Google Nest Stops Support: Upgrade Your Heating System with Afterglow
Google has officially ended support for first and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats in the UK and Europe. This means older Nest devices will no longer receive software updates or work fully with the Nest or Google Home apps. While manual control is still possible, the smart features many homeowners rely on will no longer function.
This is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your heating system — whether that’s replacing your thermostat, installing smart TRVs, or upgrading to a more energy-efficient boiler with OpenTherm capability.
Why Upgrade Your Heating System Now
With Nest support ending, continuing to use an older thermostat limits your control over your home’s heating. Upgrading gives you:
- Remote control via smartphone or voice assistants
- Scheduling and energy-saving features
- Integration with modern smart thermostats like Tado
- Potential energy savings with more efficient heating
Smart Thermostat Upgrade Options
If you want to replace your old Nest, there are several options:
1. Tado Smart Thermostat
Google is offering a 50% discount on Tado Smart Thermostat Starter Kits for users transitioning from older Nest devices. Tado works with your existing heating system and can integrate with smart TRVs to control the temperature room by room.
Our team at Afterglow Plumbing & Heating can install and configure your Tado system, ensuring it communicates perfectly with your boiler and radiators for maximum efficiency.
2. Hive Smart Thermostats
Hive is another excellent alternative, offering scheduling, remote access, and energy reporting. We have experienced Hive thermostat installers in Birmingham who can fit and set up Hive thermostats to work with your existing heating system.
Consider Servicing or Upgrading Your Boiler
Upgrading your thermostat is a great first step, but pairing it with a modern, energy-efficient boiler can provide even bigger benefits:
- Better modulation: Newer boilers adjust their output precisely, working perfectly with smart thermostats and TRVs.
- OpenTherm compatibility: Modern boilers with OpenTherm can communicate continuously with your smart thermostat, optimizing flow temperature for comfort and efficiency.
- Energy savings: A modern boiler uses less gas and heats your home more evenly, saving money and reducing carbon footprint.
At Afterglow Plumbing & Heating, we can service your existing boiler to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently. If your system is older, we can also advise on upgrading to a newer model that integrates seamlessly with smart controls.
What is OpenTherm and How It Works
OpenTherm is a communication protocol that allows your smart thermostat and boiler to “talk” to each other continuously, rather than the traditional on/off control used by most older systems.
- Continuous Communication
- Instead of simply switching the boiler on or off, OpenTherm sends real-time signals about how much heat the system needs.
- This allows the boiler to modulate its output precisely according to the current heating demand.
- Energy Efficiency
- By modulating instead of cycling on and off, OpenTherm reduces energy waste and keeps your home at a consistent temperature.
- Combined with smart thermostats like Tado and smart TRVs, it optimizes energy use room by room.
- Improved Comfort
- Rooms heat evenly without sudden temperature spikes or drops.
- Smart thermostats can factor in schedules, occupancy, and weather data to optimize performance.
- Integration with TRVs
- Smart Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) work alongside OpenTherm-compatible boilers by controlling flow to individual radiators.
- If a room reaches the set temperature, the TRV reduces flow, and the boiler adjusts its output, ensuring energy isn’t wasted heating empty rooms.
In short: OpenTherm enables your boiler to work smarter, not harder, providing better comfort and efficiency when paired with smart thermostats and TRVs.
How Smart Thermostats and TRVs Work Together
When paired with smart TRVs, a Tado thermostat can:
- Adjust heating room by room, avoiding wasted energy in unused spaces
- Optimize boiler output using real-time demand, especially if your boiler supports OpenTherm
- Maintain a consistent temperature, improving comfort and energy efficiency
This setup gives you complete control over your heating, while ensuring your boiler operates efficiently and safely.
Why Choose Afterglow Plumbing & Heating
At Afterglow Plumbing & Heating, we offer:
- Smart thermostat installation – Tado, Hive, and more (smart thermostat installation)
- Hive thermostat installation in Birmingham (Hive thermostat installers Birmingham)
- Boiler servicing and upgrades (boiler servicing Birmingham)
Our team ensures your heating system is fully integrated and operating efficiently. We can guide you on boiler upgrades, smart thermostat setup, and TRV integration to give you the ultimate in comfort and energy savings.
Take Control of Your Home Heating
Don’t let the end of Nest support leave you with limited control over your heating. Whether it’s upgrading your thermostat, installing smart TRVs, or replacing an old boiler with an energy-efficient OpenTherm-compatible model, Afterglow Plumbing & Heating can provide expert advice and professional installation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I still use my old Nest thermostat manually?
A: Yes, you can manually adjust the thermostat, but you’ll lose smart features like remote control, energy reports, and scheduling.
Q: What is OpenTherm, and do I need it?
A: OpenTherm is a communication protocol that allows your thermostat and boiler to work together more efficiently. If your boiler supports it, pairing it with a smart thermostat and TRVs improves energy efficiency and comfort.
Q: Will I save money by upgrading my thermostat and boiler?
A: Yes — a modern boiler and smart thermostat setup can reduce energy waste by heating rooms individually and modulating boiler output, which can lower your energy bills.
Q: Can Afterglow install both my new thermostat and boiler?
A: Absolutely. We offer full installation services for smart thermostats like Tado and Hive, as well as boiler servicing and upgrades. We ensure everything works together seamlessly.
Q: How do TRVs improve heating efficiency?
A: Smart TRVs control the flow of hot water to each radiator. Combined with a smart thermostat, they prevent heating empty rooms and help the boiler modulate efficiently.
