Vaillant ecoTEC plus 637 with Nest or maybe SensoHome

[dwaindigital]

Hi, A newbie here but need expert advice,

I have installers who have started fitting the boiler (Vaillant ecoTEC plus 637) replacing an old water tank loft system and cylinder in the cupboard
I'm also installing a horizontal megaflo (tempest)

Okay, so they purchased the Valliant vsmart kit with it which I thought is dated as currently, I have a Hive thermostat installed from my previous owner (just moved in a few months ago)

I looked on Vaillants website and they have something called the SensoHome thermostat but I cannot find reviews, installations, or anything as it's quite new (2020).
I spoke with Vaillant and of course, they will talk it up. Has anyone used this yet or installed it?

I'd prefer to go with Nest but that is from a user perspective and I wanted to know if this is common in a system unvented installation and will it talk to the boiler okay?

Even on Vaillant website, they say nest is fine. but I worry about the eBus vs Openthem technologies. (please give me your thoughts)
I'm just learning this stuff now so forgive my lack of knowledge

I need to make a decision this week.


Thanks in advance

Dwain

 

[Scott_D]

Opentherm (nest) cant communicate with a vaillant boiler. It will just work as a on/off stat albeit a smart one.

vsmart uses ebus so can communicate with the boiler to aid modulations and also uses local weather station data.

I don’t know anything about the senso range of controls

 

[dwaindigital]

Opentherm (nest) cant communicate with a vaillant boiler. It will just work as a on/off stat albeit a smart one.

vsmart uses ebus so can communicate with the boiler to aid modulations and also uses local weather station data.

I don’t know anything about the senso range of controls

So basically, if I went down the Nest route the best it can do is switch on and off based on its functionality like schedules or ITTT functions.
Whereas going with the Vaillant branded kit and language that uses eBus then it "could" be smarter and use it inbuilt functions modularisation etc
SensoHome ( sensoHOME / sensoHOME RF room thermostat - Vaillant - https://www.vaillant.co.uk/for-installers/products/sensohome-sensohome-rf-room-thermostat-72128.html)
Is just a better looking version on the vsmart. It's just a shame I cannot find much on it yet. (maybe I'll be the first)
It's a shame I didn't know this before they recommended the boiler. hmm

 

[Deleted member 120897]

The nest is a supposedly a learning thermostat, so will “learn” your system, but basicon/off technology yes. For optimal performance you’d be better with a Vaillant controller. I know nothing of the newer types though.

 

[EvilDrPorkChop]

The SensoHome is a nice controller, but for the little extra i'd go up to the SensoComfort that gives you the weather comp. I've fitted both. However if you want remote control you will need to by the additional gateway which is extra and quite costly. You will also need a VR66 and VR10 temperature probe. Not sure if your installer will have allowed for this anyway as they are fitting the V Smart - i've unfortunately never done VSmart as didn't like the controller or receiver.

Using the Vaillant controls will give you better performance and controls over the system, it'll give you Hot Water Priority along with the ability for the controls to set the flow temperature for the CH based on set points and external readings from the outdoor sensor.

 

[dwaindigital]

Thank you so much. I need someone that has actually fitted these.
We have v66 but not the V610 probe.
I'm really shocked to find out I need another unit to connect this to the internet to control remotely.

The SensoHome is a nice controller, but for the little extra i'd go up to the SensoComfort that gives you the weather comp. I've fitted both. However if you want remote control you will need to by the additional gateway which is extra and quite costly. You will also need a VR66 and VR10 temperature probe. Not sure if your installer will have allowed for this anyway as they are fitting the V Smart - i've unfortunately never done VSmart as didn't like the controller or receiver.

Using the Vaillant controls will give you better performance and controls over the system, it'll give you Hot Water Priority along with the ability for the controls to set the flow temperature for the CH based on set points and external readings from the outdoor sensor.

Thank you so much. I needed someone that has actually fitted these.
We have V66 but not the V610 probe so will pick that up. If you have any other tips on this installation please let me know, it's greatly appreciated.
I'm really shocked to find out I need another unit to connect this to the internet to control remotely.(still new to this stuff but learning)

Does anyone know if that's also the case for the vsmart? because all we have is the V66 box and the vsmart box. If an additional is required then I'm in the same predicament and it needs to come out of their budget.

 

[dwaindigital]

The SensoHome is a nice controller, but for the little extra i'd go up to the SensoComfort that gives you the weather comp. I've fitted both. However if you want remote control you will need to by the additional gateway which is extra and quite costly. You will also need a VR66 and VR10 temperature probe. Not sure if your installer will have allowed for this anyway as they are fitting the V Smart - i've unfortunately never done VSmart as didn't like the controller or receiver.

Using the Vaillant controls will give you better performance and controls over the system, it'll give you Hot Water Priority along with the ability for the controls to set the flow temperature for the CH based on set points and external readings from the outdoor sensor.

Can you tell me where you got the probe from. Can't find it on their website

 

[EvilDrPorkChop]

Thank you so much. I need someone that has actually fitted these.
We have v66 but not the V610 probe.
I'm really shocked to find out I need another unit to connect this to the internet to control remotely.



Thank you so much. I needed someone that has actually fitted these.
We have V66 but not the V610 probe so will pick that up. If you have any other tips on this installation please let me know, it's greatly appreciated.
I'm really shocked to find out I need another unit to connect this to the internet to control remotely.(still new to this stuff but learning)

Does anyone know if that's also the case for the vsmart? because all we have is the V66 box and the vsmart box. If an additional is required then I'm in the same predicament and it needs to come out of their budget.

No the VSmart will connect to the internet without a gateway I believe. It’s like Vaillant’s budget range internet connected controller. Like
I said I’ve never fitted one so can’t comment on what they’re like.

 

[EvilDrPorkChop]

Can you tell me where you got the probe from. Can't find it on their website

The VR10 probe is stocked by most merchants, if you’re using it with the tempest cylinder the high limit stat will still have to be wired in series with the zone valve.

Also with the horizontal cylinder you’ll need a destrat pump on a timer.

 

[WC1]

Advantages of manufacturers controller set out fairly well here esp in first couple of mins: