Will smart heating options help trim energy bills?
Getting sick and tired of the constant coverage surrounding spiralling energy costs yet?
Well, whilst we’re sorry to add to the pile of articles on the subject, it surely softens the blow if we can point you in the direction of some means to trim down home energy usage, and thus reduce the strain of increasing heating bills.
A 54% energy cap rise is estimated to affect somewhere in the region of 22 million UK customers according to Ofgem, with tariff outlays projected to rise in amounts ranging between £400 and £700 annually.
That said, it is no shock that people are exploring any options they possibly can to stem the rapid rise in heating bills, and an investment in smart heating systems is one such way that this goal is achievable. So which smart heating options can help decrease your overall energy output, and what are the most effective vices for lowering your heating bills, especially during the colder winter months?
How much can smart heating help you save?
Plenty of factors determine how much smart heating systems can help you save, including which type of system is installed, and the size of the property and specific area it is fit within. But whilst it is difficult to offer a broad guestimate, the wide expectation is that energy bills could be cut to the tune of 10-20% if modern smart heating solutions replace outdated existing versions.
What’s more, certain manufacturers will claim their products can garner yet more impressive levels of savings. And whilst this might strictly be true, potential buyers should be wary that the comparison might be done against a household that currently has its heating almost constantly switched on, and one that takes practically no measures to preserve energy whatsoever.
But the key overall aspect to consider is that if you are using an outdated heating system currently, the money you are spending to run it could very well be better used towards a modern smart solution that will work with much more efficiency.
How much do smart heating systems cost?
Of course, the initial cost of smart heating equipment or appliances will be of major interest to any would-be buyers, but the opportunity does exist to snap up certain smart models in a budget-friendly manner.
The Milano Connect Smart Thermostat, for instance, retails for less than £60, despite possessing pretty much all the features and energy saving settings you can expect from a top-of-the-range smart heating device. These include Smart Life app compatibility, an LED display, 7-day programmable settings and open window detection to name just a few.
Alternatively, the Milano Connect Smart Thermostat Starter Kit comes supplied with your own choice of number of valves in addition to a WiFi hub, all for a starting cost of less than £140. Such a package might prove ideal for those with several designer radiators in a large home, looking for an entry way into the world of smart heating styles without breaking the bank.
These sort of appliances are typically very simple to fit, so you shouldn’t have to worry about extra installation costs when working out whether a smart heating upgrade is worth going for. However, certain devices require a subscription service sign up for you to enjoy their full advantages, so any monthly or annual fees you may incur from this should be taken into account.
There’s a few questions you can answer in relation to your home heating habits that will help determine whether or not smart heating systems are worth your investment to ensure you keep more cash in your pocket long term…
Do you leave your heating on when out of the house?
If you do use this less-than-ideal method of making sure your house is comfortably warm when you return from a day at work or out with the kids, it is likely that smart heating solutions are a more viable means for saving energy and cutting heating costs.
Smart heating systems enable the user to set basic schedules for when the heating switches on and off, which is especially useful for households with a regular routine. However, if there are fluctuations in your timetable from day to day and week to week, you might need to make use of more in-depth features.
Some devices incorporate a motion sensor with learning technology that will remember your routine and make alterations to your heating timings accordingly. Other appliances utilize geolocation technology, meanwhile, which can identify who is in the house and tweak the heating in line. When the final person leaves the house, it will signal for the heating to shut off until someone eventually returns.
What’s more, smart devices allow for remote heating control, so you can shut off your heating via your phone or tablet on a whim. Then you don’t have to heat the house unnecessarily if you are away from it for longer than you might have expected.
Several smart thermostats or appliances also boast ‘boost’ functionality, so you can quickly heat up your space before the device automatically shuts off again once the preferred temperature has been hit.
Do you heat up rooms that aren’t regularly used?
For instance, if you work at home in an office room but are heating up your living room all throughout the day, a multi-zone smart energy system might be a beneficial option. The majority of smart heating styles incorporate a smart thermostat that can act as a home hub – installed in a single room and able to heat the entire house to the same temperature. With multi-zone models, the user is afforded the luxury to create different heating programmes on a room-to-room basis, so the spaces can be heated to a comfortable temperature when necessary, and help you save energy when out of use.
A more budget-friendly option, if you can’t commit to an investment in a full smart heating system, or if your home isn’t equipped for the fitting of a multi-zone hub, is the addition of smart radiator valves for the controlling of the temperature in single individual rooms. Typically retailing between £50 and £60, the valves could take a while to ‘prove their worth’ in terms of recouping energy savings. However, they are a versatile option that can be utilized in various rooms as and when required, and can also be taken with the owner if moving properties in future.
Do you change your heating habits depending on the weather?
If the weather is usually an afterthought as you set your heating schedule, then a smart heating system is likely an excellent solution.
Plenty of modern smart heating systems feature temperature sensors and can monitor the weather via their WiFi capabilities, building a customised heating schedule in accordance with what’s going on outside. For example, on the rare occasions the sun is blazing down on Britain, the smart heating would make sure your radiators aren’t operating at full whack when you return to the house.
What’s more, lots of smart heating devices have holiday mode settings, so can be automatically shut off when you are out of the home to counter unnecessary energy use. And by contrast, many appliances utilize a feature that will detect outdoor temperature drop offs, and switch the heating on in reaction to combat the likes of freezing pipes and a less than comfortable indoor environment.
Are you prone to leaving windows open?
If it often slips your mind to close a window or windows in the house, a smart heating solution with an open window detection function could obviously come in handy. Devices with this element kick in to turn off the heat when an open window is identified, guaranteeing you aren’t paying through the nose to keep the patio, yard or garden toasty warm.
Do you keep a close track of your energy usage?
A busy lifestyle can get in the way of some of the most mundane but wholly necessary tasks on our agendas, one of which is keeping a close track of home energy usage. Smart heating systems are especially handy in this regard, making it a simple and easy process to work out your spend. With classic heating options that don’t utilise modern smart technology, you run the risk of blindly building up costs, not knowing the full extent of your energy use until the bill lands in your inbox.
Smart heating appliances allow users to take an ongoing view of their energy use, so the overall damage from month to month can be budgeted for accordingly. This can help you prioritise the occasions when it is absolutely essential to switch the heating on, separate from times when layering up and getting the blankets out could suffice and prove a prudent decision.
Choosing the right smart heating system to save money
Your answers to the previous questions will go a long way to determining just how much you might benefit financially from investment in a smart heating system, but in truth, their installation will prove advantageous in the long run regardless of your typical heating habits.
If concern over energy costs is the primary factor in your consideration of smart heating devices, there’s a few steps to follow to make sure you get the most bang for your buck…
Properly research smart features
Take your time to look into the respective features that different smart heating solutions provide, and work out which are the most important to you. For instance, an appliance that will dramatically reduce energy costs via geolocation settings is not the best pick for a household that is usually occupied for much of the day.
Check for added costs
Make sure you are aware of any extra “hidden” costs you might have to pay, such as for subscription services for energy usage tracking etc.
Keep an eye out for freebie extras
Some smart appliances will incorporate free elements that can be used in conjunction with existing heating arrangements. There might be free apps available to install that will offer the information you need surrounding energy usage in real time, or it might be that the best solution for you is to opt for smart thermostatic valves to team with your existing radiators.
Think about installation costs
With keeping costs as low as possible at the forefront of thinking, it could be an excellent idea to select a smart heating system or device that you are able to fit yourself.
Search for smart buys on smart heating
Take the time to seek out special offers and deals on smart heating solutions. Big renowned sales periods such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday are often good times to find deals on modern tech appliances, and smart heating styles regularly feature for discount prices. Furthermore, the timing is appropriate, heading into a period when heating will usually be needed the most.
Utilise all settings and features
Make sure you make the very most of your smart heating system once you have decided on the right option for you and had it successfully installed. Use all features and settings at your disposal so that the device maximises its potential, and yours to get the very best value and make the most savings possible on your energy bills.
Contact BestHeating for smart heating advice
BestHeating offer an excellent selection of smart heating devices that can enable you to save money on your energy bills over time. You can browse our great range online today, and if you would like any further help or advice surrounding smart appliances, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can leave any thoughts in the comments section below, or reach us via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
