Salus IT600 review 2026

The Salus IT600 smart heating system costs around £200–£300 for a basic starter pack

A smart heating controller can be a significant investment, so knowing the upfront cost is the first question for most homeowners. The Salus IT600 starter pack, which includes the main controller and one Wi-Fi thermostat, typically retails for approximately £200–£300 as of 2026, based on listings from major UK online retailers such as Screwfix and Amazon UK (Screwfix, 2026). This price does not include professional installation, which adds a separate cost.

If you need a more comprehensive system, the total can rise to £500–£800. This higher figure covers multiple thermostats for separate zones, underfloor heating control modules, or boiler optimisation add-ons. The exact cost depends on how many zones you control and whether you opt for Salus’s own underfloor heating kit. Salus Controls’ published 2026 RRP list confirms these price brackets, making the IT600 a mid-range option compared to premium systems like Nest or Hive.

The Salus IT600 is a multi-zone smart heating and hot water controller

At its core, the IT600 replaces or works alongside your existing programmer and room thermostats to manage up to six separate heating zones. A zone is an area of the home you can heat independently, such as upstairs and downstairs. The system supports both combi boilers, which heat water on demand, and system boilers that use a separate hot water cylinder (Salus Controls official product page, 2026).

Key components include the IT600 controller unit, a Wi-Fi thermostat, a smartphone app available for iOS and Android, and optional underfloor heating modules. The controller acts as the central hub, communicating wirelessly with each thermostat and the boiler. This setup allows you to set different temperatures and schedules for each zone, giving you granular control over your heating without needing separate programmers for each area.

Installation requires a competent electrician or heating engineer, not necessarily Gas Safe registration

One common misconception is that smart heating controls always need a Gas Safe registered engineer. Because the IT600 is a low-voltage control system that connects to the boiler via standard wiring, no gas work is involved in its installation (Salus Controls installation manual, 2026). The installer only needs to handle electrical connections, not the gas supply itself.

For electrical work, the installer should hold Part P certification (for England and Wales) or be a qualified heating engineer. Gas Safe registration is only required if the same person also works on the gas supply, which is separate from the IT600 installation. To ensure a reliable job, you can use a certified installer listed on TrustMark, which covers general home improvements (TrustMark, 2026). MCS certification is not required for the IT600 itself, as MCS applies to renewable energy systems, not smart controls.

Quick numbers key specifications and running costs

Data sourced from the Salus Controls technical datasheet and competitor product pages as of 2026 (Salus Controls technical datasheet, 2026). The IT600 stands out for its six-zone capability, which is higher than most rivals. Battery life and warranty are comparable across the board.

The Salus IT600 can reduce heating bills by up to 20% annually, according to manufacturer claims

Salus Controls states that the IT600’s zoning and scheduling features can lead to energy savings of up to 20% on heating costs (Salus Controls marketing materials, 2026). This figure is based on the idea that heating only the rooms you use, when you use them, reduces wasted energy. However, independent estimates from the Energy Saving Trust (EST) suggest that smart heating controls typically save 8–12% for a typical three-bedroom home (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).

Actual savings depend on several variables: the efficiency of your previous heating system, the size and layout of your home, and how diligently you use the scheduling features. A home with a very old, inefficient programmer might see higher savings than one already using a modern timer. The 20% figure is a best-case scenario under ideal conditions, not a guarantee.

The Salus IT600 is compatible with most UK gas boilers, but not all smart home ecosystems

Compatibility is a key consideration when choosing any smart heating system. The IT600 works with the majority of combi and system boilers from brands like Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, and Baxi that use standard 230V switching (Salus Controls compatibility list, 2026). This covers the vast majority of boilers installed in the UK since 2005.

There are exceptions. Some older boilers (pre-2005) or those using proprietary communication protocols may not be compatible. For example, certain Ideal Logic models require a separate interface module. On the smart home side, the IT600 integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, but it does not support Apple HomeKit or IFTTT (If This Then That). If you rely on a HomeKit-based smart home, this may be a significant limitation.

Read our guide to smart heating system compatibility with different boiler brands

The Salus IT600 app is rated 4.2 out of 5 on the UK App Store as of early 2026

User reviews on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store give the Salus IT600 app an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 as of early 2026 (Apple App Store, 2026). Positive feedback highlights the ease of creating schedules, reliable remote access from anywhere, and responsive customer support when issues arise.

Common criticisms include occasional Wi-Fi disconnection, limited third-party integrations, and a user interface that some reviewers describe as dated compared to newer rivals like the Nest app. These complaints are not universal but are worth noting if a polished app experience is a priority for you. The app is functional and stable for most users, but it does not lead the market in design or ecosystem breadth.

The Salus IT600 is a solid mid-range choice for homeowners wanting multi-zone control without a subscription

The most compelling argument for the Salus IT600 is its lack of ongoing monthly fees. Unlike some competitors, such as Hive which offers an optional subscription for advanced features like geofencing, the IT600 has no subscription costs (Salus Controls pricing page, 2026). This makes it a more cost-effective option over time.

It offers a good balance of features and price for homes with multiple heating zones, such as separate upstairs and downstairs control, or individual room control in larger properties. For homeowners who prioritise seamless smart home integration or a premium, polished app experience, alternatives like the Google Nest Learning Thermostat or Hive Active Heating may be better suited, though they often come with higher upfront costs or optional subscriptions. The IT600 is a sensible, no-frills choice for those who want multi-zone control without recurring payments.

Compare the Salus IT600 vs Hive vs Nest in our full smart thermostat comparison