Move heating control panel / thermostat

⭐ Introduction

Moving a heating control panel or thermostat involves relocating the device that regulates your central heating system from one part of your home to another. This job is often needed when you’re redecorating, extending a room, or simply want the thermostat in a more convenient or appropriate position to get an accurate reading of your home’s temperature.

A thermostat placed in the wrong location — for example, next to a radiator, in direct sunlight, or near a draughty window — can cause your heating system to work inefficiently. Moving it can improve comfort, reduce heating bills, and help your system work as intended.

🔧 What the job involves

At its simplest, the job means disconnecting the existing thermostat or control panel, rerouting any wiring or cables, and then installing and wiring it up in the new location. Because this device controls your heating, care must be taken to ensure all connections are safe and function correctly.

If your heating system uses a wired thermostat, cables must be re-run through walls, floors, or ceiling voids. For wireless models, the move is simpler, but optimal placement and signal strength still matter.

For more advanced heating controls — like smart thermostats or programmer units — the engineer may also set up and test the system to ensure proper communication with boilers, valves, and timers.

In some cases, moving the control panel might require altering part of the heating system wiring or installing new heating zones, which adds complexity.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

1. Initial enquiry
   Contact a Gas Safe registered heating engineer or reputable heating company to discuss your requirements.

2. Survey and quote
   The engineer will usually visit your home to inspect the existing installation, assess wiring, and check what’s involved. They’ll give you a clear quote including labour, materials, and any extras.

3. Booking the work
   Agree a date for the job that suits you and the engineer.

4. Day of the work

   • The engineer will turn off your heating system, and potentially isolate electrical supply if needed.
   • They will remove the old thermostat/control panel from its location.
   • Wiring will be rerouted as required — this may involve chasing walls or fishing cables through loft or floor voids.
   • The thermostat/control panel is installed and wired at the new location.
   • The engineer tests the system to ensure everything works correctly.
   • Any decorations or wall damage caused by wiring changes may be left for you to patch or can be arranged separately.

5. Completion and handover
   The engineer will explain how to use the relocated thermostat properly, provide any paperwork such as certificates if applicable, and give advice on maintenance.

💷 Main costs to expect

• Labour: The heating engineer’s time, typically charged between £40–£60 per hour including VAT.
• Materials/parts: New wiring cable, fittings, wall back boxes, and possibly a new thermostat if upgrading. Expect £20–£50 for parts in a standard move.
• Extras:
  • Wall chasing or making good (£50–£100+, depending on extent).
  • New batteries or controls for wireless units.
• Disposal: Minimal, unless replacing the unit or packaging.
• Certification/documentation: Usually not mandatory for just moving a thermostat, but if changes involve boiler controls or wiring, an Electrical Installation Certificate or Gas Safe certificate may be issued, possibly costing £50–£100.

Example: labour (3 hours) £150, materials £30, minor wall chasing £80, total ~£260.

📊 What affects the price

• The type of thermostat/control panel (wired, wireless, smart).
• Ease of access to wiring routes (loft access, under floors, wall material).
• Distance between old and new location — longer cable runs cost more.
• Whether chasing or making good walls is needed.
• Need for additional wiring or system upgrades (e.g., adding a timer).
• If the heating system requires boiler or electrical modifications (Gas Safe or Part P regulations).
• Location of your home and availability of engineers.
• Timescale: rush jobs or weekend works usually cost more.

⏱ How long does it take?

• Simple swap (wireless thermostat, easy access): 1–2 hours.
• Standard wired move within same room or adjacent wall: 2–4 hours.
• Complex moves involving new wiring routes, wall chasing, or multi-zone heating controls: 4–6+ hours and may need multiple visits.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Moving a heating control panel or thermostat is generally not recommended as a DIY job unless you have experience with electrical wiring and plumbing systems. This is because:

• Heating system wiring can involve mains electricity and controls that must meet Part P Electrical Safety Regulations.
• Incorrect installation can cause heating failure, increased energy bills, or safety hazards.
• Gas boilers and controls fall under Gas Safe regulations — only qualified engineers can legally work on gas components.
• Wireless thermostats are easier but still need correct placement for signal strength and operation.

If you’re unsure, it’s always safer and ultimately more economical to hire a qualified heating engineer.

💰 Typical UK price range

Expect to pay between £150 and £450 including VAT for moving a heating control panel or thermostat in a typical UK home. The exact cost depends on the complexity of the move and any additional work involved.

Bear in mind that upgrading or replacing your thermostat at the same time may add to the cost.

✅ Handy tips before you start

• Decide on the ideal new location: choose a spot away from heat sources (like radiators or direct sunlight) and draughts. Optimal height is usually around 1.5m above floor level.
• Clear the area around the old and new locations to give the engineer easy access.
• If your walls are solid or have tricky finishes (e.g., tiled, plasterboard), mention this early as it may affect costs.
• Keep any paperwork, receipts, and certificates for your records — useful if you sell the property or need future servicing.
• Ask your engineer for advice on how to use your heating controls after installation and when to have your system serviced.
• Consider having your boiler serviced at the same time to maintain efficiency and safety.

By preparing properly and hiring a competent professional, moving your heating control panel or thermostat can be straightforward and bring real benefits to your home comfort.