Smart thermostat maker Tado has announced a new set of artificial intelligence (AI) features designed to help households heat their homes more efficiently. The update, known as AI Assist, builds on the company’s existing Auto Assist service and is now available in Europe and the UK for Tado X owners.
How the new AI features work
Tado describes AI Assist as an upgrade that utilises advanced machine learning to “learn, predict, and optimise” heating in real-time. The system adapts to the specific heating patterns of each room, aiming to strike a balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
One of the main functions is Adaptive Heating, which allows the software to recognise how quickly each room heats up or cools down. This information is then used to adjust the operation of Smart Radiator Thermostats more precisely. Another feature, Preheat Before Arrival, predicts when users are likely to return home and warms the property in time for their arrival.
The service also introduces Energy IQ, which provides insights into where and how energy is being used. By analysing these patterns, households can make smarter choices about heating and potentially save money. Additionally, Holiday Mode ensures that heating matches the household’s schedule while residents are away, preventing unnecessary energy consumption and maintaining comfort upon return.
Subscription details and availability
AI Assist is included in Tado’s existing subscription model at the same price as Auto Assist. Customers can choose between an annual plan costing £29.99 or a monthly option priced at £3.99. Those who already subscribe to Auto Assist will be upgraded automatically at no additional cost.
However, only users with the latest Tado X hardware will be able to access the new AI-driven features. Owners of older devices will continue to receive the standard Auto Assist service without the additional AI tools.
Industry reaction and comparisons
Some industry observers note that while the features may be useful, they are not entirely new in the smart home sector. Companies such as Google Nest have long offered predictive heating and energy monitoring, although they have not explicitly marketed them as AI innovations.
This raises questions over whether Tado’s new offering represents a genuine technological advancement or simply a rebranding exercise built around current enthusiasm for AI. Despite this, the company highlights that its AI Assist package has been tailored to individual household needs, using real-time data to adapt and optimise heating performance.
By providing predictive heating, detailed energy insights and more flexible scheduling, Tado aims to position AI Assist as a step forward in making smart heating more efficient and personalised. Whether consumers perceive the difference as significant may depend on how effectively these tools deliver on the promise of comfort and cost savings.
