With rising electricity prices, more and more households are looking for ways to better control their heating consumption. Unlike a traditional radiator that always uses the same settings, a smart radiator adjusts its operation based on your presence and habits. Remote control, unexpected movements, etc., it helps you limit your consumption and gives you more freedom.

What is a smart electric radiator?

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

The presence detection radiator automatically adjusts its heating level thanks to an infrared sensor (PIR) built into the device.

How does radiator presence detection work?

If the room remains unoccupied for a certain period, the radiator automatically lowers the temperature to avoid unnecessary heating. Conversely, as soon as presence is detected, the radiator automatically returns to the last used mode.

• 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 is of little use. However, in an office occupied irregularly, it helps avoid unnecessary heating for several hours a day.

Open window detection: heating that adapts automatically

When you air out a room, a traditional radiator usually continues to heat to compensate for the temperature drop. With open window detection, this is no longer the case.

Thanks to its built-in sensor, the radiator detects the temperature drops typical of an open window and automatically reduces heating during ventilation. Once the window is closed, it resumes normal operation.

Present on all Bestherm radiators and towel warmers and compliant with the European EcoDesign standard * **, this feature helps avoid unnecessary heating while simplifying daily heating management.

What are the daily advantages of smart heating?

One of the main advantages of a smart radiator is that it requires fewer interventions from you daily. While a traditional program applies the same settings every day, smart heating takes your habits and unexpected events into account.

If you work from home but are regularly away during the day, a presence-detection radiator can reduce heating without you having to adjust the settings. Are you traveling or coming home later than expected? A connected radiator allows you to change settings remotely in seconds.

Cast iron, ceramic: which heating core to combine with intelligence?

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

A material capable of retaining 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 inertia limits temperature variations in the room and reduces frequent radiator restarts.

Ceramic inertia radiator: what are the advantages?

Ceramic heats up gradually and releases heat evenly, which limits temperature fluctuations. Once hot, it continues to release stored energy for several hours.

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

This type of radiator is particularly suitable for bedrooms and living spaces used daily.

Why choose a cast iron inertia radiator?

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

The heat is released gradually, which prevents sudden temperature changes and limits heating cycles.

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

The double heating core: dry inertia combined with heating film.

Some models combine a dry inertia heating core with a heating film on the front.

The heating film provides an immediate sensation of warmth, while the heating core continues to emit gentle heat once the temperature is reached.

In summary

Presence detection or remote control: each feature helps reduce unnecessary consumption without sacrificing your comfort. Combined with an efficient heating core, these technologies make the smart radiator a sustainable and economical choice for your home.

Which smart radiator to choose according to the room?

Room	Most useful feature	Why?
Office	Presence detection	Irregular occupancy and need for responsiveness.
Bedroom	Connected radiator	Mainly used in the evening and at night.
Living room / lounge	Connected radiator	Stable thermal comfort in large living rooms.
Secondary residence	Connected radiator	Remote heating control before arrival.
Rarely used room	Presence detection	Prevents heating an empty room unnecessarily.

Want to learn more? Discover our blog article: What are the advantages of a "smart" electric radiator?

FAQ: Everything you need to know about the smart radiator

What is the difference between a connected radiator and a presence-detection radiator?

A connected radiator is controlled remotely via an app, while a presence-detection radiator adjusts its operation according to room occupancy.

The choice of technology primarily depends on your consumption habits. A connected radiator is especially suitable for secondary homes or people with irregular schedules, as it allows remote heating adjustment. A presence-detection radiator is better suited for rarely used rooms, as it automatically adapts its operation based on room occupancy.

How much can a smart radiator save?

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

These savings naturally depend on the insulation of the home, the occupants' habits, and the features used. The gains mainly come from reducing unnecessary heating periods and more precise temperature management.

Is an internet connection required to use a smart radiator?

No. Presence detection or open window functions continue to work even without an internet connection.

However, Wi-Fi is necessary to access connected features like remote control, detailed consumption tracking, or settings via the mobile app.

* The European EcoDesign regulation aims to encourage the design of more energy-efficient and resource-friendly products. It applies notably to energy-related equipment, such as heating devices, to promote eco-design and reduce their environmental impact.

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