Hive Heating and Cooling Smart Thermostat Review 2023

Hive is a smart thermostat that allows you to control your home’s heating and cooling system from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. It is a product of Hive Home, a British company that specializes in smart home technology. The Hive thermostat is designed to be easy to use and install, and it has a range of features and functions that make it an appealing choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their heating and cooling system.

About Hive Heating and Cooling Smart Thermostat

The Hive thermostat is a compact, wall-mounted device that measures approximately 4.5 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches thick. It has a sleek, modern design and is available in black or white. The thermostat is powered by a lithium-ion battery and can be installed in place of most traditional thermostats. It comes with a installation kit that includes a mounting plate, screws, wire connectors, and a user manual.

How To Use The Hive Heating and Cooling Smart Thermostat

Install the Hive thermostat: The first step in using the Hive thermostat is to install it in your home. This typically involves replacing your existing thermostat with the Hive thermostat. The Hive thermostat comes with a comprehensive installation kit that includes a mounting plate, screws, wire connectors, and a user manual. Follow the instructions in the manual to properly install the thermostat.
Download the Hive app: Once the Hive thermostat is installed, you will need to download the Hive app on your smartphone or tablet. The app is available for iOS and Android devices, and it can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.
Set up your Hive account: When you first launch the Hive app, you will be prompted to create a Hive account. Follow the on-screen instructions to create your account and link your thermostat to the app.
Set your heating and cooling schedule: The Hive thermostat allows you to create a custom schedule for your heating and cooling system. To set your schedule, open the Hive app and navigate to the “Schedule” tab. From here, you can set different temperatures for different times of the day or week.
Control the temperature: To adjust the temperature in your home, open the Hive app and navigate to the “Temperature” tab. From here, you can use the sliders to set the desired temperature for your home. Alternatively, you can use voice commands to control the thermostat if you have a smart home assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Monitor energy usage: The Hive thermostat has a built-in energy monitor that tracks your home’s energy usage. To view your energy usage, open the Hive app and navigate to the “Energy” tab. Here, you can see your current energy usage and view helpful tips on how to save energy.
View and edit settings: To view or edit the settings for your Hive thermostat, open the Hive app and navigate to the “Settings” tab. From here, you can adjust settings such as the display temperature units and the location of your thermostat. You can also access advanced settings such as vacation mode and frost protection.

Features and Functions

The Hive thermostat has a range of features and functions for home automation that make it easy to control your home’s heating and cooling system. Some of these features include:

Smart Scheduling: The Hive thermostat allows you to create a custom schedule for your heating and cooling system. You can set different temperatures for different times of the day or week, and the thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature in your home to match your schedule.
Remote Control: The Hive thermostat can be controlled remotely using the Hive app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. With the app, you can adjust the temperature in your home from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
Energy Monitoring: The Hive thermostat has a built-in energy monitor that tracks your home’s energy usage and provides helpful insights and tips on how to save energy.
Voice Control: The Hive thermostat is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use voice commands to control your home’s heating and cooling system.

Pros Of Hive Heating and Cooling Smart Thermostat

There are several benefits to using the Hive thermostat in your home:

Energy Savings: One of the main benefits of the Hive thermostat is its ability to help you save energy. By allowing you to create a custom heating and cooling schedule, the thermostat can ensure that your home is only being heated or cooled when you need it. This can help you save money on your energy bills.
Convenience: The Hive thermostat is extremely convenient to use. With the Hive app, you can adjust the temperature in your home from anywhere, and the thermostat’s voice control feature allows you to make changes simply by speaking to your smart home assistant.
Improved Comfort: The Hive thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, so you can ensure that your home is always at a comfortable temperature. This can help you create a more comfortable living environment.
Easy to install: The Hive thermostat is designed to be easy to install, and it comes with a comprehensive installation kit that includes everything you need to get started.
User-friendly: The Hive thermostat has a simple, intuitive interface that is easy to use. The thermostat’s display shows the current temperature, and it has a dial that you can use to adjust the temperature.
Customizable: The Hive thermostat allows you to create a custom schedule for your heating and cooling system, so you can set different temperatures for different times of the day or week.

Cons

Limited Compatibility: The Hive thermostat is only compatible with certain types of heating and cooling systems. If you have an older or uncommon system, you may not be able to use the Hive thermostat.
Subscription Required: The Hive thermostat requires a subscription to access all of its features. While the basic thermostat functions are available without a subscription, you will need to pay a fee to access features such as energy monitoring and remote control.
No Display: The Hive thermostat does not have a display screen, which means you will need to use the app or a smart home assistant to view the current temperature or make changes to the thermostat settings.

Cost of Hive Thermostat

The Hive thermostat is priced at around $200, which includes the cost of the thermostat and the installation kit. However, as mentioned previously, a subscription is required to access all of the thermostat’s features, and this will add an additional cost to your purchase. Hive offers a variety of subscription options, including monthly and annual plans, with prices starting at around $5 per month.

FAQs On Hive Heating And Cooling Thermostat

Is Hive thermostat being discontinued?

I am not aware of any plans to discontinue the Hive thermostat. It is still being actively sold and supported by Hive Home, and there have been no announcements about the product being discontinued. However, it is always a possibility that a product may be discontinued in the future, so it is a good idea to stay up-to-date on the latest developments from the manufacturer. If you have concerns about the availability of the Hive thermostat, you may want to contact Hive Home directly to inquire about the product’s status.

Whether or not a Hive thermostat is worth getting depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether the Hive thermostat is a good choice for you:

Compatibility: The Hive thermostat is only compatible with certain types of heating and cooling systems. If you have an older or uncommon system, you may not be able to use the Hive thermostat.
Cost: The Hive thermostat has a moderate upfront cost, and it also requires a subscription to access all of its features. The cost of the subscription will depend on the plan you choose, and it may not be suitable for everyone.
Features: The Hive thermostat has a range of features that may be appealing to some users, such as smart scheduling, remote control, energy monitoring, and voice control. If these features are important to you, the Hive thermostat may be worth considering.
Energy Savings: One of the main benefits of the Hive thermostat is its ability to help you save energy. By allowing you to create a custom heating and cooling schedule, the thermostat can ensure that your home is only being heated or cooled when you need it. If you are looking for ways to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills, the Hive thermostat may be a good choice.

Can I Install Hive Thermostat Myself?

Yes, you can install a Hive thermostat yourself. However, it is important to make sure that you are comfortable with the installation process and that you have the necessary tools and materials. You should also ensure that you follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions.

Before beginning the installation, you should turn off the power to your heating and cooling system at the breaker box. You will also need to remove the old thermostat from the wall and disconnect any wires.

To install the Hive thermostat, you will need to mount the base plate to the wall and connect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the base plate. Once the base plate is installed and wired, you can snap the thermostat onto the base plate and turn the power back on to your heating and cooling system.

If you are not comfortable with the installation process, you may want to consider hiring a professional to install the thermostat for you. This can help to ensure that the installation is done correctly and safely.

Do I Pay A Monthly Fee For Hive?

It is not necessary to pay a monthly fee to use a Hive thermostat. The Hive thermostat is a standalone device that can be controlled using the Hive app on your smartphone or tablet. The app is available for free from the App Store or Google Play, and you can use it to control your thermostat from anywhere.

However, Hive does offer a range of paid services and subscriptions that you can sign up for. These services may include additional features such as remote access to your thermostat, professional installation, and extended warranties. It is up to you whether or not you want to sign up for any of these paid services.

Does Hive Use A Lot Of Electricity?

The Hive thermostat itself does not use a significant amount of electricity. It is designed to be energy efficient and will only use a small amount of power to operate.

However, it is important to note that the Hive thermostat can be used to control your home’s heating and cooling systems, which can be major energy consumers. By using the Hive thermostat to efficiently control these systems, you may be able to save energy and reduce your electricity usage.

You can use the Hive app to monitor your energy usage and set energy-saving schedules for your heating and cooling systems. This can help you to optimize your energy usage and reduce your energy costs.

Conclusion

Using a Hive thermostat can provide a number of benefits. It allows you to easily control your home’s heating and cooling systems from your smartphone or tablet, giving you the ability to adjust the temperature remotely and set energy-saving schedules. The Hive thermostat is also energy efficient, using a small amount of power to operate. By using the Hive thermostat to control your home’s heating and cooling systems, you may be able to save energy and reduce your energy costs. In addition, the Hive thermostat is easy to install and does not require a monthly fee. Overall, the Hive thermostat is a convenient and cost-effective way to manage the temperature in your home.