Timers and Controls
Control the heat, cut the costs T
Matt Parton, product manager with ESP and Sangamo – part of the Scolmore Group – explains why heating controls present a growing opportunity for electrical wholesalers and their contractor customers.
he conversation around energy use has shiſt ed signifi cantly in recent years. Rising energy prices, tighter Building Regulations and the UK’s net zero commitments are reshaping expectations across domestic and commercial markets alike. For electrical wholesalers, this changing landscape presents a clear opportunity: heating controls are no longer an optional extra - they are a core component of compliant, energy-effi cient installations. Heating accounts for the largest part of the average household’s energy consumption. In commercial buildings, HVAC systems can make up an even larger proportion of operating costs. Yet many systems are either poorly controlled or rely on outdated technologies. The result is wasted energy, higher bills, and unnecessary carbon emissions.
Modern heating controls can solve this problem by matching energy output more closely to actual demand. Whether through zoning, load compensation or smart scheduling, well-specifi ed controls can reduce consumption signifi cantly. For contractors, upgrading controls is one of the simplest ways to improve system performance. For wholesalers, it represents a reliable, regulation- driven sales category with strong growth potential.
Enhanced energy effi ciency One of the key advantages of modern heating controls is that they deliver meaningful energy savings without requiring wholesale system replacement. Traditional heating systems often operate on fi xed schedules or manual adjustments, which can result in unnecessary energy consumption. Modern heating controls, including smart thermostats and zoning systems,
allow precise control over heating schedules and temperatures. By adjusting output to actual occupancy patterns and environmental conditions, these systems can reduce energy usage by up to 20–30%, directly translating to lower bills and reduced carbon footprints.
Improved comfort and personalisation Advanced heating controls enable zoned heating, giving occupants the ability to set diff erent temperatures in diff erent areas of a building. This ensures consistent comfort while avoiding overheating or underheating spaces that are rarely used. A programmable thermostat gives the user an option to schedule at what time and day a call for heat can be made, thus reducing the possibility of wasting energy when the property is empty. For wholesalers, positioning programmable controls as part of every boiler or heating system sale can help contractors deliver added value while increasing average transaction spend.
Zoned heating and Part L compliance Building Regulations continue to raise the bar for energy performance. Under Part L, time and temperature zone control is now required in new and replacement heating systems. In many domestic installations, this means two- zone heating control is stipulated as standard. This regulatory requirement creates consistent demand for multi-channel programmable solutions. Stocking compliant, easy-to-install systems ensures contractors can meet obligations without delay or complexity on site.
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By off ering solutions that directly support Part L compliance, wholesalers can position themselves as knowledgeable partners rather than simply product suppliers.
Smart controls
Smart technology continues to play an increasingly important role in residential heating. Homeowners are now far more engaged with energy usage and expect greater visibility and control. Smart thermostats allow users to monitor and adjust heating remotely via smartphone or tablet. This connectivity off ers clear advantages, particularly for landlords, property managers and households with irregular schedules. For contractors, smart controls off er a straightforward upsell opportunity. Installation is typically simple, yet the perceived value to the customer is high. For wholesalers, this makes smart heating controls an attractive category with ongoing demand.
Capitalising on the controls category With energy effi ciency fi rmly on the national agenda, the specifi cation of eff ective heating controls is no longer optional. It is fundamental to delivering compliant, future-ready installations. For electrical wholesalers, the message is clear. Heating controls represent a practical, regulation- driven and technology-led growth category. By helping contractors control the heat, wholesalers can also help their customers cut costs - strengthening relationships and driving long-term business opportunity in the process.
March 2026 electrical wholesaler | 21
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