Electrical Contracting News (ECN) November 2016 | Page 55

HOME AUTOMATION & INTELLIGENT BUILDINGS

Smart controls
can help your
customers to
feel financially
comfortable
because of the
energy savings
they provide.

SPECIAL
FEATURE

SMART MADE SIMPLE
Simon May from Drayton discusses the benefits of smart thermostats – including
energy reductions and increased homeowner comfort – and explains why a
simple wireless system is the smartest solution.

H

ome automation is no
longer a thing of the
future. It’s becoming
more commonplace
as homeowner
awareness of
smart technologies
increases, and
systems become more affordable.
Recent research shows 57 per cent of
UK consumers are now aware of what a
‘smart’ or ‘connected’ home is, so it’s vital

that electricians are not getting left behind
with the smart home revolution.
When it comes to smart home
installations, smart energy is the number
one driver – ahead of smart security,
entertainment, convenience and health.
Sales of Internet of Things (IoT) heating
devices have also grown by 3,000 per cent
since 2010, with volumes set to rise 40 per
cent in 2016.
So there is the opportunity for electrical
contractors to give their business a boost

by being knowledgeable about smart
heating technologies and recommending
upgrades to customers.

Smart benefits
In order to effectively persuade customers
that may not be so savvy when it comes to
smart systems, electricians should make
sure they know how products work, and
be able to communicate the benefits to
the homeowner.

November 2016 | 55

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