Using smart heating controls for hot water and central heating not only give you a warm and comfortable home, they will also save you money on your energy bills.
Conversely, inefficient heating controls will most definitely have a negative impact on your energy spend. Upgrading your heating controls could bring you substantial savings, year on year.
Whilst saving money on energy expenditure is a hugely important consideration for all of us, the other really significant benefit of heating controls is a home that is warm and cosy, only when you need it to be. It’s great to come home to a welcoming, warm home knowing that the heating has only been on just enough to bring it up to the perfect temperature. The same goes for hot water. Nobody wants to wait for the cylinder to warm up before they can jump into the shower!
What are Heating Controls?
Most properties across Central London use one of the following three types of heating controls:
Mechanical Heating Controls
A surprising number of very old systems with mechanical controls are still in service. These are usually housed in little boxes on the wall, complete with a mechanical timer and switch. Generally, the boiler is either on or off with these antiquated systems. Slightly more sophisticated mechanical heating systems may have separate switches for hot water and heating. These systems are now very outdated and restrictive, offering absolutely no flexibility. Unless you can be bothered to go around adjusting radiators manually, every day, all of your radiators will come on at the same time and at the same temperature. Your hot water may even have to be on at the same time, whether you want it or not!
Digital Heating Controls
Digital heating controls are far more technologically advanced. Controlled wirelessly, these controls give excellent customisable control of both your heating and your hot water. With digital heating controls you can:
- Program separate heating zones
- Operate the heating and hot water individually
- Set heating and hot water to come on at varying times on different days of the week. You can even set a weekend program.
Obviously, if you have a combi boiler you will always have a constant supply of hot water and the digital heating controller will look after your heating only.
App-based Digital Heating Control Systems
App-based digital control systems deliver the ultimate solution to fine tune your heating and hot water requirements. These can be setup to give you complete control, either via your smartphone, a tablet or a laptop. These apps can be set up for multiple users or properties, which can be particularly useful for landlords.
What Benefits Can I Expect from Digital Heating Controls?
Quite simply, improved energy efficiency and a warm, comfortable home.
Warm Living Space Customised to Suit Your Household
- Heat rooms individually
- Control the temperature in each room
- Use smart valves to ensure radiators maintain your chosen temperature
- Utilise a seven -day programme to set different heating times depending on your schedule.
Significant Energy Saving
- No need to heat rooms when they’re not in use. For instance, set your bedroom timers to come on an hour or so before bedtime.
- Set timers in less used rooms such as guest bedrooms very low, giving just enough warmth to prevent damp
- No need to fire up the whole system when you only need to heat water
- Less CO2 into the environment helps protect the planet
How Do Smart Heating Controls Work?
Smart heating controls work in conjunction with wall and radiator thermostats.
Thermostatic valves fitted to radiators control the amount of water going through. When the room reaches the desired temperature, the valve will shut down. A wall-mounted thermostat, programmed through the digital controller is the link between the heating control and the radiators, letting them know when to come on or go off.
Are Smartphone Heating Apps Easy to Use?
Yes, with a little practice, smart heating apps such as Hive are simple to use. You can easily manage your heating and hot water via an app on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Not Sure if New Heating Controls will Work with my Current System?
No problem! WaterGuys will come and have a look and advise you on your options. If you have an older boiler, compatibility with new heating controls may be an issue. It may even be time to consider installing a new boiler, complete with smart controls. We’ll be happy to give you a quote for our new boiler installation service. We know you will be surprised at the savings you’ll make by investing in a more energy efficient, eco-friendly boiler.
Conclusion
Yes, using smart heating controls will most definitely help you manage your energy efficiency a lot more easily. Smart heating controls help you to learn about your usage and work out where you can cut down. You will also have the benefit of being able to turn your heating up, down, on or off from anywhere!
Call WaterGuys on 020 313 77749 to find out how smart heating controls will save you money.