What's the difference? Meters vs Thermostats.

What's the difference?
Meters vs Thermostats.

Both sound “smart.” But only one gives you real control.

To track. Smart meters.

To track.
Smart meter.

Smart meters are installed by your energy supplier.
They measure your gas and electricity use and automatically send readings to your provider.

Most come with a display that shows you how much you’re using — and being charged ⚡

But here’s the catch:

Smart meters don’t control anything. They don’t reduce your energy use — they just report it.

💡 Average savings: 2–3.5% (from user awareness, not automation)

Smart meters are installed by your energy supplier.

They measure your gas and electricity use and automatically send readings to your provider.

Most come with a display that shows you how much you’re using — and being charged ⚡

Smart meters don’t reduce your energy use — they just report it. They don’t control anything.

💡 Average savings 2–3.5%

To control. Smart thermostats.

To control.
Smart thermostat.

Smart thermostats directly control your heating — which makes up 60% of your energy bill (or up to 84% with hot water).

With a smart thermostat, you can:

Set schedules
Adjust heating remotely via app
Use geofencing and automations to reduce waste
Add TRVs (Thermostatic Radiator Valves) to control individual rooms

Smart thermostats don’t just monitor — they act.

🔥 Typical savings: 8–12%
📈 With TRVs: up to 18%

Confused? The simple answer

	Smart Meter	Smart Thermostat
Installed by supplier	✅	❌ (installed by us)
Controls heating?	❌	✅
Sends energy readings	✅	❌
Adjusts heat schedule	❌	✅
Works without consent	❌	✅
App-controlled	❌	✅
Real savings	⚠️ Low	✅ High

Smartest move for most homes?

Smartest move
for most homes?

Start with a smart thermostat.

You don’t need a smart meter to take control of your bills.

Need help choosing the right one?

Need help choosing
the right one?

Your heating system might need:

A wired or wireless thermostat
Boiler compatibility (combi, system, or heat-only)
TRVs for multi-zone control

Get advice from a certified expert.
We’re a Tado Pro Installer, Nest Pro Installer, and support Hive, and Honeywell.

Popularity trends in the UK The shift to Smart.

Weigh the convenience and features of smart technology against your budget and your comfort level with technology.

What's the difference? Meters vs Thermostats.