Home Automation
Why home automation is the only way forward
Controlling a home’s heating has never been easier. Richard Brown, Managing Director of Electrorad, considers the ‘Smart Home Revolution’ and explains why it’s so important to embrace the change.
evolved rapidly –not only in terms of energy efficiency and energy management –but in relation to the design and functionality of the actual radiators. However, the latest revolution in electrical heating is unprecedented. Thanks to recent advances in technology, homeowners can now match their heating to suit their lifestyle; offering complete freedom, flexibility and control. On the back of this come amazing opportunities for wholesalers too; in terms of upskilling, upselling and boosting the bottom line. Heating accounts for 60% of the average household’s energy bill. Despite this, many homeowners remain way out of touch when it comes to the control of their heating, even
N
o one can accuse the electrical heating industry of standing still. Over the last few years, it has
The new smart control system that will soon be available for Electrorad’s Digi-Line electric radiators. A one-box solution of wireless integration with thermostat and wireless control built into each radiator, the system features a central touchscreen that acts as the wireless home control and wi-fi gateway to enable smartphone/tablet App control of any room in the house from anywhere in the world.
though it’s proven that by reducing the temperature by 1°C, you can cut energy usage by up to 5%. I know whose pocket I would prefer that saving to be in!
Smart controls A smartly controlled heating system is essential to keep the home at a comfortable temperature without wasting heat, and to ensure money isn’t wasted on heating bills. As more and more smart home systems arrive on the market, we’ve started to see homeowners move away from traditional mechanical room thermostats, towards programmable thermostats and smart controls. What exactly are smart heating controls and
are they really that smart? Basically, smart controls are programmable
thermostats that predominantly use the internet via specially designed Apps available
via laptops, mobiles and tablets. Used to control the heating times and temperatures within the home from anywhere in the world, the Apps work in conjunction with a wireless master control unit that is positioned within the home. The benefit to the homeowner is that they can adjust their heating from wherever they are should their plans change, or if there are significant changes in the weather, simply by using an App. It’s a huge plus for owners of holiday homes, for example, as they can control their energy usage from afar. With lots of variations now available, some
smart controls can be zoned within the home and others can be programmed to control hot water. Some can even include smart meters to educate the homeowner about their energy consumption and costs. Up until now, most fail to control every radiator independently, but soon a new smart control system will be
A smartly controlled heating system is essential to keep the home at a comfortable temperature without wasting heat, and
to ensure money isn’t wasted on heating bills. As more and more smart home systems arrive on the market, we’ve started to see homeowners move away from traditional mechanical room thermostats, towards programmable thermostats and smart controls.
lContinued over
www.ewnews.co.uk May 2015 electrical wholesaler | 37
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64