If you’ve recently had a new boiler installed or you’re upgrading your heating system, chances are someone’s mentioned an EPH thermostat. But what exactly are they, and do you actually need one? The short answer is yes, and they’re far more useful than your old dial thermostat gathering dust in the hallway.
EPH Controls is a UK-based company that specialises in heating control systems, and their thermostats have become pretty much standard issue in British plumbing and heating circles. Whether you’re fitting underfloor heating, upgrading a traditional radiator system, or just wanting better control over your energy bills, there’s an EPH model that’ll do the job.
What Makes EPH Thermostats Different?
Here’s the thing about modern heating controls – they’ve moved well beyond simply turning your boiler on and off at set times. The basic room thermostats like the EPH RF Room Thermostat (RFR) work wirelessly, which means no messy wiring to your boiler. You get a battery-operated unit that communicates with your receiver, so you can literally move it around your home as you please.
But if you want something with proper scheduling smarts, that’s where the programmable models come in. The EPH CP4 range, for instance, lets you set up to six different temperature periods throughout the day. You could have your home warming up to a toasty 21°C just before you wake up, then drop it to 10°C while you’re at work, back up to 21°C for the evening, and down to 10°C overnight. That kind of flexibility means you’re only heating your home when you actually need it.
The Smart Option: WiFi Control
Fancy controlling your heating from your phone? The EPH CP4i takes things up a notch with WiFi connectivity and OpenTherm compatibility. You get a backlit LCD screen, energy-saving features (which you can toggle on or off), and even multi-zone control if you’ve got different heating circuits around your property. That’s particularly handy if you’ve got a loft conversion that never quite gets warm enough, or a basement that’s always freezing.
The CP4i comes with a five-year warranty and is Boiler Plus compliant, which basically means it meets current building regulations for new installations. It’s also surprisingly straightforward to install if you’re reasonably handy, though most people get a qualified engineer to sort it during their boiler replacement.
Simpler Solutions for Simpler Needs
Not everyone needs a programmable EPH thermostat though. If you’ve got underfloor heating or just want basic temperature control without the faffing about, the EPH HRT is a genuinely simple option. It’s battery-operated, wireless, and does exactly one job well, keeping your room at the temperature you set it to. Turn it up, turn it down, press the boost function for an extra hour of heating if you fancy it. Job done.
There’s also the EPH CM2, a basic two-wire thermostat that’ll set you back about £19, or the CRT2 battery-operated version at around £49. These aren’t fancy, but they’re reliable and do what they say on the tin.
Getting the Most Out of Your System
One thing loads of people don’t realise is that even in “Off” mode, your thermostat’s still working. There’s automatic frost protection that kicks in if your home temperature drops below 5°C, which is brilliant if you’re heading away for a few weeks in winter and don’t want pipes freezing solid.
The boost function is genuinely useful too. Need the house warmer quickly? Press the button once for an hour, twice for two hours, three times for three hours. It overrides your regular schedule temporarily without messing up your entire weekly programme.
Finding the right thermostat for your setup is worth taking seriously – you’re potentially looking at lower energy bills and better comfort throughout your home. Whether you go for something basic or opt for full WiFi control with multi-zone support, EPH has options that work for most UK heating systems.
