8.1.2015

A neighbour recently installed a Tado smart system which is very impressive but I felt was a bit OTT for my requirements as he has a complex life-plan (airline pilot), while I don't, but I did want the ability to control the CH from abroad from time to time. So I installed the Salus gadgets myself on an ancient y-plan system with 1 zone and hot water but no roomstat. I'd already sorted out the wiring years ago with a wiring centre so replacing an old Drayton Tempus programmer with the Salus receiver was relatively easy, although terminology seems to have changed in 20 years. Everything worked well from the start and my only reservations are really with the software/firmware rather than the hardware.First point: forget about setting up times and temperatures on the thermostat as described in the user manual. It's fiddly and requires endless entering and scrolling. After you've set the type of system (1 or 2 zones, with or without HW, summer time, C or F etc., go to the Salus website, register the device and login, then do everything on your laptop, it's much, much easier. The Salus internet gateway plugged straight into the router and worked first time. Everything synced and ran without a hitch.Once up and running the shortcomings of the software become more evident. Like others I would like a simple boost button or an advance to the next program cycle. Although I can boost the HW in between on/off cycles using the Salus website this doesn't seem to work on either my Nexus tablet or my phone (BTW, there is an app for Windows phones too, which isn't mentioned). Neither can I change the frost setting from 5deg on these devices. The CH programming cycles are continuous, ie, there is no OFF, you have to set down the temperature to a very low level to have the same effect. Any manual override of the current temperature setting, which is indicated by a red hand on the apps, reverts to the programmed temperature when the program changes to the next cycle whether you want this or not.The thermostat itself looks pretty good on the wall, but can be placed anywhere with the stand included. I also like the detail of a built-in spirit level on the wall-plate. As another reviewer mentioned, the nice, clear display goes dark within seconds to preserve battery life and so you have to touch it to see the current temperature, and also hit the scroll button to see the set temperature, rather than there being a separate display for that. However, the advantage of not having to wire it in, and to be able to place it anywhere would seem to outweigh these minor irritations. I placed an old thermometer on a shelf nearby which I can read from across the room. In fact, after about a day I stopped touching the thermostat altogether and let it do its work while I use the apps for everything.In summary, this isn't a smart device like a Tado or a Nest that learns your pattern of usage and adapts accordingly, but it is an effective way of controlling your CH remotely via wifi and internet, even from within your own house. I guessing that the software and firmware will be tweaked in future to improve usability, in which case I would give it 5 stars.Added comment after using for 2 months over the winter: The system has worked without fault since Installed it, and unlike my neighbour's Tado system, hasn't had to be reset once. In fact I've grown to like the way it operates even with the clunky apps. The advantage that the Nest and Tado and other systems have over the Salus is that they collect gas usage data and plot graphs, incorporate weather data and can be set to target consumption levels. Given that all this data actually goes through the Salus servers I can see no reason why they don't offer this. I would even be prepared to pay ( a small amount) for a better app that does all this.

26.6.2014

I purchased this as a replacement to my bar bones analogue controller that came with my boiler.The main features are quite appropriate for this day and age. The setup instructions are quite simple and not too much technical expertise is necessary as it basically should replace your existing control setup for the remote outstation that you connect to the boiler/heater. Remember if you are not confident please get a competent person to fit it.The programmable thermostat itself is wireless and can be fitted to a wall via a supplied bracket or used on a table, etc with a supplied stand. A thoughtful feature is that the controller is removable, it clips into the wall bracket and can be easily unclipped from it and then clipped into the stand.Handy if you desire a more sensitive control over your exact position in your residence.So essentially the system works as follows, there is a outstation which you fit to your boiler via cabling, easy to do which acts as a demand module, it purely turns your boiler on and off when it receives a signal from the controller. Then there is the thermostatic controller, which is battery operated and wireless and is removable from its wall and stand bracket and is touch sensitive. It has a white text on the black screen just like in the pictures on his listing.Lastly there is a gateway which is plugged into your router via an Ethernet cable, it acts as an Internet gateway/access to the thermostatic controller. Basically an access point to your Internet connection at home.You can program the controller locally or via their web-portal or Android/IOS app. That beaing you can change/add time programs and set temperature set points, as well as putting your heating manually ON, OFF or in Automatic mode. The Android and IOS Apps works fine and come with the necessary feature to control your heating just fine, but they could do with a few more features such as a timed override and a bit of a visual overhaul. But nonetheless the current Apps work just fine and the mentioned improvements are a bonus as it works and does what it needs to do, the extra features would be a nice extra. Also if you ever move/sell your house you can simply give the new residents the device ID and they can now control it themselves, no need to worry about transferring an account, it is purely a simple device ID that needs to be entered in. This could admittedly be an issue as anyone could get the ID and connect to it via their account or you could simply leave the ID associated to your account when you sell/move and mess with the new residents but that would be wrong. A security update would be nice to avoid this, maybe a code that needs to be confirmed when registering a new controller or confirming/disassociating old registrations.The controllers and modules also look nice and modern, not simple chunky plastic boxes. Basically and all round excellent central heating control package. I certainly recommend it. The remote control via apps, etc features are perfect if you ever forget to program or remove programs such as on holiday, saving cash and providing a hassle free way of changing programs or simply turning the system OFF without disrupting your precious timings.Overall a very good system that is worth the price, very handy, very programmable and I suppose more efficient that standard heating systems.

5.1.2015

I have just installed two zones central heating, I was using a single remote system, with a programmer controlling the second zone. I then decided as the internet went down and lost comms, I therefor decided to change the system and studied those on offer from many sources.Findings:Quality of equipment 10/10Installing instructions 5/10 (too basic, pictorial for various systems, more like a quick guide, while acceptable for a simple setup, not ideal for complex systems.Usability: 10/10Appearance:10/10Ease of installation excluding issues with instructions 10/10 very easy to install when you have the details.Performance: 10/10The instructions are not truly adequate when you are having issues.One thing that was a pain is just a simple thing - it is set up with the control sensors(touch buttons), which is not too much of a problem, what I wasn't aware of is that this system can be used for cooling as well as heating. I had the wrong settings and the heating was still going after I had set the temperature, and the fan symbol on the panel, with cooling on the app confused me initially.I went back to the instructions again and then noted a simple mistake. Correcting this and everything operated as normal.Usually with external internet connections you need either a fixed IP or a DDNS service. This is just plug and play, the system logs into a service that you register before hand and uses cloud services to keep the communication between box and users smartphone.It fits in with all kinds of décor and looks stylish, except for the little gateway box which is connected to the router, the aerial has only a 90 degree movement, ideally it would be nice to have 180 degrees.Range is great, I have this in a large house, and mounted the control unit (the bit that has the switches on it) close to the boiler on an exterior surface into the hallway. The control panel (the bit with the numbers and indicators) about 4 meters away from the control unit, and 3 meters from the gateway. My second zone temperature sensor was on another level above the control panel.Operating is child's play, with six available time settings per day/Week/5-2 optionsAs the property in which I have set up is effectively a holiday home, the feature of setting a holiday where the heating is turned off is also great, all controlled in the app.A major reason was to ensure the temperature in the property didn't fall and cause frozen pipework - the app has an automatic setting for min 5degrees C or other temperature for Frost protection mode, so even if off the heating will ensure that the temperature at any sensor doesn't fall below 5 degrees, this is also built into my boiler, but you could have a wide range of temperature in another zone.Price: 10/10Satisfaction: will give 10/10, even though I had to spend a little time reviewing the setup, you also MUST be competent to deal with mains electricity, wiring MUST be safe and comply with regulations. This only applies to the main control unit, all the other bits are battery operated, the gateway has an adapter.The setup has been in for a week and so far no problems.

18.10.2016

I bought this along with the additional IT300 remote temperature sensor as I needed a wireless solution to control 2 heating zones, and this seemed to be the neatest and most economical way of achieving this. The internet connectivity was a secondary consideration.Good points:- Easy to install and pair up. The main unit's wall mounting bracket comes with a built-in spirit level, which is a nice touch.- Seems to do the job as advertised. I've only had it a week or so, so can't comment on reliability or battery life yet.- Remote control via Android app seems to work well and is easy to use.- The main controller and remote sensor have a neat,unobtrusive appearance.- Economically priced for the functionality.- Judging by the receiver unit (in which the PCB is exposed when you open it to install it) the build quality appears to be good.Not so good points:- Light on receiver unit flashes continually all the time there is heating demand, which is faintly irritating. I would have preferred a simple on/off indication.- Programming via the control unit (as opposed to via the app) is a bit fiddly. To be fair, in my experience all programmable thermostats tend to suffer from this problem to some extent. At least with this unit you have the option of using the app, which is easier.All in all I'm very happy with the system so far, give or take a few minor niggles. It would be nice if Salus could produce a software update to provide an optimum start facility - apparently the system has an over-the-internet upgrade facility so this would be feasible.UPDATE: 25/3/2018- There have been a couple of software updates automatically installed, these have gone through without any problems- The newer version of the Android app (search for "Salus IT500 plus") is much easier to use and offers more facilities than the original one.- Batteries are still going strong after 18 months - the later version of the app indicates the battery level for both the main unit and the additional sensor.- Unlike some other reviewers I have never had a problem with the system going offline and becoming inaccessible from the internet; perhaps the software updates have fixed this.UPDATE: 23/10/2018- The latest version of the app and firmware provides a optimised start function, which was a complaint about the original system.- Regarding queries about the accuracy of control, the latest app/firmware allows the hysteresis (change in temperature required to trigger an action) to be selected as +/- 0.25C or +/- 0.5C.- The batteries last approximately 2 years.- The system has worked fine for over 2 years now and I have had no problems with it. I am using firmware 11.4 + 1.5.2.0.

11.12.2013

Internet setup is easy, it does as advertised.I'm a nerd with no electrics experience and managed to install it into my complex Yplan box box by studying some y plan wiring diagrams and working out what does what. Works fine.Originally went for hive by British gas but was out off with only 4 time zones for them (I.e. 2 on periods a day) so went for this as it has 6.Would get 5 stars but for:1). Unfortunately despite manual making me think otherwise before I bought it, there's no way of having the thermostat thing always on which means you have to irritatingly touch it every time you want to know what the temperature is. Saves battery yes, but others manage to stay on all the time.

9.5.2014

Excellent quality! Good looks. Does the job elegantlyMost people buying this product will do so for the smartphone app controls. If you’re like me and live an erratic life style, having the ability to switch the heating on half hour before you return home at a whim, without having to leave on daily timers etc which will operate regardless of whether your there, then you will love this product.The smartphone app on android isn't perfect, its looks aren't great, and when setting the timer schedules it can be slow (this is much better done through the web site on internet browser). Having said this, switching the heating from Auto to Off, and turning the temperature up and down from your phone is an absolute breeze and can be done in seconds.

10.9.2015

Its good, works well, compared with old analog devices.I have just installed it at the same time as having my boiler replaced, it saved money compared to a conventional controller, and is functionally much superior.The biggest problem/limitation is the 1 degree steps in temperature before it goes on/off. Definitely needs an update to do this in half degrees.The lack of an On/Off option which would override all the hourly settings is a minor limitationThe timing also works in 10 minute steps, which seems to mean that the water has to be off at least 10 minutes in each of the three periods as it will not allow you to have off at 8.00 am and the on again at 8.00am.

19.1.2014

Over all this is a very nice bit of kit. I was waiting for the Nest thermostat but gave up as its not likely in UK any time soon. From my research the Salus was the next best thing. It was easy to set up. The little Wi-Fi thing plugs into your router and the light goes green almost immediately the thermostat is recognised as soon as you put the batteries in. Then the first problem was when you try and register on the web site (important as the web tool is a lot easier than trying to set your programs on the thermostat itself)it will not send a verification email to a Gmail account it seems - or if it does it is deleted and no it is not in junk mail. I used a xxxx.net account which was fine and the verification email was instantaneous.

24.1.2015

I fitted this today and it took me about an hour and a half including all the wiring and the WiFi setup. I have an open vent Y plan heating system with a Vaillant eCoTech Plus boiler. The Salus RF Vaillant plug in boiler controller that you can buy will NOT work on an open vent system.What I do like is the control you have over the whole system. What I don't like is there are only 6 settings, no on and off but that would make it more complicated to set I guess. Once you get your head round the 6 settings it's quite simple really. Yes a boost button would be good and or an advance button maybe Salus will read some of these reviews and implement these features via firmware and the app.As its so

25.1.2020

I thought about this for a while and was going to purchase another more expensive brand, this was until my plumber recommended the Salus IT500. I had not heard of this make and was a bit apprehensive as it was only £89 for the whole kit (at the time of purchase) I went and ordered one anyway after a bit of research to give it a try.It arrived next day and straight away I was impressed with the box design both outside and inside. I bought the complete kit which was well packed inside.The instructions looked very informative with a step by step guide for installation. The components seemed well built and proffesionaly made. The only thing that I have changed was the ethernet cable as the one supplied was a bit short and was a bit flimsy,

23.12.2013

I researched a lot of alternative products before going for this unit. In my view its very well made, and very easy to operate both locally and remotely on your phone with the supplied App.Instead of trying to make the actual wireless thermostat 'WIFI' and suffering the complexities, Salus cleverly opted for what looks like one of their existing wireless RF thermostat and reciever technology (which is already proven), and a clever little wired internet 'bridge' module that plugs into your router to connect the thermostat to the Salus 'cloud' service that allows the internet/smartphone control to work.The resulting controller is therefore lightweight and stylish, and easy to setup,

25.1.2017

The good: Very easy to install. About 45 minutes start to finish, including wiring, configuration, registering online and installing the mobile apps. It does pretty much what you'd expect of it, and I'm able to set and override everything from my mobile phone or laptop, anywhere with an Internet connection. Really useful coming home tonight after working away, and being able to turn on to 'holiday mode' when I left, and turn it off again today to warm things up again before I got back. The phone or web control apps make it very easy to set the timer. One set of times for every day, one set for weekdays and another for weekends, and individual day programming are all supported.The not so good: The display on the controller constantly goes blank (by design,

2.10.2018

I've only just completed the install of this. The scary bit was replacing the old timer and thermostat on the wall. This needed a bit of research beforehand to understand how the existing wiring worked. In the end it was simple enough and the replacement IT500RX switch worked first time.Getting the IT500TR (termostat/controller) up and running was pretty simple although going through the setup was simple.Finally, installing the ITG500 (gateway to the internet) into the router was a simple process (as I have an IT background I thought it would be more complex). I connected it to our Virgin Media Hub 3.0 Router and it just connected - no settings required (except, following advice in the manual,

7.11.2016

Reading the reviews some seem to love this and others hate it!I've had this for a couple of years now and it does what I want it to. My health isn't that good and my body temperature is poorly regulated so I wanted to be able to control the heating thermostat without having to get up. This does the job well via the app on my phone. If I can't sleep and want to get up early I can fire up the app and turn on the heating before I get up. If I am away from home I can still control the heating and water.If I feel a bit chilly or hot, again, it is just a matter of reaching for my mobile and altering the temperature on the app. As has been said in other reviews, the app could be smoother, and more intuitive,

16.2.2020

I found the receiver easy to fit in my downstairs hall as the old thermostat wiring had the neutral wire in addition to the live and switched live return cable (my heating system uses a switched live return ). The receiver needs the live and neutral to power it on.The main hiccup I had was I couldn't operate most of the buttons on the room thermostat. It turned out the screen was locked (indicated by a small padlock symbol at the top of the screen). It is easily unlocked by touching the 'tick' and 'back' buttons simultaneously. My fault for not reading the manual fully. The thermostat is touch screen so does not require any pressure to operate.Because I had been handling the theromostat for some time,

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