this function helps prevent unnecessary heating while making everyday heating management easier.

Discover our collection of electric radiators equipped with an open-window detection function.

What are the everyday benefits of smart heating?

Less intervention from you in your day-to-day life is one of the main benefits of a smart radiator. While a traditional schedule applies the same settings every day, smart heating takes your habits and unexpected changes into account.

If you work from home but regularly leave during the day, a presence-detection radiator can reduce heating without you having to change the settings. Away from home or getting back later than expected? A connected radiator lets you change the settings remotely in seconds.

Cast iron, ceramic: which heating element should you pair with smart technology?

The performance of an electric radiator depends on the material used to store and release heat.

A material that retains heat for a long time allows the radiator to maintain a more stable temperature while limiting heating cycles.

Thanks to its ability to store heat, dry thermal inertia limits temperature fluctuations in the room and reduces the need for the radiator to switch on frequently.

Ceramic thermal inertia radiator: what are the benefits?

Ceramic heats up gradually and releases heat evenly, limiting temperature fluctuations. Once heated, it continues to release the stored energy for several hours.

Once the set temperature is reached, heat continues to be released gradually, improving everyday thermal comfort.

This type of radiator is particularly well suited to bedrooms and living spaces used every day.

Why choose a cast iron inertia radiator?

Thanks to its high density, cast iron remains one of the most widely used materials for inertia radiators today. Its high density allows it to store a large amount of heat and then release it slowly as radiant heat.

Heat is released gradually, preventing sudden temperature fluctuations and limiting heating cycles.

In a large living area or a poorly insulated room, cast iron helps maintain a more stable temperature.

The dual heating element: dry inertia combined with a heating film.

Some electric radiators feature a dual heating element system, combining a dry-inertia heating element with a heating film on the front. This technology offers both a rapid warm-up and lasting thermal comfort.

The heating film delivers almost immediate warmth as soon as the radiator is switched on. This provides a rapid feeling of comfort, especially welcome on cold days or in rooms used occasionally.

At the same time, the dry-inertia heating element stores heat and then releases it gradually. Once the set temperature is reached, it continues to provide gentle, even, stable warmth without sudden temperature fluctuations.

Thanks to this combination, the radiator offers an excellent balance of responsiveness and comfort, while helping you manage energy consumption more effectively.

In summary

Occupancy detection or remote control: each feature helps reduce unnecessary energy use without sacrificing your comfort. Combined with an efficient heating element, these technologies make a smart radiator a durable, cost-effective choice for your home.

Which smart radiator should you choose for each room?

Room	Most useful feature	Why?
Home office	Presence detection	Irregular use and need for a quick response.
Bedroom	Connected heater	Mainly used in the evening and at night.
Living room / lounge	Connected heater	Stable thermal comfort in large living areas.
Second home	Connected heater	Control the heating remotely before you arrive.
Infrequently used room	Presence detection	Avoids heating an empty room unnecessarily.

 

Want to learn more? Read our blog post: What are the benefits of a “smart” electric heater?

 

FAQ: Everything you need to know about smart heaters

 

What's the difference between a connected heater and a heater with presence detection?

A connected heater can be controlled remotely using an app, while a heater with presence detection adjusts its operation according to whether the room is occupied.

The choice of technology depends above all on your consumption habits. A connected heater is particularly well suited to second homes or people with irregular routines, as it lets you adjust the heating remotely. A heater with presence detection is better suited to rooms that are used infrequently, as it automatically adjusts its operation according to whether the room is occupied.

 

How much can a smart heater save?

There is no single figure. The savings vary depending on several factors.

These savings naturally depend on the home's insulation, the occupants' habits, and the features used. They mainly come from reducing unnecessary heating periods and managing the temperature more precisely.

 

Do I need an internet connection to use a smart heater?

No. Presence detection and open-window detection continue to work even without an internet connection.

However, Wi-Fi is required to access connected features such as remote control, detailed energy consumption monitoring, or settings in the mobile app.

 

* The European EcoDesign regulation aims to encourage the design of products that are more energy-efficient and make better use of resources. It applies in particular to energy-related products, such as heating appliances, to promote ecodesign and reduce their environmental impact.

** https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/product-requirements/compliance/ecodesign/index_fr.htm