Honeywell Evohome ATP921R3100 Review

Honeywell’s Evohome is something of an innovator among heating systems. While its rivals are designed with a more single-minded focus, the Evohome ATP921R3100 is capable of providing warmth to multiple rooms while being controlled from a single interface. However, it is worth noting that Evohome is quite an expensive unit. However, for what it is capable of, it is worth the price.

Installation

This system is among Honeywell’s more complex products. Hence, it is recommended that a professional is contacted to install it. However, for those who are already experienced with installing heating systems, doing it by yourself is certainly possible.

In order to get the most out of Evohome, you will require radiators with smart TRV valves. This is so that you have maximum control. They are necessary because they enable you to tweak the radiator’s temperature when you want. Typically, the valves will be included with the central heating system.

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For those who do not need to install valves, the process becomes much simpler. The TRV valves can be easily removed, while the Evohome ones slide on in their place. Instructions for this process are described in the installer. This is in the context of changing the thermostat’s battery when it has been depleted.

The primary control console is plugged directly into a wall socket. After this, it connects to the Wi-Fi network in your house. It functions as both a temperature sensor and a control panel.

Radiator Controllers

Since you will need to purchase specific radiator valves to enable smart zoning, it would be helpful to discuss what they are. Basically, they are slim valves with a lock mechanism that makes them easy to install or detach. They maintain wireless communication with the Evohome controller so that they can carry out commands. Buying individual controllers is expensive, but if you buy them in packs, you should be able to get a decent price reduction.

The Evohome system is generally impressive as far as central heating is concerned. While it is lacking in some departments, its features are still noteworthy.

Smart Technology

What makes the Evohome system appealing is the expertly implemented smart technology. This adds a great deal of convenience to managing heating. Since it connects to the WiFi itself, like other smart models, like the Salus iT500, you can adjust the settings remotely. This is of great benefit as the control panel console can be fairly clunky with an unreliable touch screen that is prone to being unresponsive. Smart technology compensates for this and allows you change modes, adjust the temperature, etc.

Connect Comfort, Alexa, and Google Assistant Compatibility

Further support for the smart technology comes through compatibility with the Total Connect Comfort app along with third-party smart controls such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. They provide more flexibility with controlling the settings. You can easily switch modes based on your needs using any of the three options above. The App is generally the most reliable one, with Google Assistant coming in second. Alexa support has been lacking since its introduction, but with time, it has considerably improved.

Various Modes

Different modes are also available. These default settings are based on providing convenience. For example, the Economy mode reduces the temperature in the room by 3°C, while the Away mode allows you to set a specific temperature which the system will maintain for a set amount of time. The Day Off mode uses weekend settings on a weekday so that you can stay warm on days when you take an off from work. Of course, there’s a Custom mode as well. Here, you can set a temperature and duration. You can also choose which settings apply to which room.

Multi-Zonal Heating

What sets the Evohome apart from the competition is the fact that it was naturally designed to accommodate heating in several rooms. The flexible control offered to you by the heating system makes it possible to keep different settings for different rooms at different times. For example, you might want your bedroom to stay warm as you sleep, but your roommate might want their room colder. The Evohome ensures that both of you get what you want.

IFTTT Support

One of the downsides of the Evohome is that it lacks geo-location support. This can be fairly inconvenient as the system will not determine on its own that you have left the room and that it should switch off, which can lead to a spike in your heating bills if things get out of hand. Thankfully, Honeywell has included support for IFTTT (If This Then That), which allows you to take advantage of Quick Actions in order to create your own personal geo-location settings through services such as Life360.

Underfloor Heating

Using wireless controls, you can choose settings for underfloor heating as well. This is invaluable in areas that experience extremely cold weather, especially if your home does not have carpeted flooring. You can set 8 different underfloor heating zones, which are handled in the same way as warming rooms.

Customer Reviews

Users are generally consistent in their reviews regarding the Evohome system. It is definitely a league ahead of the competition in certain areas because it offers multi-room heating from the get-go. On top of that, the freedom to customise is unmatched.

On the downside, the price can be an issue since the system and installation together can create a hefty price tag. The lack of geo-location support has also been a point of criticism along with the absence of motion control.

With the Evohome ATP921R3100, you get some of the best central heating control possible. Newer models might sound more interesting, and some are excellent, but the multi-zonal customisable heating options with the Evohome stand tall on their own.

However, it is important to keep in mind that between purchase and installation, you will have to spend a fair amount of money. On top of that, the Evohome lacks certain smart features (such as a motion sensor and geo-location support). Overall, it’s a great product, but it does have a few drawbacks. But which model doesn't.