Electrical Contracting News (ECN) October 2017 | Page 54
SPECIAL
FEATURE
HVAC
and Android devices is IFTTT (If This Then
That), a free web-based application that
enables users to create their own, simple
automation processes – known as applets –
based on a series of conditions.
For example, a command for evohome
could be, “If current weather condition
changes to snow, set zone temperature to
X°C.” From the user’s point of view, the key
benefit of the home hub is that they don’t
need to use a number of different apps to
control their various devices – the hub does
it for them with a simple voice command.
Knowledge is power
While home hubs are consumer products
at their core, electrical contractors
can benefit from understanding each
device and how it can be integrated with
existing technology, like heating controls.
Becoming part of this growing area of
the market depends on understanding
the world of the digital assistant and
smart technology – the payback being
the ability to capitalise on the business
opportunities available.
The chances are that by the time a
customer is looking to integrate their
heating thermostat into their connected
home, they will already have committed to
their choice of hub, and this will influence
the choice of heating controls. In turn, it
will be essential that electrical contractors
understand the relevance of learning about
digital assistants because they will be
expected to know which thermostats are
‘Manufacturers
are now
making their
thermostats
compat ible
with as
many home
automation
platforms as
possible.’
compatible with which home hubs and how
they work together. An electrician who can
talk confidently and offer advice about this
is in the best position to upsell them to
their customers.
Getting connected
Manufacturers are now making their
thermostats compatible with as many
home automation platforms as possible,
so electricians can be confident in
recommending a connected control
that will integrate seamlessly with
their customers’ automation systems,
either now or in the future. For example,
Honeywell’s Lyric T6 series, evohome
and Single Zone thermostats are all
compatible with Amazon Echo and are
IFTTT-enabled, whilst the Lyric T6 also
works with Apple HomeKit and Google
Home. Further compatibility with Google
Home is also planned for the evohome
smart zoning thermostat and the Single
Zone thermostat.
Moreover, manufacturers are offering
the resources that will enable electrical
installers to expand their knowledge base
and provide the best possible advice to
their customers. Honeywell offers advice
on which devices are compatible with
our product ranges and there are online
training resources to assist with setting
up connected thermostats to work with
home hubs.
The introduction of digital assistants
into the world of heating controls means
that electricians will have to learn more
about how a customer’s lifestyle is likely
to impact on how they want to use their
heating system. Being able to talk with
authority and ensuring that the customer
feels confident that the specified control
will work to its full potential – both today
and in the future – is the best way of
making the most of the sales opportunity
it presents.
Becoming part of
this growing area of
the market depends
on understanding the
world of the digital
assistant and smart
technology.
Electric flow boilers
from Heatrae Sadia.
Providing an efficient
alternative for properties
without a mains gas supply.
✓ No annual gas safety check
Low maintenance, better
for landlords
✓ No flue necessary
For ease and flexibility of
installation, can be
sited almost anywhere
✓ Radiator and underfloor
Amptec and Electromax
models available
Suitable for many properties
✓ Electromax can provide
both heating and hot water
Versatile single solution
✓ Amptec can be combined
with Megaflo Eco cylinder
to control hot water
For durability and reliability
Amptec
Electromax
For further information contact:
0330 333 5037 | [email protected]
heatraesadia.com
Hurricane Way, Norwich, Norfolk NR6 6EA
DEPT_201017_HeatraeSadia_Amptec_HalfHoriz_ECN_Oct17_rev1.indd 1
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