Electrical contractors should make sure they ’ re discussing the benefits of smart thermostats . |
Internet connected controls allow the user to remotely manage the temperature of their property using an App on their smartphone or tablet , no matter where they are .
This means that the heating can be turned on or off , and the temperature adjusted , without the user needing to be near the home . For example , if a homeowner has gone to work and accidentally left the heating on , they are able to remotely switch it off using the App .
It ’ s also really easy to adjust heating schedules on the go , which means homeowners are able to reduce their energy consumption by tailoring heating periods to fit in with their lifestyle and routine .
This means if their plans change last minute , the homeowner can alter the time periods via the App so the heating doesn ’ t come on until later that evening , therefore not wasting energy heating an empty house .
Energy savings
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As well as offering flexibility , smart controls can also lower energy consumption . Heating and hot water accounts for around 82 per cent of a home ’ s total energy use , so a lack of control can result in high household bills .
Research has shown that adding a modern ‘ TPI ’ room thermostat plus thermostatic radiator valves ( TRVs ) to a conventional heating system can reduce energy costs by over 50 per cent .
New smart controls take this one step further , as they give the homeowner ultimate control over the amount of energy that is being used , meaning they have the ability to significantly reduce household bills .
This is a key message for homeowners when recommending smart thermostats , as many will see the reduction in energy costs as the main reason for having an Internet connected control fitted .
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Comfort control
Another key consideration when installing smart thermostats is that homeowners can also enhance their comfort levels , with increased level of control of the temperature of their environment .
For example , if your customer has elderly parents , you can recommend a smart thermostat to offer peace of mind . Having the system fitted at their parents ’ property means they can check their home temperature is at a comfortable level to keep them healthy and happy , and remotely adjust it when required .
Smart controls don ’ t just offer comfort as a physical feeling of wellbeing ; they can
also help your customers to feel financially comfortable because of the energy savings they provide .
They also help homeowners to feel more comfortable about the impact they have on the environment too , as they offer the ability to minimise energy usage through enhanced control . This makes them ideal for environmentally conscious customers .
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Internet connected controls allow the user to remotely manage the temperature of their property using an App on their smartphone or tablet , no matter where they are . |
Quick fit
Although offering smart thermostat installations can open up a potentially lucrative new revenue stream , electricians need to be clever about which products they install to minimise installation time and the chance of call backs .
There are many smart thermostats available on the market – some are highly advanced , but these devices often come with the downside of tricky wiring and a lengthy set up process , increasing installation time significantly .
In comparison , wireless controls are much quicker to fit , meaning more free time for the electrician to put back into the business . Another selling point of a simple wireless smart controls system is that customers don ’ t need to divulge a lot of personal information , which some advanced learning devices require .
By selecting a simple smart thermostat that is wireless and features an industry standard backplate , electricians can make controls upgrades quick and easy , with installations taking as little as 10 minutes .
To install a product such as this , the old programmer and thermostat can be quickly removed and the new Internet enabled control retrofitted . All that needs to be done then is to connect the gateway to the Internet and sync it with the App , which the homeowner is able to download onto their smartphone or tablet .
Make a wish
With this in mind , Drayton has created miGenie Internet connected heating control packs – known as ‘ Wishes ’ – that can be controlled via an App on an iOS or Android smartphone , tablet , or Apple Watch .
Products are pre-bound , boast an industry standard backplate , and can be installed in 10 minutes . The controls are really simple to operate too , featuring familiar buttons and icons , and step-bystep instructions for set up .
So electrical contractors should make sure they ’ re discussing the benefits of
smart thermostats – including energy reductions and increased homeowner comfort – with customers , and for ease of installation recommending simple wireless system as the smartest solution .
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56 | November 2016 |