Smart zoning thermostats are providing homeowners with the ability to optimise comfort and, if used correctly, are helping to optimise energy use. However, as powerful as these features are, they’re only beneficial if users fully understand how to harness them. Here, Steve Thompson, technical trainer for Resideo Academy, answers some common questions from installers and their customers about smart thermostats.
Do homeowners know how to use their smart controls properly?
Consumer interest in upgrading to smart heating controls may be on the rise – but being able to set and use these controls correctly is where many homeowners might become a bit unstuck. In recent Resideo research the findings highlighted that just 30% of homeowners who took part said they were ‘very confident’ about setting the controls to deliver the biggest benefits.
This presents a great opportunity for installers to be proactive and help to educate their customers about the ease of moving to smart controls, as well as helping them with set-up.
Is there appetite from homeowners to upgrade their heating controls?
There appears to be an appetite if there is a return on the investment. Two fifths (41%) of respondents in the survey said they were likely to consider spending money on the latest heating controls such as thermostats and radiator valves if it meant they could save more money over the long run for their heating costs.
The summer months are an ideal time to engage with customers and raise the topic of smart control benefits. When undertaking the annual boiler service for example, which heating engineers will often recommend customers do in the Summer to prepare for heating season, provides an opportunity for installers to discuss upgrades or changes to heating controls – ensuring the heating system is ready to tackle an increase in energy consumption during the winter months.
What are the key benefits of smart thermostats?
Instead of worrying too much about the technical details of smart controls such as geofencing, zoning and load, when engaging with customers, it is better to talk about their ease of use and the many benefits they can bring – all attuned to the lifestyle preferences of the individual household.
Some people may still heat their whole house in the mornings and evenings using a single thermostat. However, when heating is only be needed in certain rooms, for example where they are working, a zoning solution could be the most appropriate solution. The Honeywell Home evohome, for example, can control up to twelve individual temperature zones to flex which rooms are heated when and to what temperature.
Some advanced thermostat systems can also monitor their surroundings and communicate closely with the boiler. This way, the thermostat can tell the boiler to adjust its output accordingly to deliver the desired temperature at the right time, saving homeowners energy in the process.
What options are there for smart thermostats?
Today’s smart thermostats such as the T6 are designed to be easy to install and deliver a range of consumer-friendly functional benefits once in place. And, as heating solutions trend towards newer technologies such as heat pumps, their ability to work with these systems will also be helpful as we look into the future.
Overall, it’s important that installers understand their customer needs and are familiar with the products that will offer the best solutions. This includes integrating with popular smart home platforms – something that the T6 does.
Do smart thermostats help with energy optimisation?
Yes. For example, the T6 provides the ability for homeowners to have visibility on their energy consumption levels at any point on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. To further assist with the holistic heating control homeowners are increasingly seeking, the T6R also includes an option to control water temperature, enabling straightforward control over the whole home’s heating and hot water needs.
How can I improve my own knowledge of smart thermostats?
At Resideo Academy we offer a range of practical training solutions to support installers and help them build product and system knowledge. This includes access to a range of hands-on training courses which takes attendees through the fundamentals of common central heating control systems, including practical wiring and applications for a 2-port and 3-port valve system.
Once completed, installers can return to Resideo Academy to gain a deeper understanding of smart control thermostats. This is particularly popular with those who want to develop a deeper understanding of everything there is to know about smart heating controls.
What’s more, our e-learning modules, webinars and ‘how to’ videos, also provide a great way for installers to continue top up their knowledge, at a time that best fits their needs and business.
For further information about training opportunities, please visit https://www.resideo.com/academyuk
