Learn how to retrofit and smartly control your floor heating in older buildings. Step-by-step guide, cost overview, systems and tips for more comfort and efficiency.
Why a smart floor heating system makes sense in older buildings
Energy savings and comfort
As a technology enthusiast who has already converted several older apartments to smart homes, I know: Retrofitting floor heating with smart controls is worthwhile. Especially in older buildings, room temperature often fluctuates, heating costs rise and comfort often suffers. Modern smart home thermostats not only offer convenient app control, but also help save up to 20% energy by only heating when necessary. Schedules, geofencing and open window detection are typical features that support this.
Advantages over conventional systems
- Flexible control: Via smartphone, voice command or automatically according to schedule
- Transparency: Consumption statistics help save energy
- Comfort: Always the right feel-good temperature
- Retrofittable: Many systems can be installed without major construction work
My tip: Anyone who has an existing floor heating system can switch to a smart system with little effort – and immediately benefit from more comfort and savings potential.
Prerequisites for retrofitting in older buildings
Check technical requirements
Before retrofitting, you should check the existing condition of the floor heating:
- Can the actuators on the heating circuit distributor be easily replaced?
- Are there already room thermostats or will they be retrofitted?
- Is there an electrical supply at the desired points?
Compatibility of existing floor heating
Most smart systems are compatible with water-based floor heating if standard actuators (e.g. M30x1.5) are installed. For exotic systems or old electric floor heating, you should check compatibility with the manufacturer.
If in doubt, it's worth looking at the heating system documentation or having a brief discussion with a heating specialist. This prevents wrong purchases.
Suitable smart retrofit solutions
Thermostats and controls for floor heating
The selection of retrofit systems is large. The most important components are:
- Smart thermostats for each room
- Motorized actuators on the heating circuit distributor
- Gateway for app or voice control
Overview of manufacturers and systems
| System | Compatibility | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Homematic IP | Water-based heating, standard actuators | Very flexible, many extensions, easy integration |
| Govee | Individual room control, app control | Quick setup, affordable entry prices |
| Tado° | Many floor heating systems | Intuitive app, geofencing, energy saving reports |
- Easy retrofit with standard heating
- Central control via app or voice assistant
- Old or exotic systems often incompatible
- Investment costs not insignificant depending on scope
Installation and integration into smart home
Step-by-step retrofit guide
- Preparation: Turn off power, remove old thermostat and actuators
- Install new smart actuators: Use suitable adapters
- Install wall thermostats: Depending on system, on existing boxes or wirelessly
- Set up gateway: Connect with WiFi or LAN
- Configure system in app: Create rooms, schedules and users
Anyone who feels unsure about electrical work should consult a professional for installing the gateway or wall thermostats.
Connection with existing smart home systems
Most retrofit solutions can be coupled with common smart home platforms (e.g. Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa). This enables voice commands and automation, e.g. scenes for "cozy evening" or "vacation mode".
Costs and funding opportunities
Overview of cost factors
| Component | Costs (approx.) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Smart actuators | 30–60 € per piece | Required per heating circuit |
| Wall thermostat | 50–100 € per room | Optional with display and app control |
| Gateway/Central unit | 60–120 € | One-time per system |
| Installation (specialist company) | 100–300 € | Optional, unnecessary with self-installation |
Possible government funding
For the modernization of heating controls there are various funding programs in Germany, for example through KfW or BAFA. Usually individual measures to increase energy efficiency are funded – this often includes smart thermostats. The funding conditions change regularly, so I recommend checking the current websites.
Tips for operation and optimization
Settings for maximum efficiency
- Individual schedules for each room
- Activate open window detection (if available)
- Regularly install software updates
- Maintenance of actuators: Check once a year
Error sources and solutions
- help
The thermostats don't respond or show errors?
Often a reset helps as well as checking the power supply. Actuators must be screwed on correctly.
- help
The app can't find the gateway?
Check if the gateway is correctly registered in the WiFi and no firewall is interfering. Restart if necessary.
The most efficient use is achieved through regular checking of settings and adjustment to your own daily routine.
Recommendation: Sources and products
- [url="https://de.elv.com/",name="ELV Shop",title="Smart floor heating control at ELV"]
- [url="https://www.tink.de/",name="Tink Shop",title="Smart Home solutions at Tink"]
- [url="https://www.amazon.de/stores/Govee/page/91946BFA-9DD9-44AB-BD3F-FE87D3BCCEC0",name="Govee Store",title="Govee Smart Home products"]
- [asin="B09G6WVDN3",type="standard"]
My conclusion: Anyone who wants comfort, efficiency and smart control, I recommend retrofitting an intelligent floor heating control system. Installation is well feasible with modern systems even in older buildings. Anyone who is unsure should consult a professional – then nothing stands in the way of a warm, smart home!
