Heating controls after a new ECO4 boiler: timers, thermostats and radiator valves explained (2026)

Guide by ApplyFreeBoiler.uk (Reliant Energy Solutions Ltd), a heating and insulation installer in Bury, Greater Manchester. We are not the government, Ofgem or an energy supplier.

A new boiler often comes with new controls, and getting used to them makes a real difference to comfort. This guide explains the common controls in plain words. It is general information from ApplyFreeBoiler.uk, a heating and insulation installer in Bury. Your installer should show you how your own controls work, and your manuals have the details for your model. This page does not guarantee funding.

1. Ask for a handover

Before the installer leaves, ask them to show you the boiler display, the programmer and the room thermostat, and to leave the manuals and any app details.

2. Programmer or timer

The programmer sets when the heating, and on system boilers the hot water, comes on and goes off. Set times around when people are actually at home and awake.

3. Room thermostat

The room thermostat switches the heating off once the room it sits in reaches the set temperature. It works best in a main living space, away from radiators, sunny windows and draughts.

4. Thermostatic radiator valves

Thermostatic radiator valves, or TRVs, let you set different rooms to different levels. Lower settings in spare bedrooms and higher ones in rooms you use most can help.

5. Smart and app controls

If your controls connect to an app, set them up with the installer present so any Wi-Fi or account steps are done while help is on hand.

6. Hot water on a combi

A combi boiler heats water on demand, so there is no hot water tank or hot water timer to set. Your manual explains any hot water temperature setting.

7. Keep vulnerable people warm

If someone in the home is older, very young or unwell, make sure the controls keep living rooms comfortably warm and check them as the weather turns colder.

8. Check funding and local figures

See ECO measures by council on ApplyFreeBoiler.uk, built from DESNZ Household Energy Efficiency statistics, to see how many ECO measures have been installed in your local authority area. Use the ApplyFreeBoiler.uk eligibility check to see whether an ECO4 heating or insulation pathway may be available for your home in England, Scotland or Wales. ECO4 is due to close on 31 December 2026.