Save Money this Winter with Smart Controls
There’s always a sense of foreboding as we move away from the Sun, out of the Summer holidays and back to work, but this year there’s even more apprehension.
Energy bills have gone completely out of control following the Russia invasion of the Ukraine with Russia hitting back at sanctions by using energy as a weapon.
Britain’s energy regulator announced that it will raise its cap on consumer energy bills from £1,971 a year to an average £3,549, which is an 80% hike in October alone.
Combined with inflation and other economic pressures this is all combining to create a cost of living crisis, so of course everyone is wondering what they can do to lower their energy bills.
Well there are a few ways to tackle this problem – but one of them concerns the use of Smart systems like Hive and Nest.
How to improve energy savings with your Nest thermostat
Nest thermostats learn how to conserve energy by observing your patterns so that automatic adjustments are made to heating at times when you don’t need it – such as being away from home or certain parts of the day/night.
- The first week of having a Nest is a learning phase for the tech – every time you adjust the heating, Nest will note your patterns for future performance.
- Closing the radiator valves for a room that heats up too quickly and opening valves in cold rooms is also a great tip to get heat evenly distributed across your home.
- Small changes can create big savings. You’re unlikely to notice a 0.5 degree decrease in temperature from one day to the next but your bank balance will! See how far you can go..
What is Eco Temperature?
Eco Temperature helps you find the most energy efficient temperature for your home and will lower the temperature when Nest knows you are not at home. It’s particularly useful for holidays. You can also sign up for a family account that syncs with the locations on all of your mobile phones so Nest knows to turn down the heat when you are out. Getting your Eco Temperature right is important if you have other living beings in your home like pets and plants.
What is Nest Leaf?
The Nest Leaf will appear on your device as a visual sign that you are improving your energy efficiency.
Check Your Energy History
Curious to know how much you’ve saved? Check your energy history regularly.
Condensing Boilers
Condensing boilers are more efficient when the return water flow is below 55 °C. Because homes dissipate heat at different rates and each boiler is different, a plumbing professional can help select the boiler supply temperature that will keep you warm and save the most energy.
How to improve energy savings with Hive
Hive have the following tips on their website – ways to ensure that the Hive system works to its maximum potential.
Service your boiler regularly
Be proactive not reactive when it comes to your boiler. Getting it serviced in the summer months (before it becomes problematic if it’s not working) is a great idea. Regularly attending to your boiler means any small issues are sorted while they’re easily fixable before they become big issues. And ensuring that your boiler is running smoothly is a key money saving tip.
Use their complimentary App
The Hive Smart Thermostat comes with an app that can send an alert to your mobile phone if you’ve left the house and forgotten to switch the heating off.
Only heat the rooms you need
Think about compartmentalising your house. Keep doors closed to trap heat, with associated insulators stopping any drafts in between rooms. Hive can then ensure that only the rooms you use are heated. The tech also includes smart window and door sensors to alert you if a window has been left open.
