(And even smarter home improvement companies)
While the UK is still a way behind some countries – China and North America – when it comes to smart technology, it is thought to be one of the most forward-thinking countries in Europe, amongst Germany and The Netherlands. Households that once would’ve baulked at the idea of a smart hub in their home, now rely on asking Alexa (or similar) to stream TV and movies, schedule reminders, set lighting and shop.
Aside from assisting their lifestyle choices – and we’ve seen this first hand in the locksmithing industry – ‘smart’ has also revolutionised the safety and security of our homes and businesses. Not only can smart locks on our doors and windows offer convenience, they are changing the way facilities, business premises and holiday lettings are managed and maintained ‘en masse’, they are addressing innumerable niche issues for vulnerable adults or individuals with additional requirement. All of these benefits of smart products – especially when it comes to the security and hardware industry – were already allowing home owners to reap the rewards, then when Covid hit, the ability to remotely control and monitor building access confirmed what early adopters already knew, and gave the sceptical the final proof that they needed; smart tech is the smart choice.
But, just when you think you’ve seen everything – including the smart egg trays that tell when to use your eggs, forks that tell you when you’re not eating properly and belts that…no idea what they do – something else comes along. Well, smart heating apps are not new, but when paired with Air Source Heat Pumps, they are offering a new solution to the age old problem of efficient home heating; kinder to the planet and the pocket.
And, during the current gas crisis, alternative methods of heating the home and ergo maintaining and managing that new method of heating could not have come at a better time.
Air Source Heat Pumps take in air from outside to heat a liquid refrigerant. Using electricity, the pump compresses the liquid to increase its temperature. This then condenses back into a liquid to release stored heat. Heat is sent to radiators or underfloor heating; the remainder is stored in a hot water cylinder to be used for showers, baths and taps. It seems like such a simple solution – and it is – that controlling it should be just as smart – and it is. Featuring all the settings you’d imagine such as daily and weekly schedules, holiday mode, plus different zones for rooms and areas, the app takes away all the fuss; and as it’s all on your phone, tablet or laptop, there’s no need to fish out the manual every time you want to change or update your preferences.
For the ‘smart’ property owner, this means a future-proof heating solution for the home or business, and a clever way to control it, whether they are on the property or not. In terms of economical savings, the everyday cost of heating and hot water is lower, which is something that no bill payer will ever turn down, and being able to monitor and record your usage means you’ll never have to come home and switch off the heating when you’ve been out all day ever again!
But what does it mean for locksmiths?
Well, aside from changing the way you can potentially sustainably heat your own business premises and keep track of energy bills, it’s a lucrative opportunity to add to your own specification and installation portfolio; especially if you work in the new build, renovation or commercial sector.
That’s why Clearview Group – home of The Locksmith Journal – in partnership with ECO Footprint Ltd, has put together a series of articles explaining everything there is to know about the Air Source Heat Pumps and their installation, including financial support available from the Government via its Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, exclusive interviews with ECO Footprint Ltd team members and installers, plus – most importantly – how to get involved.
So, while a smart home heating app and air source heat pump may not tell you when your eggs are about to expire, you can be sure as eggs is eggs that this a trend no smart home or business owner will want to ignore.