A recent survey of social housing professionals by Secure Meters (UK) has revealed an insight into the growing demand for smart thermostats in social housing.
The survey of social housing asset, energy and sustainability managers reveals that the two most sought after benefits of smart thermostats are reducing tenant fuel bills and proactively identifying high levels of humidity in homes to prevent mould growth.
On average, respondents scored the importance of reducing tenant fuel bills 9.1 out of 10 (with 58% scoring it 10-out-of-10), followed by improving customer service (8.4 out of 10). The identification of high levels of condensation or mould growth in homes was scored on average 8.3 as an asset management benefit, followed by the remote identification of poorly performing boilers (8.1 out of 10).
The two main barriers to the adoption of smart heat controls are the perceived up-front high capital investment and possible confusion over differing or confusing technologies.
Awareness of smart thermostats in social housing is however high, with 92% of respondents claiming to have at least some awareness of the technology.
Secure Meters is a major manufacturer of utility meters and conducted the survey to coincide with the launch of its first social housing smart thermostat, Beanbag, an intelligent heating and hot water control that works with gas, oil or electric boilers (and with heat interface units). It can be operated with the Beanbag app, which provides the tenant full control of their system from inside and outside the home.
For the full results of the survey please visit www.yumpu.com and search for Smart Heat Technology.
