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BOILERS & HOT WATER BSEE
SMART THERMOSTATS A winner for installers and customers
Heating controls have played an increasingly important role in reducing energy use while maintaining comfort. In particular, the smart thermostat market has grown exponentially over the last few years in features, functionality and users. Nikolaus Moschkorz, Director, Installer Networks, explores the benefits.
S
mart thermostats are driving the home automation sector, demonstrating real value and savings, while increasingly
being able to communicate with other smart home devices such as locks, cameras and lights. Today, thousands of Brits have already switched to a smart thermostat and the figure is set to soon grow to over half a million a year.
It’s important for installers to recognise the features and benefits of smart thermostats so they can not only recommend the most suitable devices for their customers, but also understand the benefits they can bring. A variety of smart thermostat training programs are available for installers to help them improve their business through smart technology, such as HomeServe’s Smart Installers club.
The level of energy savings that can be made through using a smart thermostat depends on a range of factors, but the most important consideration is user behaviour. Millions of pounds are wasted in the UK every year through the heating of empty homes. Many people keep their heating on all day even when they go to work as they want to return to a warm house. Others find it difficult to use their programmable timer properly or have flexible schedules that make timers largely redundant.
Leading smart thermostat manufacturers have approached this issue with two solutions – through learning or geolocation features. A learning smart thermostat programs itself by learning your behaviour patterns and desired temperatures
for certain days and times during the week and then building a schedule for your heating system. A geolocation-based smart thermostat uses your phone’s location to automatically turn the heating off or down when you leave home and to pre-heat it to your desired temperature when it senses you returning home. Annual energy savings typically range from 10-30 per cent when upgrading to a smart thermostat, representing reductions of £125-£375 a year on an average energy bill.
Compatibility and efficiency
The type of heating system will determine which smart thermostat is compatible. Whether a home is fitted with a combi, system and heat-only boiler, conventional and condensing boiler, zoned system, hydronic and electric underfloor system or a heat pump will play a role. The ability to control hot water is another factor worth considering as several smart thermostats do not have this functionality because they lack a digital (BUS) connection and dual relay.
Some smart thermostats are also modulating controls, meaning they can precisely control the heating rather than just turning your heating on full power or completely off. It’s much more energy efficient to be able to heat modularly at, for example, 25, 50 or 75 per cent power to ensure a steady temperature. A digital system also gathers information on the state of a boiler which can be fed directly back to the installer so they already know the boiler’s issue before they even set off
to repair it. This functionality has clear benefits to both the resident and installer and represents the future standard of boilers.
The recent European Related Products (ErP) Directive rewards modulating heating controls by ranking them in the highest classes, thereby boosting the overall efficiency rating of a heating system.
Multi-zone control is another important factor that will boost the efficiency of your heating system as it can prevent the heating of empty rooms and really focus heating where it’s needed at home.
Only a select number of smart thermostats offer multi-zone control so it’s worth checking this out when looking at the options.
Features and benefits
The first key feature shared by all smart thermostats is the ability to control home heating remotely through a smartphone, tablet or computer; but from thereon in the differences between devices begins to vary. Smart thermostat features include: automated geolocation control, multi-zone control, hot water control, manual control, weather forecasting, learning a home’s unique building characteristics, scheduling, system alerts, remote monitoring, platform integrations, iOS, Android & Windows compatibility, and much more.
With many features and advanced technology it’s important to keep the interface and controls simple for the user.
uMulti‐zone control prevents the heating of empty rooms and allows users to focus on heating where it’s needed.
The contractor market is very competitive so installers need to differentiate themselves and stay a step ahead of the game. Customers are looking for professional well- informed advice. They are requesting ways to reduce their energy bills and save money. Installers who are clued- up on the smart thermostat sector will be able to stand out from their competitors.
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BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER APRIL 2016 17
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