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Smart Controls

As time goes on these controls will no doubt keep improving and become more sophisticated. We will try to keep you updated with any significant change through our web site.

Existing system controls

A traditional system is typically controlled with a programmer, room thermostat and possibly thermostatic radiator valves. The programmer can switch your heating on or off at set times and the thermostat can give your house a uniform temperature. The thermostatic radiator valves give individual room temperature control. 

 

However they can’t override the programmer and room thermostat so can only lower the temperature from the room thermostat set point if the heating is on. If the heating is off on the programmer or room thermostat they have no control.

homeowner setting heating traditional thermostat

Smart controls

There are many different makes and models of Smart controls now on sale and you'd have to do your own research as for the one that best suits you. At Mulgas we prefer the Nest because the company behind Nest is Google. The control is very smart looking and it has the ability to learn (I'll explain more later).

Weather responsive

The biggest difference of Smart controls over traditional is their ability to respond to different weather conditions and their use of sensors, hardware and algorithms to make decision's.

Inside vs. outside

They know the outside air temperature as well as the inside air temperature and can therefore make decisions to save you money. For example the weather can be quite changeable these days, one day sunny and 20 deg C and the next 12 deg and wet.

Smart calculations

With this information the Smart control can calculate how long the heating system needs to be on to achieve you preferred temperature. Instead of firing at 6:30 am, the Smart control may calculate it only needs to come on at 8:30 to achieve your preferred temperature by 9 am.

Interested in having a Smar Control installed?

Why not get in touch with us today to discuss your Smart Control installation and get a quote?

nest-google

Smart controls learn

All properties are different, detached, semi, terraced, bungalow, flat, large, small, well insulated, open plan, small rooms or poorly insulated. Some of these Smart controls have the ability to learn from their surroundings. For example our preferred control Nest does this. In the 1st month after install the Nest will learn how long your house takes to heat and how quickly it cools, therefore calculating the house size/insulation. It can then adjust itself to the optimum performance for your property.

 

Added to this it also learns your routines and adjusts itself to best match these. This learning is ongoing so if your routines change or you extend/update the house, therefore changing the property dynamics, Nest will also make adjustments accordingly. Some of the Smart controls also offer you individual room temperatures.

 

Personally I think this is a bit over kill but each to their own. If you want every room in the house to be controlled individually, the Tado in my opinion is a good option.

Other features

Apps

All Smart controls have the ability to be controlled from an App on your phone, lap top or tablet. If you so wish you can then switch your heating on/off or increase/lower the temperature from were ever you happen to be in the world.

Geo Fencing

Geo fencing is a relatively new technology and takes advantage of your phone signal. Your phone tracks exactly where you are in the country and then as you approach home it will turn the heating on for you. Likewise when you leave home in the morning it will turn the heating down, all without you having to do anything. This is a bit of an extension to the smart thermostat learning ability, but again it is directly coordinating your heating based on your behaviour.

 

One downside of this I found was when I arrived home the house was quite cold still as it had only recently turned on. This setting can easily be bye passed though if you to prefer to follow a schedule of heating times on/off.

Energy usage

All the Smart controls make it easier to monitor your energy usage. For example I get an email once a month from Nest explaining my usage. Some like the Tado show your actual usage and projected usage.

app-nest

Interested in having a Smar Control installed?

Why not get in touch with us today to discuss your Smart Control installation and get a quote?

BENEFITS OF A SMART CONTROL

Weather responsive

Ability to respond to different weather conditions and their use of sensors, hardware and algorithms to make decisions

Inside vs. outside

They know the outside air temperature as well as the inside air temperature and can therefore make decisions to save you money

Smart calculations

Smart control can calculate how long the heating system needs to be on to achieve you preferred temperature

Individual room temperature

Offer you individual room temperature and learns your routines and adjusts itself to best match these

Learn from surroundings

Ability to learn from their surroundings - after install the Nest will learn how long your house takes to heat and how quickly it cools, calculating the house size/insulation

App control

Ability to be controlled from an App on your phone, lap top or tablet from anywhere in the world

Distance triggered

Phone tracks exactly where you are in the country and then as you approach home it will turn the heating on for you

Monthly usage

All the Smart controls make it easier to monitor your energy usage by sending an email explaining your monthly usage

So, what’s next?

Get a quote today by getting in touch or call me us 0845 460 4800 to arrange for one of our skilled engineers to visit your home and discuss what you’d like and find out the very best option.

TESTIMONIALS

Our customers have been recommending us to others since 1998. You may not have heard of us before – we do very little advertising – yet each year we install and maintain literally thousands of heating systems for local people just like you.

  • Sally Hanson

    The service was fantastic from start to finish. Anton always kept in touch on text as to his arrival time and when he was here he was extremely professional and easy to have around the house. I did look after him with a toasted bacon sandwich and plenty of coffee and biscuits when he was here! All of your team are superb. Helen excellent. Giles excellent. Antonio Excellent. Anton Excellent. You can’t get a better compliment than that. The other thing I think is good for you to know is how complimentary all of the above are about Mulgas and Dave. It is very unusual to have consistent feedback on a company via different people. They are a credit to you but it is also clear Mulgas treat their team extremely well which results in true loyalty.

    Woking

  • Louise Beardmore

    County Property Management have been using Mulgas for a number of years and we have always found them to be professional, helpful and courteous to both us and our clients.

    County Property, Woking

  • Catherine Dixon

    We have used Mulgas for a number of years and they conduct the majority of the Gas Safety Checks for the Woking office. We have always found them to be efficient and professional and they can often attend to call-outs at short notice.

    Leaders Ltd, Woking

  • Bella

    The service you provided was excellent. The technician kept me informed of his arrival time. He was friendly, courteous and confirmed that the boiler was in good working order after his service

    Surrey

  • Tim Rees

    …may I take this opportunity to say thanks for a job well done

    Wimbledon

  • Valerie Kemp

    An excellent service from start to finish has been provided – many thanks.

  • Matthew Patient

    We put our faith in Mulgas to carry out our gas safety checks. They never let us down

    Thamesview, Sunbury

  • Mark James

    Excellent service from Mulgas again – recommended you before and I will again

  • R. Golan

    My thanks for your prompt and efficient attention

    Esher

  • J C

    Thank you very much for the professional manner of all your staff in dealing with this matter. We are extremely grateful…

    Old Woking

  • Lisa Porter

    Mulgas carry out a large number of gas safety checks for us each year. They’re competent in what they do. And we trust them totally

    Waterfalls, Woking

  • Mr Sines

    I would not hesitate recommending your company to other people. Once again thank you for a professional service

    Addlestone

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