Boiler Controller Replacement with Zigbee Support

[viral grove]

Not really looking for support, more of just ideas an recommendations.
I'm in the UK and I have a BAXI boiler, not sure on the model (but I don't think it matters as the controller I think is just controlling a relay), and a Siemens RCR10/433-GB Wireless Controller. This thing doesn't have like any smart stuff on it, but I wanna know what hardware I could swap it with (if possible) to something that has zigbee support, and ideally still some form of backup RF thermostat too (in case my HA server was down or whatever).

My idea is to possibly get themostats for each room with valves on radiators, but just having support on home assistant would be a good start, and then expand later.

Any ideas on what I could use for this?

[paper dagger]

I use a Hive Thermostat - both the Hive Receiver and Thermostat are paired directly with Zigbee2Mqtt, so no need for the Hive Hub.

If HA server is down I can use the Hive Thermostat to control the temperature - just need to place it in a location that is most sensible for manging the temperature for the whole home. The TRV's can still function to limit temperature in a single room but they will not be able to turn the boiler on / off as necessary.

With HA running, I have TRV's on each radiator and when any off them need heat I use an automation to set Thermostat to 30 C which turns the boiler on. When no TRV's need heat an automation set's the Thermostat to 12 C which turns the boiler off.

[lean lance]

Sorry to hijack the OP’s thread.

@paper dagger am very interested in what you’ve done. I’m generally happy with the hive cloud integration, but would like to switch over and move it to HA. Don’t suppose you know if this would work on ZHA? Secondly how does the wall thermostat work in this setup? I guess it’s basically optional anyway but it would be nice to make use of it somehow.

[paper dagger]

@lean lance If you are using ZHA some functionality will be limited - see here https://github.com/andrew-codechimp/HA-Hive-Local-Thermostat

There is a write up at https://community.home-assistant.io/t/how-to-set-up-your-hive-heating-system-with-home-assistant/808765

I originally set-up my automations without the 'Hiva Local Thermostat' integration, so know that you will be able to trigger the heat on / off by setting high / low temps on the Hive Receiver.

I haven't fully been through the configuration having added the Hive Local Thermostat integration, but I believe it will be able to add boost control as well as allowing schedules on the Thermostat. My scripts are a little more complex as I check when a person arrives in a zone and current temperatures to see if heating should be supplemented by using the AC system to provide additional heat in order to heat a room faster.

[cursive sage]

Check if your boiler model supports opentherm because if it is you might be able to use something like https://diyless.com/product/opentherm-thermostat3 which has wifi connectivity that uses mqtt but is built on esphome integration and might work well enough for you

[lean lance]

Thanks for the info. I’ve tried z2m but didn’t get on with it, and with 100 Zigbee devices switching would be a mission. I’ll have a look at this again in the summer, when I can go without heating for a bit! Ta again for the links.

Oh. I have a similar setup with the hive integration to you, with a minimum room temp helper sensor being used to trigger a boost if someone is home and it’s “daytime”. Otherwise the standard hive schedule sets the temp from the thermostat in the hall using the schedule. It works surprisingly well! But yeah the clouds!!! If I could get the boiler controller into thermostat I doubt I’d bother with the wall thermostat and would just trip the boiler on or off using whatever automation logic I can think of. The only thing I’d have to check is that the boiler turns off if HA crashes…..