I want to change and resite our present programmable thermostat with a wireless type. The one I have been considering is not all that much cheaper than the self install version of Hive. I was wondering if anyone has any experience of the system and can answer a few questions.

Is the system straight forward to self install? BG's website is full of dire warnings that it needs installing by them or an approved and qualified installer. Is it a case of them trying to drum up business? From what I have seen of the installation information it looks pretty straight forward?

Are there any other on going costs involved? It seems to access with your phone you need an "account" with BG. Is this access charged for other than your phone usage? If free now is it potentially chargeable in the future?

Finally is it worth it or is it just a load of pretentious bollix and I would be better sticking to what I was considering before and wait for some smarter technology to emerge?

Richard