Smart Heating – Decarbonisation Without the Cost

When we think about decarbonisation and low carbon heating, it’s difficult not to have heat pumps, solar PV, and insulation spring to mind. These are all vital retrofit solutions that are needed to create a more energy-efficient building stock.

However, other smaller additions such as smart heating controls can go far to provide a more efficient heating system, recently bolstered by the news that smart thermostats can be installed under the Government’s flagship Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

Interacting with a heat pump

As we move towards lower-carbon heating methods, consumer relationships with central heating are set to change. With lower flow operating temperatures, weather-dependent efficiency levels, and a system that works around the clock, consumers will need to adjust to new ways of interacting with their heat pump. 

Consumers must adapt to radiators that won’t get as they can become with a gas boiler unit, while still trusting that their heat pump is operating as normal. In addition, heat pumps are designed to keep homes at a consistent temperature, rather than a gas boiler which pumps out a lot of heat in a short period of time. This means that heat pumps are better left running all through the day and night, providing a continuous stream of consistent, less wasteful heat, while resulting in a healthier environment to live in.

How smart heating can help

Smart heating controls can be the perfect solution for heat pump newcomers. This is especially the case with Wiser’s systems, which operate under open protocol software (OpenTherm), meaning they can communicate seamlessly with open protocol heat pumps regardless of make or manufacturer. Smart thermostats can take the hassle of adjusting to a new way of heating away from the consumer.

This smaller, cheaper addition to a home heating system works in the background to create a comfortable home environment, automatically adjusting the heat pump’s settings to keep an optimal home climate without the consumer even noticing the change.

Weather compensation settings will automatically adjust the flow temperature of a heat pump system depending on the outside temperature to maintain optimum efficiency levels. Timers and smart home sensors can schedule temperature changes, without the need for consumers to wait for warmth every time the system is turned on. 

Wiser’s brand-new 2^nd Generation control systems also operate side-by-side with a heat pump system to adjust consumer energy consumption based on heat demand. Data is collected from the combined room thermostat and temperature and humidity sensors and allows for greater control over individual heating zones across the home.

Saving consumers money

As well as providing new heat pump customers with peace of mind that their new system will be seamlessly integrated into their lifestyles and come with intuitive control systems, smart heating also can save consumers money, even with traditional gas boilers.

Smart thermostats can help consumers to save energy and as a result, reduce their energy bills without them even noticing. Wiser’s systems can reduce energy bills by 19% just by using zoning technologies to tailor the temperature of each room. This can increase by a further 16% with energy-saving features like Away Mode and Eco Mode[1].

Insights and Heat Reports available in the app can also provide both installers and consumers with valuable information about home energy consumption and trends, while identifying areas where additional savings may be possible based on consumer lifestyle habits. 

It’s clear that the UK is beginning to take up the opportunity for low carbon heating at ever increasing rates. Smart heating controls are a perfect addition to creating a healthy, warmer, and more efficient home. For those not quite ready to make the leap, smart heating systems can help consumers to realise impressive energy savings even with a gas boiler, doing their bit for the environment without it costing the earth. 

If you’re interested in Wiser’s smart heating systems and brand-new 2^nd Generation range, find out more on our website.

[1] Do Smart Thermostats Save Money? | Wiser