Looking to install a Hive thermostat? Our step-by-step guide explains how to safely replace your existing heating controls, set up the Hive hub, and pair the components for a smarter, energy-efficient home. Whether you're upgrading your heating system or need professional advice, we make the process simple and straightforward.
What is a Hive Thermostat?
A Hive Thermostat is a smart heating device that gives you greater control over your home's temperature. With features like remote operation via a smartphone app, energy usage tracking, and scheduling, it offers both convenience and efficiency. The thermostat works seamlessly with most heating systems, including oil and gas boilers, and provides wireless connectivity for easy setup and use.
By upgrading to a Hive Thermostat, you can manage your heating even when you're not at home, ensuring comfort while saving on energy bills. It’s particularly beneficial for homes looking to adopt smarter energy solutions without overhauling their existing systems.
Tools and Items You’ll Need
Before starting the installation, gather the following tools and items to make the process smooth:
Screwdrivers: A flathead and a Phillips screwdriver for removing and securing screws.
Voltage Tester: To confirm that the power is off for safety during installation.
Drill and Wall Plugs: If new mounting holes are needed for the receiver or thermostat.
Hive Thermostat Kit: Includes the thermostat, hub, receiver, power cables, and installation guide.
AAA Batteries: Usually included for the thermostat.
Data Cable: For connecting the Hive Hub to your Wi-Fi router.
Marker or Pen: To label wires during disconnection.
Having everything prepared helps avoid interruptions and ensures a hassle-free installation.
Preparing for Installation
Safety comes first when working with electrical systems. Follow these steps to ensure a safe installation:
Turn Off Power: Isolate the power to your heating system at the mains to prevent any electrical hazards.
Use a Voltage Tester: Double-check that the circuit is not live before touching any wires.
Review the Installation Guide: Familiarise yourself with the steps outlined in the Hive installation manual provided in the box.
Identify Current Components: Locate your existing programmer, thermostat, and wiring centre to understand what needs to be replaced.
Keep the Area Clear: Remove any obstacles near the installation points to make your work area accessible.
Label Wires: If you're removing existing components, mark the wires for easy reconnection later.
A careful setup ensures a safer and quicker installation process.
Unboxing the Hive Thermostat
The Hive Thermostat package comes with everything you need to get started. Here’s what you’ll find inside the box:
Hive Thermostat: A sleek, battery-powered device that allows wireless temperature control.
Hive Hub: Connects the system to your Wi-Fi router, enabling app-based operation.
Receiver Unit: Replaces the existing programmer and controls the heating and hot water system.
Power Cables: Includes a power adapter for the hub.
Data Cable: For linking the hub to the Wi-Fi router.
User and Installation Guides: Easy-to-follow instructions for setup and operation.
Batteries: Four AAA batteries for powering the thermostat.
Screws and Wall Plugs: For mounting the receiver or thermostat securely.
Everything is designed to work together seamlessly, making installation straightforward for both beginners and experienced users.
Setting Up the Hive Hub
The Hive Hub acts as the central link between your thermostat, receiver, and smartphone app. Follow these steps to get it connected:
Locate a Suitable Power Socket and Router Port: Ensure you have access to both a spare power socket and an available Ethernet port on your Wi-Fi router.
Connect the Hub to the Router: Use the provided data cable to link the hub to your router. Plug one end into the hub and the other into the Ethernet port on the router.
Power Up the Hub: Connect the power cable to the hub and plug it into the socket. Turn on the socket to power the hub.
The green light will flash to indicate activity.
Wait for the green light to become solid and the amber light to flash, signalling the hub is ready to pair.
By setting up the hub first, you allow it to complete updates while you work on the rest of the installation.
Replacing the Existing Programmer
The Hive receiver replaces your existing heating and hot water programmer. Here’s how to make the switch:
Turn Off Power: Confirm the heating system is off at the mains and use a voltage tester to double-check.
Remove the Current Programmer: Unscrew the programmer from the wall. Carefully pull it away to expose the wiring baseplate.
Check Compatibility: Some Hive receivers are compatible with existing programmer baseplates. If it fits, you can leave the baseplate in place. If not, proceed to replace it.
Install the Hive Receiver Baseplate: Remove the existing baseplate and install the Hive baseplate. Ensure the wiring matches the labels on the new receiver for heating and hot water.
Secure the Receiver Unit: Attach the Hive receiver to the baseplate, tighten the screws underneath, and ensure it clicks into place securely.
Replacing the programmer with the Hive receiver is straightforward as the wiring connections usually follow the same format.
Installing the Hive Receiver
Connecting the Hive receiver involves proper wiring. Here’s how to do it safely and correctly:
Examine the Existing Wiring: Identify and label the wires connected to your current programmer. Typical labels include:
Heating on/off
Hot water on/off
Neutral
Live
Connect the Wires to the Hive Receiver: Match the labelled wires to the corresponding terminals on the Hive receiver baseplate. Follow the installation guide to ensure accurate connections.
Secure the Wires: Tighten the screws for each terminal to secure the wires in place, ensuring there’s no loose or exposed wiring.
Mount the Receiver Unit: Attach the Hive receiver to the baseplate. It should click into place firmly. Tighten the bottom screws to keep it secure.
With the wiring complete, the receiver is ready to control your heating and hot water.
Testing the Receiver
Before pairing the system, confirm the Hive receiver is functioning correctly:
Turn On the Power: Restore power to the heating system and ensure the Hive receiver’s indicator lights up.
Manual Operation Test:
Press the central heating button on the receiver. The button should light up green, and you should hear your boiler activate.
Press the hot water button. Again, the button should turn green, and the boiler should respond.
Check Indicator Lights: Once tested, the green light on the receiver should remain solid, indicating it’s ready to pair with the hub and thermostat.
Testing ensures the receiver is installed correctly and the heating system responds as expected.
Replacing the Room Thermostat
Removing the old thermostat and installing the Hive thermostat is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
Turn Off Power: Ensure the power is off at the mains and verify with a voltage tester.
Remove the Existing Thermostat:
Detach the cover of the old thermostat.
Unscrew the unit and carefully pull it away to expose the wires.
Make the Wiring Safe: If the Hive thermostat is wireless, the existing thermostat wires are not required. Label the wires and either disconnect them at the wiring centre or tuck them safely into the wall cavity, ensuring they’re secure and isolated.
Fit the Hive Baseplate: Mount the Hive baseplate where the old thermostat was located, aligning it at about 1.5 metres above the floor and away from heat sources like radiators.
Attach the Hive Thermostat: Slot the Hive thermostat onto the baseplate and insert the provided AAA batteries. The thermostat will power on and be ready for pairing.
Securing the Wiring
Making the old thermostat wiring safe is an essential step for a wireless system:
Label the Wires: Identify the live, neutral, and call-for-heat wires from the old thermostat.
Isolate or Disconnect Wires:
At the wiring centre, disconnect the thermostat wires, or
Tuck them into the wall cavity and ensure they are capped and isolated.
Keep the Wiring Accessible: If there’s a chance the wired thermostat might be needed in the future, leave the wires intact but safely tucked away.
Securing the wiring prevents accidental shorts or hazards and ensures a clean, professional finish.
Mounting the Hive Thermostat
Proper placement of the Hive thermostat ensures optimal performance:
Choose the Right Location: Mount the thermostat at about 1.5 metres above the floor, away from direct sunlight, radiators, or draughty areas.
Reuse Existing Holes if Possible: If the old thermostat’s mounting holes match, save time by reusing them.
Secure the Baseplate: Fix the baseplate to the wall using the provided screws and wall plugs, ensuring it’s level.
Attach the Thermostat: Slot the Hive thermostat onto the baseplate, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
Correct placement ensures accurate temperature readings and wireless connectivity.
Pairing the Components
Once all hardware is installed, pairing ensures the system works seamlessly:
Check the Hub and Receiver: Ensure the Hive hub has a solid green light, and the amber light is flashing on both the hub and receiver.
Power On the Thermostat: Insert the batteries and power on the Hive thermostat. It should automatically enter pairing mode.
Pair the Components:
Follow the on-screen instructions on the thermostat or use the Hive app to guide the process.
Once paired, the lights on the hub and receiver should turn solid green.
Test the System: Adjust the thermostat settings and ensure the boiler responds appropriately to temperature changes.
Pairing connects all components, ensuring your Hive system operates smoothly.
FAQs About Hive Thermostat Installations
Do you need an electrician to fit a Hive thermostat?
Not necessarily. If you’re confident with basic wiring and follow the installation guide, you can fit a Hive thermostat yourself. However, for more complex systems or if you're unsure, hiring an electrician is a safer choice.
Can you install a Hive thermostat yourself?
Yes, many people install Hive thermostats themselves by following the included guide. Ensure you are comfortable working with electrical systems and always isolate the power before starting.
Can you fit a Hive thermostat to any boiler?
Hive thermostats are compatible with most boilers, including combi, oil, and conventional systems. However, it’s worth checking your boiler’s compatibility in the product specifications.
Does a Hive thermostat need to be wired?
The thermostat itself is wireless and battery-powered, but the receiver that connects to your boiler does require wiring.
Are Hive thermostats easy to fit?
Yes, Hive thermostats are designed for user-friendly installation. With clear instructions and labelled components, most users find the process straightforward.
Why is Hive being discontinued?
Hive is not being discontinued, but some older models may no longer receive updates. Newer Hive products and services are still supported and widely available.
Can you replace an old thermostat with a Hive?
Yes, the Hive thermostat can replace most traditional room thermostats. Depending on the wiring, you may need to cap off or disconnect unused wires.
Does Hive need to be connected to the boiler?
Yes, the Hive receiver is wired to your boiler to control the heating and hot water systems. The thermostat itself is wireless.
How much does British Gas charge to fit a Hive?
British Gas typically charges around £90 to £150 for Hive installation, depending on the system's complexity. Check their website for the latest rates.
Does Hive have a monthly fee?
No, Hive does not require a monthly fee for basic usage. However, additional features like Hive Heating Plus are subscription-based.
Do plumbers fit Hive?
Yes, many plumbers are qualified to install Hive thermostats, especially those with experience in heating systems. Always confirm their qualifications before hiring.
Contact Us for More Info or Advice
Need help installing your Hive thermostat or have questions about your heating system? At TNS Electrical Solutions, we’re here to assist. Based in Chelsea, Fulham, Putney, Wandsworth, and Battersea, our experienced electricians provide expert advice and reliable installation services.
Address: 445 Sulivan Ct, Peterborough Rd, London SW6 3BX
Email: info@tnssolutions.co.uk
Phone: 020 3715 2919
Hours: Open 24/7
With a 4.9 rating from 311 Google reviews, you can trust us for professional and friendly service. Contact us today for your Hive thermostat needs!