It’s that tricky time of year when the sun pops out from behind a cloud occasionally and we rejoice, dusting off the garden furniture and wheeling out the barbecue, before the cooler climes kick back in hours later, truly tricking us. Though the days may be warmer at times, the evenings are certainly not ripe for sitting outside, or even inside comfortably without the warmth of a heater, so it would be useful to find a way to change the heating in an instant. Step in smart features.
A fantastic way to utilise the delights of modern technology to up the comfort factor in our homes, features that use the Internet with apps to wirelessly control heating times and temperatures, and models operating via voice command, are just some of the excellent ways in which we can control our electric radiators and panel heaters.
More and more people are becoming energy conscious and interested in heating systems that will help reduce energy expenditure – there is little use have heating on during the day while it’s warm outside, after all. In makes perfect sense to make use of the freedom and flexibility that smart controls can bring, and it pays to know and understand the options available in order to make the right decision.
The pace of technological change is fast though and it can be difficult keeping up to speed with all developments so we’ve summarised the best features you can incorporate into your heating system to make one thing in your life run more smoothly.
Intelligent timers and controls
Eco Design LOT 20 legislation came into being last year and as a result radiators and panel heaters now have more features than ever to ensure they are energy efficient and easy to use. In order to comply with minimum efficiency requirements they must have 24/7 programming and other features including adaptive start control (that helps radiators learn when to switch on in order to achieve optimum comfort) and virtual open window sensors must also be in-built (ensuring the radiators stop heating when they sense a continuous draft, and restart when the draft has stopped) as standard.
Independent panel control
Unlike models that feature a single heating panel, some radiators, such as the Digi-Line radiator range boast two heating panels one at the front the other at the back (in the DX range) which produce considerably more heat whilst using less wall space. The panels can operate separately from each other to ensure the most efficient use of energy and maximum comfort. For instance, with the panel control active, and when the room is within 1°C of the desired temperature, only the front panel will operate and using a smaller element than the rear panel, less energy is used, making you feel warm and cosy, and the cooler back panel acts as an insulator preventing heat loss.
Smart controls
Technology has taken the electric heating market to a whole new level; enabling heating control from anywhere you may be, courtesy of Wi-Fi and special apps that can be accessed via multiple devices; phone, tablet, or computer. The apps can work in conjunction with either a central touchscreen or Wi-Fi gateway to give control of room temperatures and programming displaying the current ambient temperatures in each room and the status of each connected device. There’s even a geo-location option that automatically activates or deactivates the radiators when you’re a set distance to or from home; cleverly ensuring that you never heat an empty home or arrive to a cold one.
Look who’s talking!
For the ultimate in control, models such as the Vanguard , offer voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa. Whether it’s to turn up the heat or reduce the temperature, these electric radiators can be controlled simply by talking to Alexa. New technologies within electric heating not only offer freedom and flexibility, they can also offer significant control over your energy costs too.
Technology changes at such a rapid pace, it’s estimated that 50% of consumers are likely to install smart heating products in their homes over the next five years. That’s why Electric Radiator Shop aims to stay ahead of the game offering the latest in heating advancements, smart technology is here to stay, after all!
The radiators seen on Electric Radiator Shop conform to the Lot 20 standards from manufacturers such as Electrorad.
Image at the very top of the article: The Vanguard range was one of the first electric radiators to have voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa. Coupled with its WiFi and App control, in-built energy monitor, easy to read, top located LCD controls and a geo-location option, it’s one of the smartest radiators in the marketplace.