Smart Heating Controls

Smart heating controls are an increasingly important upgrade that enables landlords to improve energy efficiency, reduce heating costs, and enhance tenant comfort in rental properties. These systems allow precise control over heating schedules and temperatures, adapting consumption to actual needs and occupancy patterns. Installing smart thermostats, zoned controls, and smart radiator valves contributes to higher EPC ratings and supports legal energy efficiency requirements.

For landlords, smart heating controls represent a cost-effective improvement that optimises heating system performance, saves money, and offers tenants modern, convenient home heating management.

​

Why Upgrade to Smart Heating Controls?

Traditional heating controls often use simple timers or manual thermostats that do not reflect occupants’ lifestyles or varying heating needs throughout the day. This can result in energy waste, with heating running when not needed or at unnecessarily high temperatures.

​

Smart heating controls use sensors, programmable schedules, and remote management (via apps or voice assistants) to heat efficiently, maintaining comfort while avoiding waste. They can detect when homes are empty and reduce heating accordingly, or adjust room temperatures individually through radiator valves.

​

By improving control and responsiveness, smart heating controls typically reduce heating energy usage by up to 10%, save tenants money, and boost EPC ratings by optimising system efficiency.

​

Regulations and Financial Support

While smart heating controls are not a standalone legal requirement, installing them can support compliance with MEES and future stricter EPC standards by reducing overall energy consumption.

Many funding schemes encourage smart heating upgrades as part of broader energy efficiency measures:

​

Available grants and funding:

• The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme includes funding for smart heating controls when combined with other eligible improvements.

• Some local or regional initiatives offer grants or discounted smart thermostat installations, often targeting tenants on benefits or low incomes.

• These programs sometimes require installation by accredited professionals and verification of eligibility based on EPC ratings and tenant status.

 

Types of Smart Heating Controls and Installation

Smart heating controls include several components that may be installed individually or as integrated systems:

• Smart Thermostats: Central devices allowing programmable heating schedules and remote temperature adjustments via smartphone apps. They learn user behaviour and adapt settings automatically.

• Zoned Heating Controls: Systems that divide a property into zones, each controlled separately to avoid heating unused rooms.

• Smart Radiator Valve Controls (TRVs): Digital valves fitted to radiators that enable room-by-room temperature control, improving comfort and efficiency.

• Integration Capabilities: Many smart systems work with voice assistants (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant) and smart home platforms for convenience.

​

Benefits to Landlords

Smart heating controls provide several advantages for landlords and their tenants:

• Energy Savings: By tailoring heating precisely to occupant needs, smart controls reduce wasted energy and lower heating bills.

• Improved EPC Scores: Better heating management can lift EPC scores by improving overall system efficiency.

• Tenant Appeal: Offering a modern, easy-to-use heating interface attracts tenants valuing comfort and technology.

• Remote Management: Landlords or managing agents can help monitor and adjust heating in multi-tenanted properties to avoid excessive bills.

• Complementary Upgrade: Smart controls work best when combined with efficient boilers, insulation, and glazing improvements.

​

Common Questions and Concerns

• Are smart heating controls complicated to use? Most are designed for user-friendliness, with apps providing simple interfaces and features like scheduling and voice commands.

• Can tenants override settings? Yes, tenants usually retain control while smart systems operate to save energy sensibly.

• Do smart controls work with all heating systems? They are compatible with most modern gas, oil, and electric heating systems but checking compatibility is essential.

• How long does installation take? Typically 1–2 hours per property with minimal disruption.

• Are there privacy concerns? Data collected by smart systems is generally minimal and managed securely; however, landlords should discuss this with tenants.

​

Getting Started

Landlords interested in smart heating controls should begin by assessing their existing heating system’s compatibility with smart devices. Consulting with accredited installers familiar with these systems is recommended.

​

After installation, landlords should provide tenants with guidance on system use and potential savings. Monitoring energy use post-installation can help verify performance benefits.

​

For retrofit recommendation, check grant eligibility and connect with qualified installers, landlords can register for eco-Landlord and take the next step toward a more energy-efficient rental property.