Although the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spring Budget included the extension of the Energy Price Guarantee for a further three months – now running until June 2023 – the recent price hikes have encouraged people to review their fuel consumption, especially when it comes to heating their homes. 

Encouragingly, 43% of those questioned in a recent survey of 1,000 homeowners by Resideo said they would be willing to invest in the latest heating controls if it meant they could save money in the long term. This increased to 70% among 25-34 year-olds. The results of the survey showed that people were willing to reduce their energy bills by adding elements such as thermostats and the latest heating controls to help make their home more efficient. 

The survey also showed that almost one-fifth of homeowners intend to turn to their installer to get expert advice on what will generate the most savings, so having figures and recommendations at the ready could therefore prove useful. 

Of course, there are simple solutions that don’t require upgrade work. For instance, in cases where the thermostat isn’t set properly, or where the dial has been cranked up in the hope that the home will heat more quickly. For those doing the latter, the reality is they could be making the boiler work that bit harder to reach a higher temperature, inadvertently burning through more fuel. 

However, it is estimated that millions of properties across the UK have inadequate controls for their heating system. The result being that the boiler is either on or off, pumping out heat long after the room reaches the right temperature. This may stem from a belief that changes are only possible when undertaking a full boiler replacement project; overlooking the effect the right radiator valves and thermostat can have on the overall running of the system. 

Efficiency across budgets

Energy savings will be dependent on the building itself and any existing controls in place, but a range of options could be suggested, including changes to controls, radiator valves, or a combination of both, depending on the customer’s budget and requirements. 

To help customers form an idea of the savings, Resideo has worked with BEAMA to typify how switching controls can help, based on an older mechanical thermostat being in place (Prices correct at time of writing).

Programmable 

Based on current energy prices, swapping an old mechanical thermostat for a digital, load compensating thermostat can save up to £121 per year. Resideo’s Honeywell Home T3 wired, 7-day Programmable Thermostat, for example, could be a suitable option for customers looking for a thermostat that is simple to use. 

For customers looking for additional functions and wireless options, upgrading a mechanical stat to an OpenTherm (load compensating) thermostat, such as the Honeywell Home T4R, could see their saving increase to £146 a year. 

This device gives customers the option to schedule heating sequences across the week, plus optimum stop, start, and delayed start features that learn how the room is heated. For installers, it has an easy three-step installation process: wire, power up and test, configure. 

Moving to TRVs

Customers may also be surprised by the fact that extra efficiencies can be achieved from ensuring they have control over the radiator output. Because the boiler is often viewed as the heating source, it can be easy to forget the impact radiator valves have on the heating system and its efficiency. 

Swapping manual radiator valves for thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) ensures that each room is maintained at a comfortable temperature; avoiding any overheating that would be a waste of energy. This could save your customer £218 a year, so it is well worth mentioning as an investment for the future. 

Thinking smart

There also may be customers ready to take the plunge and completely upgrade their heating controls. Indeed, by replacing manual radiator valves and a mechanical thermostat with electronic TRVs and a modulating, OpenTherm zoning thermostat solution, such as the Honeywell Home T6R for example, savings could be in the region of up to £370 annually.