3 minute read
Energy efficiency
Finding extra efficiencies in the home
As your customers look to gain more efficiency from their existing heating system, Resideo sales director Martin Wilson looks at some of the conversations you might be having and how you can help them.
How do I start a dialogue with my customer about making their home more efficient?
Energy costs are high on the news agenda and continuing to worry people. And it’s understandable that you might be cautious when talking to customers about additional products, even if they will help save money in the long run.
However, Resideo’s recent survey1 of 1,000 UK homeowners found that 43 per cent say they would spend money on the latest heating controls if it meant they could save money in the long term.
One-fifth of those questioned said they would also reach out to a heating professional for recommendations and advice on where savings can be made – so you needn’t feel like you are overstepping the mark by offering
How can I help them get the most out of what they already have?
A simple check of the existing heating control during a boiler service or upgrade is a good place to start. Taking a few minutes to check that the thermostat is set correctly and that your customer knows how to use it effectively will really add value to your visit. It’s still a common misconception that turning the thermostat up will warm a home more quickly. In fact, this burns through more fuel, working the boiler harder to reach the higher temperature and not heating up the home any faster.
There are also simple things that can make those extra savings: for example, turning the thermostat down by 1°C could save them around 10 per cent on their bills2 .
My customer needs to upgrade their heating controls but they have a modest budget. What is the best option?
Millions of properties have inadequate controls, with the result that the boiler is either on or off, continuing to pump out heat long after the room reaches the required temperature.
Individual energy savings are dependent on existing controls and the property itself, but where
people can, or need to, change their boiler, their controls or even the radiator valves, you can suggest a range of options for different budgets.
For instance, where a property has an older mechanical thermostat, replacing it with a newer, digital version can make a significant difference. Based on current energy prices, simply swapping an old mechanical thermostat for a digital, loadcompensating thermostat can save up to £181 per year3 . Upgrading a mechanical thermostat to an OpenTherm (load-compensating) one could save £218 a year.3
Swapping manual radiator valves for thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) ensures that each room maintains a comfortable temperature and can be adapted to suit usage. This switch could also save your customer £327 a year3 .
How can they get the very best out of their heating system?
Customers who completely upgrade their heating controls can make bigger savings. For example, replacing manual radiator valves and a mechanical thermostat with electronic TRVs and a modulating, OpenTherm zoning thermostat solution could save £585 a year.3
This is partly because an advanced thermostat can navigate temperature fluctuations by monitoring the outside temperatures. The temperature inside property adjusts automatically to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible, only turning on and up when heat is required. For example, the smart weather feature on the Honeywell Home evohome system provides improved zone comfort control and energy consumption, based on outside temperature, room temperature and a unique feature that learns the heat losses in each room. ■
1 Research carried out on behalf of Resideo by OnePoll in June 2022, surveying 1,000 homeowners living in the UK. 2 Energy Saving Trust, top five tips to help reduce energy bills and carbon emissions 3 BEAMA report 2022. Individual energy savings are dependent upon existing controls, environment, and lifestyle.
Where can I find more information?
This year’s heating season feels like it will be busier than ever due to a mix of those wanting to get the most out of their existing boiler and those who need to replace and update. Resideo’s Winter Heroes campaign provides useful information and data that you can use on the job.
