Aqara is adding a HomeKit-compatible smart radiator thermostat to automate hydronic radiators, which can receive signals from outside the unit itself.
Aqara's Smart Radiator Thermostat
supports Zigbee 3.0 at launch along with HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, and others. In addition, support for the Matter smart home protocol will arrive in a future software update.
The Radiator Thermostat E1 sets itself apart from competitors by receiving temperature readings directly from a connected Aqara temperature sensor. The company says most other thermostatic radiator valves use internal sensors to measure a room's temperature.
When paired with an Aqara Door and Window Sensor, the thermostat can turn off the heat when it detects an open door or window. This feature helps reduce energy waste. In addition, the thermostat has 12-month battery life, powered only by two AA batteries.
With the Aqara Home app, users can create a smart schedule to set various temperatures throughout the day. For example, it can lower the heat when no one is home and turn it up before household members arrive, thanks to its geofencing feature.
Aqara is offering a 10% discount for the Radiator Thermostat on its European Amazon stores in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK with the promo code TRVE1UKEU. The code is valid through September 15, 2022.
Aqara has an Amazon store for customers in the US, but the thermostat doesn't appear to be available yet.