Who will benefit from fan coils? Before us summer time - the hottest months of the year. Given the current climate situation - in the summer months temperatures in Europe are almost tropical. Some of you would certainly like to air condition your interiors with a single, universal device. Air-conditioning means maintaining appropriate air temperature conditions. It is regardless of the weather and season (which means in practice: controlling heating or cooling systems). In such a situation it is worth to consider and install a fan coil units.

This article answers the questions about fan coils:

What are fan coils units?

Fan coil units are heating and cooling devices whose task is to maintain the optimum temperature in the room. How do they work? Simply put, on the principle of heat exchange with the environment through fans. This is a practical, common solution used in public buildings. Fan coil heats, cools or heats and cools the interior. Heating and cooling medium here is water.

Fan coil units are generally used in large buildings (office buildings, auditoriums, cinema halls). But there is no objection to install them in private homes for the convenience of the householder. The condition is to have a hydraulically prepared cooling system.

Advantages of using fan coil units

- low thermal inertia allows quick adjustment of air temperature to current needs

- eco-friendly: unlike an air conditioner, a fan coil heats and cools the air using water medium not freons. They are chemical compounds whose emission to the atmosphere causes damage to the ozone layer

What types of fan coil units are there?

A two-pipe fan coil has only one heat/cool exchanger. So, it either heats or cools (requires switching from cooling to heating and from heating to cooling).

A four-pipe fan coil is a unit with two exchangers, which can operate both modes simultaneously.

The commonly used fan coils use fans for their work (to force air circulation). On the other hand, induction-based devices don’t have a fan, but uses the power of induction of external air. The air is sucked in, directed to the exchanger, heated/cooled and then blown out into the room.

Fan coil units: division according to the installation method

2. Ceiling-installed: depending on the variant, mounted horizontally or vertically

3. Cassette-installed: the most popular variant, mounted in the suspended ceiling

To sum up, most fan coil units available on the market provide: simple installation. Also -, easy access and economical, efficient operation in spaces. However, their functionality can be multiplied.

Fan coil units can work even more efficiently

How? By using modern, automatic control. Properly selected control system can avoid overheating or overcooling of the interior.

SALUS Controls offers multifunctional, room controller designed to control two-pipe or four-pipe fan coil units: FC600 device.

Fan coil units users can experience increased thermal comfort due to the accuracy of control offered by the FC600 controller. The device is equipped with TPI control algorithm. It controls fans and valves in very precise way. In order to reach and maintain the desired temperature setpoint in the room. In a two-pipe system, V1 output controls heating and cooling, in a four-pipe system, V1 output controls heating and V2 output controls cooling.

Our FC600 controller will successfully control trench heaters or water heaters with built-in fans. Multiple settings and configurations (FC600 operates according to time/temperature schedules) allow it to be used in many types of interiors. The main benefit is improved temperature control and continuous monitoring of heating/cooling parameters - also via the Internet. In order to control FC600 from mobile devices or web browsers (Online mode) it is required to have Internet connection and UGE600 Internet gateway available from SALUS Controls offer. Online mode provides immediate access to the latest device updates (updates are made automatically).

Find out what our new product is for! Now you can charge Quantum SQ610RF and WQ610RF thermostats with the modern charging station!

It allows you to conveniently charge the batteries of two models of wireless thermostats SQ610RF and WQ610RF using a USB port.

Owners, investors and installers of smart home systems know that this purchase is an important investment. It improves the comfort of life. You want to know what kind of expenditure you have to take into account. And here we disclose right away that there is no single answer to this question. It all depends on the property and the needs and expectations of its users. Our system configurator will help with this case.

You will learn from the text:
• what is SALUS Controls system configurator and what is it used for?
• what does the cost of system installation depend on?

Smart Home is more than convenience

Comfort is not limited only to remote shut off the iron or turn on a lamp. Smart home control means:

a. optimal heating control: the ideal temperature in every room
b. home economics: lower expenses for energy consumption
c. control of appliances such as roller blinds, lighting, garden sprinklers
d. security of property: alarm sensors, SMS notifications
e. environmental protection: lower emission of pollutants
f. everyday comfort and convenience

Intelligent home today is associated with modernity, energy efficiency, safety, control of expenses. The scenarios of dependencies between devices working in the system are almost limitless. However, the question of creating a system and its price remains open. That is why SALUS Controls technical specialists have created a system configurator.

System Configurator - what is it?

SALUS configurator is a user-friendly selection tool. It helps installer/user to assemble products and create a system best suited to the needs of household members. We have architecturally different houses/apartments, different types of heating systems. The rhythm of life of each of us is also different. So there is no universal system. Such which pre-programmed settings will meet the expectations of all. That's why control elements of intelligent house have to be chosen individually. "Made to measure", like clothes at the tailor's.

SALUS configurator was created based on our experts' experience gained from talking to customers calling the Technical Support Hotline. Knowing what their most common questions and problems are, we created a tool. It can be called "virtual version of an advisor". You can use it at any time, working at your own pace. Or choosing different product combinations and calculating control options and costs in real time.

Using SALUS Controls configurator in the "user" option consists in answering a few basic questions.

They are about the technical conditions of the building (type of installation, floor space, number of radiators, etc.). This information is crucial for the selection of control devices. In the "installer" option, the questions are of a more technical nature. For example we ask about the number of manifolds -which corresponds to the number of wiring centres needed. Or about the number of loops connected to the manifold.

After providing the answer, the configurator indicates the list and the number of products needed; the available variants from which you can choose the right one in terms of function, price, design.

Finally, the configurator proposes optional products, i.e. those that may be necessary during the installation. They can be temperature sensor, protective head cover, 16A relay module, additional ZigBee network amplifier. In this way an outline cost calculation is created.

Smart home - how much does it cost to implement a system?

Where to start?

At the beginning you need to know whether you care about controlling heating via the Internet. On the one hand, this option requires an additional fee. On the other hand though - incomparably increases the convenience and functionality of the entire system. Then you need to specify what type of heating you want to control: radiator, floor, electric. If mixed heating is involved, you need to take into account the products needed for both types (floor and radiator). Smart Home accessories are an additional cost.

Characteristics of a sample house

Basic building of which we will indicatively show the operation of our configurator, is one-storey with a usable attic. Downstairs, there is an underfloor-heated living room with a kitchen and a bathroom. In the attic there are three radiator-heated bedrooms, each with one radiator. Altogether there are five rooms. The bathroom has one window. Let's assume that the residents have decided to control their home via the Internet, using selected SALUS Smart Home accessories. What products did the configurator indicate? What will the household gain thanks to them?

Explore the possibilities: how does the configurator work?

Let's divide home control areas into four categories:
1. Heating control
2. Control of lighting and roller shutters
3. Example OneTouch rules
4. Fault detection

Heating control

For control heating in such a designed house via the Internet, you need to have temperature thermostats. Modern Quantum SQ610RF with a built-in humidity sensor and Warm Floor function it is a good proposition. Optimal control of the heating is achieved by regulating the temperature in each room. Then you always need as many thermostats as many rooms. A surface-heated downstairs requires a wiring centre and actuators (e.g. self-regulating actuator THB). To control three radiators in bedrooms, you need to buy three wireless thermostatic heads. And of course the "heart" of the system, without which there is no way to manage your home online - the Internet gateway UGE600.

Control of lighting and roller shutters

If you want to create functional OneTouch rules for lighting and roller shutters, to the cost of the system should be added accessories (selection of devices depending on the rules):

How do these products work? Smart Plug, as an extension of the electrical outlet, controls the devices plugged into it. Smart Relay allows to control a receiver with a load power up to 16A. Roller Shutter controls drives of window roller blinds and lighting (230V AC). Thanks to these small devices, you can adjust the moment of switching on or off the lights in selected rooms or make lamp operation dependent on other actions, e.g. entering a room, closing a window, starting a fan, etc. You can also use them to simulate the presence of household members when the house is empty. The final cost depends on how many roller shutters/devices in your house you want to control.

What OneTouch rules can you create?

In SALUS Smart Home application you will program dependencies - scenarios of devices' work. For example:

To implement these scenarios in our example home - in addition to the Internet gateway, application (free) and temperature thermostats - we need: a minimum of five Roller Shutters for automatic operation of roller shutters, an opening sensor for the bathroom, a button that activates the rule when leaving the house, smart plugs, the number of which depends on the number of lamps that are to turn off when leaving. So let's assume that you need two Smart Plugs and a Smart Relay.

You can think about all this in no hurry. After making a decision enter it into the fields of the configurator.

Fault detection

Sensors detecting home faults are part of the SALUS Smart Home series. It means that they require a gateway and an application to work. Depending on which, where and how many sensors we want to install, the following amounts must be multiplied:

How do these devices work? A smoke sensor detects smoke. A flood sensor detects water on surfaces or contacts. An opening sensor indicates which windows/doors have been opened and allows the heating to be turned off for ventilation. The devices in the system allow you to receive SMS messages about an event.

Summary

The offer is rich, but do you have to be rich to take advantage of it? SALUS Controls offers customers not only exclusive premium lines, but also good for start, standard variants of products. They work well and at the same time will be friendly for your wallet.

Use our configurator and check, which solutions best suit your needs. Data entered into the configurator will help you find out how many and which devices you will need to control your home. Also it will create a rough estimate of the entire project.

What is important, the amounts will be approximate - calculated based on net list prices. Remember that our distributors will certainly offer you a favorable discount.

In case of any doubts, our well-trained installers and SALUS Controls technical team will be happy to advise you.

What does a smart home offer?

How can our system help you?

You know why you control your heating. Regardless of the weather, you want to feel comfortable at home and at work - it can be neither too warm nor too cold. Automated control maintain the temperature you expect (set) in each room (zone). Custom schedules for each type of installation, created in the web application, take care of the best heating operation. It's energy efficient. However, what else does a smart home provide? How will a complex home control system improve your daily comfort? How will it help you save on electricity or water bills?

Learn new examples of OneTouch rules and dependencies between devices working in a common home network - controlled online. What operating scenarios will you create for: heating, lighting, better functionality and building security?

Are you sure you know what smart home gives in case of temperature control?

Home savings guardian

Do you leave for work at different times? Write down a rule that will switch all room thermostats to economy mode (i.e. lower heating fuel consumption) with the push of a button.

Install the button (OneTouch rule activator - CSB600) at the front door. Click it on your way out. With a quick movement you will save heating energy and money.

At any time - for example, an hour before you return home - you turn off the rule in the web application. What does a smart home give you in this situation? You save money without sacrifice.

Remember that by lowering the room temperature by as little as 1°C, you save about 6% on energy costs - on the scale of the entire heating season. It pays off.

Pleasant returns

Returning to a dark, cold house will spoil the best mood. Make your returns comfortable. All you need to do is create a rule that " brings the interior to life" when you deactivate the entry alarm.

Moments after it is turned off, selected lights will light up, taming the darkness, and the heating will go into comfort mode, giving you perfect warmth. You will use not only temperature thermostats for this, but also networked smart relays or smart plugs.

Ventilation assistant

Did you forget to stop the heating system for ventilation? Before you are reminded by high bills, set a rule that turns off the heating of the room when the window is opened. An opening sensor linked to the room thermostat will help you do this. You don't have to worry about paying for reheating the backyard.

Bathing assistant

Do you bathe a small child at the same time every day? Make sure the bathroom is ready - waiting with a warm floor and cozy lighting. Make a rule so that for a selected hour the temperature in it will rise, the floor will heat up, the led lights by the mirror will turn on. You will use thermostats for underfloor heating and smart plug for this.

Virtual housekeeper

Do you rent holiday homes in the winter? Take care of your guests' comfort, but also manage your energy consumption economically.

Create two related rules: for comfort temperature and economy temperature. Then activate one of them using your smartphone (web app) even hundreds of kilometers away from the rental property. You will also do this for radiator heating (smart TRV head), as well as for underfloor heating (wiring centres, actuators).

Before your guests arrive, you will remotely start the comfort mode. After they leave, you will remotely put the facility into heating fuel-saving mode.

Knowing what a smart home gives when it comes to heating control, let's see its advantages when it comes to lighting control.

Intelligent light control

A bright fortress

In the evening, lights around the house make you feel more secure and much safer. They make it easier to move around the garden. An illuminated home is a well-maintained home. That's why take advantage of smart relay and create a rule that turns on outdoor lighting at sunset and turns off after sunrise. You can also do this at selected times or depending on the operation of other devices, such as when the system opens the entrance gate.

Work assistant: work-life balance

Do you work remotely and want to maintain a balance between work duties and rest? SALUS Smart Home will easily take care of your home lighting to help you establish a balance. When your work time is up, the desk lamp will turn off (SR600). The blinds will close (RS600) and spot lights by the couch will light up (SR600).

Dark windows, bright interiors

Thanks to OneTouch's set rules, you don't have to remember about them every day. A good example of this is linking the operation of the blinds to the operation of the lighting, which will turn on automatically when the blinds go down. When the windows go dark (RS600), the room will brighten up (SPE600).

What does a smart home offer?

Do you happen to go to bed and wonder which rooms you left with the lights on? Each unnecessarily lit lamp increases your electricity charges.

With the SALUS Smart Home system, you will create a rule that will turn off the lights throughout the building (SR600 x number of lamps). You'll activate it by pressing just one button (CSB600). Place it next to your bed and sleep peacefully. You will also activate the rule in the web application.

Motionless switch

Do you forget to turn off the light when you leave the kitchen? Annoyed that you have no way to do it while leaving with plates in both hands? Create a rule to turn off the lights, for example, 5 minutes after the movement in the kitchen stops (SR600 + MS600).

Evening walk around the house

Evening housekeeping is an intense time as you clean up the house and prepare it for the next day. Walking from room to room after dark, you don't have to turn the lights on and off every time.

By creating appropriate rules, when you enter a room, the lamp will automatically turn on and off, for example, a few minutes after the movement stops (MS600 + SR600).

Home lighting will always keep up with you. It is a convenience and modern economy that gives you savings. You just need to remember to determine the time of activation of this rule.

Night light activator

Don't like darkness? When getting out of bed at night, do you want to cross the hallway safely? Program a rule that, detecting your presence after dark (MS600), will activate the lighting (SR600). If you have a pet at home, don't be afraid of accidental activations. The sensor does not detect the movement of pets up to 36 kg.

Bright after opening

If you don't want to be tripping over your bathroom furniture, write down a rule that activates the lighting when you open the toilet door - set the hours for it. The idea will also work when entering the workshop, basement, garage - in all rooms where you fear darkness.

Kitchen lighting

Assisting light in the kitchen is a convenience and time-saver. Especially if it follows your movements. Create a rule so that the led lights above the cutting board turn on when you start working on it and off when you're done preparing a meal (MS600+ SPE600).

Also, take advantage of the subtle light of the hood light to make any entrance to the kitchen safe and pleasant. The gentle glow from under the hood will brighten up the room.

Sleep assistant - baby

When you think about what a smart home or automation in general provides, you certainly don't see all the possibilities available to you. Facilitation are waiting at almost every step.

Does your child fall asleep with the light on? Do you have to wait until late every night to turn it off? Create a rule to turn off your child's light at a certain time, or assign this rule to a single button and place it next to your bed (SB600). You can turn off the light in your toddler's room at any time with a single press.

Sleep assistant - adults

Do you like to read late and your partner/partner falls asleep earlier without turning off the light on their side of the bed? Program rules to turn off your bedside lamps and assign them to the OneTouch dual rule activator - the top button will turn off your lamp and the bottom button will turn off your partner's/partner's lamp.

When you finish reading, turn off the bedroom light - without getting up and without disturbing the other person's sleep. To easily operate the lighting on both sides of the bed, install two rule activators - one on each nightstand (SB600 x 2).

Relaxation Zone Activator

Do you enjoy spending evenings with family or friends? Do you relax while watching TV? Smart home will take care of convenient operation of your private relaxation zone.

Create a rule to activate intimate room lighting and activate it with one button (light dimmer + SB600). In a few seconds, the blinds will drop (RS600) and the living room will be covered with a cozy mood.

Home presence simulator

To ensure that your home does not entice potential thieves with darkness while you are away for several days, create rules to turn on, reduce and turn off lights.

At designated times in the garden and in selected rooms of the house, the lamps will dim, brighten, turn on and off, posing the presence of householders.

Add to this a customized plan for closing and opening blinds. Everything will create the perfect semblance - as if you were there!

You run the rule remotely from the app. You can adjust all settings via your smartphone - wherever you are.

Christmas guardian

Activate a schedule that will turn on and off the lights on your Christmas tree at designated times. You can also do it remotely - using our web app and your smartphone.

Don't worry that Christmas decorations will ruin your New Year's budget. Write down a rule so that your home's surroundings will be charmingly lit only after sunset and until a selected time (e.g., 11 p.m.) - when you can admire them. You'll build a family atmosphere while saving energy and money if the light decorations are kept off all night.

Digital accountant

If you want to find out how much electricity your home's appliances are using, hook them up to a plug that records electricity consumption. Check the consumption on the clear graphs available in the web app. Use the collected data to optimize the operation of your home appliances. Now you know what to keep an eye on.

Everyday comfort: what does smart home and automation offer?

Lower the blinds without getting up from your seat

When you finally melt into your favorite armchair after a busy day, you don't want to get up from it without having to do it. With a smart home system, it will only take you a moment to prepare your living room for an evening of relaxation.

With the OneTouch rule activator (SB600) or your smartphone, with a single press you can close the blinds in the TV room (RS600) and create the atmosphere of a home movie theatre.

Waking up by the sun

If you like to get up with the sun, set the operation of the bedroom blinds so that they open at sunrise and close at sunset. To make waking up even more pleasant, create a rule that opens the blind first at 30%, after a few minutes at 50%, and finally at 100% (RS600). The gradual welcoming of the sun in the morning will help you start even the hardest day nicely.

Weekend in the mountains

A weekend in the mountains is one of the pleasures we like to give ourselves spontaneously. To make it more convenient, create a scenario that prepares the mountain house for your arrival even before you set off. Just prepare the rules that run the comfort temperature and prepare relaxing lighting. You'll turn them on even before your trip.

Turn up the aura of summer

Who doesn't love spending warm evenings with family or friends in the backyard by the illuminated pool? Find out what a smart home can offer. Create a scenario that transforms a dark backyard into an atmospheric setting in a split second - perfect for capturing the charm of summer.

When you press the button (SB600), the soft spot lights by the pool will come on, the façade lights (SR600) will light up, and the lawn will be illuminated. A second press of the button will reverse the rule, allowing you to end the evening quickly and comfortably.

Lower power and water consumption

When you want to save on electricity and water consumption in sanitary rooms, you can activate efficient OneTouch rules:

The fan in the bathroom will start only when you enter it.
Similarly, the circulation pump will only run for a few minutes - the time when you are most likely to use the hot water.
The light will turn on when you are in the bathroom and turn off when you leave.

Based on the SALUS smart Home system, you will use a motion sensor and smart relays for this. Remember that small daily savings will allow you to live ecologically and economically. You save without sacrificing comfort.

Healthy air

Overly humid rooms are not good to spend time in and cause the growth of harmful mold. Create a rule so that the temperature thermostat immediately detects too much humidity (Quantum) and the system automatically starts ventilation (SR600).

If the thermostat indicates too little moisture in the air, the system will automatically activate the humidifier.

It is worthwhile to ensure the best air quality in your home. This will reduce the risk of respiratory diseases in you and your children.

Entrance gate opener

Install the button in a handy location, such as in the garage. Set a rule that closes the gates after a certain time (SR600). You can also open the entrance gate from your smartphone app, having a rule set to close it after, 2 minutes for example.

Remote home opening

With the SALUS Smart Home system you will remotely let a trusted person come into your garage, even though no one is home! You'll do it with your smartphone using a web app and an on-site smart relay.

The courier no longer has to leave the package at your neighbor's house or, even worse, on a wet doormat. He can do it in your garage. A child who forgot his key doesn't have to wait at a friend's house for your return. You let them in through the garage door wherever you are - shopping or at a business meeting.

Home under the protection of technology

Instant notifications of an emergency

Smart home gives not only comfort, but also security. The cost of building a house or renovating an apartment is huge.

Set rules that will alert you to a fire (SD600) or water leak (WLS600). You'll receive an SMS immediately if there's an emergency in your home: smoke appears or your washing machine breaks down. This will help you react as quickly as possible and minimize the damage.

Safe heating system

If you have a house in the mountains or by the sea, control its heating system when it is standing empty. Similarly, if you own more than one apartment. After all, you can't be everywhere at once.

Setting an economic or antifreeze temperature is ideal to keep your heating from freezing. However, if there is damage to the heat source, no mode will do the job. The temperature will drop to low values. And this threatens the cost of repairing or replacing the entire installation.

Protect your building's heating system and set up a rule to send a notification of a dangerous temperature drop (SMS or e-mail). Breakdowns happen everywhere - to everyone. Don't be unpleasantly surprised.

Protection against flooding - a brake on the damage

Sometimes a simple malfunction causes an avalanche of expenses. How to prevent it?

OneTouch rules can work with the plumbing system in your smart home. When the system detects flooding in the monitored area (WLS600), it will cut off the water supply at the place where the fault occurred (SR600).

You will immediately receive a text message about the incident. You will avoid floor replacement and costly renovation.

Burglar alarm without a siren

SALUS Smart Home will enhance the security of your home in many ways. In creating security only sky is the limit.

The simplest way to protect your home or apartment from burglary is to install an opening sensor at the entrance (SW600) and set a rule that sends an SMS when someone opens the door in your absence. You will be able to call a neighbor or the police.

But if at the same moment, detecting motion (MS600), the lights in the rooms come on and the blinds open or close, the thief will feel caught in the act. There's a good chance he'll give up the theft.

Dangerous cabinets

Even in a secure, modern home, some unpredicted things happen. If you're worried that your child might open a medicine or detergent cabinet, mount an opening sensor (SW600) next to it and set a rule that sends an SMS notification when the door is opened. The same way you can secure important documents or personal records.

Turning off electrical appliances

Are you always in a hurry? Can't remember if you turned off the iron after ironing your clothes in the morning? Or maybe you remembered that you definitely didn't turn it off? Plug your device into our smart plug. In the office, in the car, in the cafe - anywhere you can check if the iron is not drawing power and turn it off with one click if necessary.

In the app, you can also set a rule to turn off the iron after 30 minutes from startup. You will save money and avoid the risk of fire.

Caregiver in sickness

People who are disabled or sick will feel safer being able to quickly call for help if they are unwell. In worse health, they don't always have the strength to call or write a message.

The rule activator will serve as an emergency safety button. All you have to do is assign a rule to it, sending a predetermined message to a loved one, such as "Come, I'm feeling bad" or "Call an ambulance".

Guardian of your construction site

SALUS Smart Home will easily take care of the safety of any construction site. You will receive SMS notification of unwanted events. What does the smart home give you if you arrange the right rules?

The app will also open the garage or warehouse door for the construction crew (remote home opening - SR600).

Guardian of an unoccupied development

SALUS Smart Home system allows you to remotely control heating and monitor a building where temporarily no one lives. From anywhere in the world you can control the temperature in such a building (e.g. VS10BRF thermostat + TRV head/ KL08RF wiring centre + T30NC actuator). If someone comes inside, you will receive a notification (SW600 sensor).

Quick scanning of the house

The comfort provided by automation is not only daily conveniences, but also peace of mind. A web application allows you to quickly scan a building equipped with SALUS Smart Home series products.

This function allows you to check each room and the devices in it. It is an priceless help when you want to make sure you leave your home safe before you get out - windows closed, lights and electrical equipment turned off.

Statuses in the SALUS Smart Home system

Now that we know what smart home brings to everyday life, let's take a look at another useful feature of the system - STATUSES.

What are statuses? They are nothing more than sets of rules for: heating, lighting and also other smart home elements. The statuses trigger scenarios that fit specific circumstances (winter, summer, trip, party, etc.).

Winter will play by your rules

Winter routine is different from summer routine - so create your own rules package for status: WINTER. Here are examples.

You're heating the house and want the rooms to be the perfect temperature: comfortable when you're in them and economical when you're not (schedules). It's getting dark early. As you drive onto the property in the afternoon, you need a well-lit facade and garage (after-dark rules). You want the light to keep up with you, turning on (e.g., from 4 p.m.) in the rooms you enter and turning off when you leave them.

Summer - impose your rules on the heat

Summer routine is hugely different from winter - create a rule package for status: SUMMER.

With summer temperatures, you don't heat the house, temperature thermostat go into a "sleep" state for several months. It's brighter outside for longer, and it gets darker later, so you need façade and interior lighting on at later hours. At other times you open and close the blinds. You use led lights by the garden pool, for which you can also set a daily work schedule.

Parties - only you set the rules of fun

Home parties are governed by their own rules. Your party rhythm is different from the daily rhythm, so you can create a separate working scenario for it, e.g. heating, lighting.

The temperature in the living room will be higher than usual at night, because, after all, you are not sleeping - you are partying. The light will remain atmospherically dimmed, but the blinds will be uncovered - unlike on regular evenings - to keep an eye on the backyard, guests' cars and to see the outdoor lighting. In the heat of the game, it's a good idea to know when a child sleeping in his room will wake up and go out into the hallway. You will receive a text message notification about it.

Leaving - a smart home knows how to take care of itself

Leaving for an extended period of time, you will prepare your home for your absence with one click on your smartphone - status for the situation: EXIT.

The temperature will go into economy mode. After dark, a rule will be activated to simulate the presence of household members (lights and blinds). You will receive a notification when someone opens a door in your house or a window in the garage.

Let's summarize

From today's text, it is clear what a smart home gives to anyone who decides to transform their home space into a space of intelligent, logical scenarios. We have shown many examples of the use of OneTouch rules, as well as dependencies and hardware connections. It's up to you to decide which ones will work best in your home. Remember, on the other hand, that for creating your home control system you need to have the UGE600 universal Internet gateway and the SALUS Smart Home application.

We are delighted to announce that our company has won special recognition in the opinion of our customers.

We were awarded the CONSUMER QUALITY LEADER 2022 Golden Emble in the category "Heating control systems".

Based on the survey report, we know that the SALUS Controls customers associate our brand with:

Winning the Golden Emblem in its category is the best possible award. It is an expression of the trust that people have to the brand. Thank you very much for this!

Such appreciation is an honour for us, great satisfaction and motivation for further action.

Temperature thermostats - even the most modern ones - are generally not difficult to use. Functionality and user-friendly menus are the first condition to make them useful. Accurate temperature control is the second, but today we will focus on the problems we may encounter in the implementation and subsequent use of these devices. Why the temperature thermostat doesn't work?

It sometimes happens that temperature thermostats stop working or, if we are at the installation stage, do not start working. To save time and nerves, it is worth looking at the reasons that may have disturbed their operation before starting the complaints procedure. Some problems require service repair, but with most we can deal ourselves.

Batteries

If the thermostat has been working properly for some time and suddenly stops, the first thing to do is to replace the batteries and check whether the problem still appears. This is because it can happen even though there is no indication that they need to be replaced, the power supply becomes weaker and the device starts playing tricks on the user.

In the case of SALUS Controls temperature thermostats, a set of batteries is enough for about two heating seasons. However, if you notice any errors earlier; unplanned start-ups of the heat source, inaccuracy of the schedule, start with the batteries.

REMEMBER: Before sending the thermostat for service, make sure it has working batteries. Partially discharged batteries can weaken the signal.

Incorrect connection

It is always a good idea to follow the recommendations given in the wiring diagrams. It is not just a matter of routing the cables correctly, but also of their choice. The use of unsuitable cables will make it impossible to use all the functions of the device.

For example, if we are connecting SALUS Controls thermostats from the Expert series, it is recommended to use 4 x 0.75 mm² or 4 x 1 mm² cable. We will then use all the functions of the thermostats. If we use a three-core cable, we will not have access to the night temperature reduction function (NSB; Night Set Back).

It is also worth remembering that the wiring insulation should be suitable for a 230 V system.

What is important, "twisted-pair" Internet cable, despite the required number of wires, is not a good choice for a 230 V system because of the cross-section of the wires and the class of insulation. However, if the installer installed such wires we can choose a 24 V system.

Temperature thermostat does not work due to lack of communication with the receiver

If the transmitter does not communicate with the receiver, make sure that the communication code of the transmitter and the receiver is set correctly. If the receiver controls the boiler not according to the transmitter's indication, you need to change the communication code to a different one than factory.

To avoid this mistake, it is worth getting newer controllers. For example, the bestselling thermostat for boilers and other heat sources by SALUS Controls - 091FLRFV2 - does not require manual setting of codes. It contains as many as 64,000 combinations, so that a situation in which our thermostat is "activated" by an unauthorized device is practically impossible.

And even if - by extreme bad luck - this will happen, all you have to do is re-pair the transmitter with the receiver (for your convenience, the outputs are factory paired).

The temperature thermostat does not work because the devices have lost communication with each other

This problem can appear with a system that works wirelessly in a home network. It happens that the temperature thermostat stopped heating the room properly because it lost communication with the wiring centre or with the TRV head. At that point, it is useful to re-pair devices and even reinstall your control automation. It has been known for a long time that a reset allows electronics to take a "new breath."

The thermostat turns on the boiler instead of turning it off, and vice versa

Most SALUS Controls thermostats are equipped with COM/NO (normally opened) contacts for connecting the boiler, which turns on the heating by shorting circuit contact. However, if the automation of our boiler turns on the heating by opening them, a thermostats with COM/NC (normally closed) contacts will be required.

In the 091FLV2 and 091FLRFV2 thermostats, you can change the relay type programmatically and everything will work as it should. So, in order to avoid complications, let's look for controllers that are as universal as possible.

Wrong thermostat placement

We often do not pay attention to where we mount the control device. We follow either interior design, decorations or... random choice. Meanwhile, the room thermostat should be installed in the right place - non-sunny, far from drafts, fans, radiators, fireplace, stove, or even a lamp. It is good to hang/set it at a height of about 150 cm.

This is important because a bad location can cause the temperature sensor built into the unit to false readings, causing the room to be underheated (most often). If the temperature on the thermostat is falsely high, the boiler will not turn on, and the room will be cooled. So when choosing a place for the controller, it is worth taking into account not only convenience. Avoid places that expose the thermostat to large thermal fluctuations. If we forget about this, we are very likely to consider that the temperature thermostat is not working properly.

In the case of wireless thermostats, undisturbed communication between the transmitter and the receiver is also extremely important. It is necessary to take into account not only the distance between the devices, but also possible architectural obstacles (such as walls) that may cause the signal not to reach the receiver.

Mistakes in setting the schedule or selecting the control algorithm

Although programming the schedule should not be complicated, mistakes can happen. If our temperature thermostat doesn't work properly - it doesn't send the heating demand, even though according to our expectations it should, the reason could be, for example, setting the night temperature reduction at the wrong time period.

The choice of the wrong control algorithm for our type of heating system, such as hysteresis for underfloor heating, can also be a problem. Hysteresis operation is based on slight overdrives, so it does not guarantee precision. Underfloor heating, on the other hand, has a long response time, high thermal inertia, so the heating effect may not be satisfying.

Before we consider that the controller starts at the wrong time or does not start at the indicated times or parameters, we will check the temperature ranges we have entered for each time of day and night.

We will also adapt the control algorithm to our type of installation. SALUS Controls mostly offer two control algorithms to choose from - hysteresis and TPI. By choosing hysteresis, you can specify its range. Deciding on the TPI algorithm, you can indicate what type of heating it is to be used for (floor, radiator or electric).

Devices designed specifically for underfloor heating also operate based on the PWM algorithm. This function allows the inertia of the underfloor heating, so it closes/opens the actuators appropriately earlier/ later, preventing the room from overheating or cooling down.

Temperature thermostat does not work properly by incorrect control

Finally, remember that we should always adjust the parameters of room thermostats to suit our lifestyle. To do this, you should carefully read the instruction manual, ask the installer or manufacturer of the control automation you purchased.

Why don't you choose a heating control system?

A heating control system is needed in every place where people live and work. Thanks to it, the heating system does not waste heat energy, and the right temperature improves well-being and supports our biological rhythm - improves concentration, quality of rest, sleep. We have written about this many times. However, still not everyone decides to install a control system. Today we try to answer the question of what stands in the way of this decision. Why do some of us not control the heating in our home? We present the 4 most common concerns and explain why they are wrong.

Concern 1: "What do I actually need it for?"

Modern heating controls - both radiator and underfloor heating - are wrongly associated with luxury. Something that comes in handy, but is not so useful as to be essential. So much for the efficient intake of heating fuel provided by a heating control system, this is no luxury. Here, it's really about something more than convenience and thermal comfort - which we are willing to sacrifice, especially now, in tough economic times.

They were created to consciously consume the heating medium throughout the winter season. Accurate control algorithms and well-thought-out schedules allow us to adjust the temperature to how we live and prevent energy waste. We use only as much energy as we need to.

But this only happens with devices that constantly control this process. Further conclusions follow: if our installation uses less heating fuel, we pay lower energy bills.

What about zone control?

Then there's ZONE CONTROL, which we sometimes don't consider at all, thinking it's unnecessary ("Why do we need a thermostat in every room?"). It seems to us that if we buy one thermostat and install it where we are most often, it is enough to control the heating. However, this is a dead end, because then we will have the optimal temperature only in this one room - in the other rooms it will be random. So what if, for example, the living room will be pleasantly warm (because the thermostat will make sure the comfortable temperature there), if the rooms of other household members will be cold? In the end, it will force us to raise the heating parameters, so there is no way to save money.

What's worse, in such a situation, the main room - the one with the thermostat and the one where it was supposed to be perfectly warm - will be overheated. Only thermostats working in each room separately will actually allow us to adjust the temperature to our expectations - no matter what kind of heating we have, what kind of heat source. The intake of the heating medium will be economical and ecological. And then we will pay lower bills. And this is what a heating control system is needed for.

Concern 2: "Too expensive."

Since the heating control system is associated with luxury, the concern of the unconvinced may be its price. Because, as we all know, you have to pay a lot for luxury. So the idea that the control system is expensive may hold us back from buying it. This thought discourages us from doing the calculations and checking "how expensive". Maybe not as expensive as we thought after all?

We treat the investment in advance as an expense and not as an investment in saving money. And that is exactly what it is - an investment in saving money and energy, as we wrote above. So if we look at this one-off cost as something that will pay off and pay off in lower heating energy consumption, the price will no longer be a scaring. It will be a contribution to a 'cheaper tomorrow'. After all, it is a well-known fact that you have to invest to gain.

In addition to all this, the product range is rich. Among SALUS Controls thermostats you can find models at really affordable prices. After all, ZONE CONTROL does not require the purchase of the most expensive thermostats at once.

Yes, they will work if you want the latest solutions with many features, such as an integrated humidity sensor or a comfortably warm floor option (with underfloor heating).

Such thermostats offer the possibility of expanding the smart home system and creating scenarios of device dependencies (tap to run), which is a great help in running a household. However, if you do not care about such advanced functions or controlling your heating via the Internet, there are cheaper products to choose from. Cheaper, but still proven and effective.

Concern 3: "Too much trouble, difficult to manage".

The very name "heating control system" sounds like something complicated, something you have to learn, something you have to know how to handle - so that it works as it should, and so that you don't break anything. This can be a discouraging factor, because technology sometimes scares us. Especially if you feel that once you have brought it under your roof, you are left alone with it. Not everyone feels like reading long instructions and then figuring out everything by trial and error anyway. And there is some validity in this concern - home automation requires a certain amount of knowledge. But, if you choose well, it's not a barrier.

Many brands - such as ours - take great care to ensure that the customer is not left alone with the technology after purchase. SALUS Controls offers continuous and free assistance in the installation and then in the operation of the devices. It can be used by installers as well as individual customers. At the same time, permanent assistance is one that lasts for the entire life of the heating control system.

Thanks to the experience and knowledge of our installers, even at the installation stage of the system, the customer has the chance to ask questions and clear up any doubts. The installers explain everything in detail. They support the customer not only during installation, but also during start-up and operation.

Finally, we try to ensure that the user manuals for our products are not big books, in which it is difficult to find the information needed. Our abbreviated manuals are specific information that the customer needs to know in order to operate the purchased equipment correctly. Everything is described and supported by clear diagrams. On our YouTube channel, we regularly post instructional videos in which we show, step by step, the process of pairing drivers and implementing the system. So there should be no fear of handling our equipment. The customer is never left alone with the technology we create.

Concern 4: "A heating control system is an idea that is only good for new houses".

It is also a myth that a heating control system is only for new buildings. This is not true.

Of course, the installation of 230 V appliances does indeed require the routing of cables, which often involves renovation work, forging of walls, etc. Therefore, it is much easier to plan it during the construction phase of a building or premises. The more extensive the system, the more thoughtful the installation work should be. However, this is not the rule.

If you decide on a heating control system made entirely or mostly of wireless products, annoying renovation work is out of the question. Of course, signal strength is important for the smooth operation of the system. Therefore, it is worth knowing that in the SALUS Smart Home system, each 230 V device strengthens the wireless signal, in a way becoming a repeater. This allows you to build a solid network of home devices.

So, a heating control system can be successfully installed in any building/apartment - including one that we have lived in for a long time.

Are we sure we know the possibilities?

There is another reason why we do not always control our heating system. This reason is the fact that we are not aware of how good a heating control system we can create for ourselves. And not necessarily in houses, but also in flats. People simply don't know that they can do this and how much they can gain by, for example, already owning a 2-3 room flat. And they can gain the same things as homeowners - comfort and savings.

You will need intelligent TRV thermostatic heads mounted at the radiators (radiator heating), room thermostats and - for example - opening sensors to place at the windows. With these devices, you will gain control over the consumption of heating fuel:

Examples of such rules for flats can be multiplied, depending on the needs. And your imagination.

In the modern building industry, surface heating replaces standard radiators. In the case of underfloor heating, the wires hidden in the floor distribute heat evenly over all heating zones in the building, working at low supply temperatures. This allows you to heat the house economically and ecologically. However, what types of surface heating do we have to choose at all? For sure, it's not just the underfloor heating.

Low-temperature surface heating – how it works?

Surface heating is a type of heating system in which the entire room is heated by invisible to the eye pipes with spiral or meandering arrangement. They are concealed in the floor, but can also be installed in the ceiling or wall. The heat source (heating factor) can be: water, air or electricity. Obviously, this type of heating has a much larger surface area than radiators and gives off heat to the entire heating surface. It works on the principle of radiation, in much lesser degree of convection. As a result, it heats evenly and slowly - it also loses heat slowly. To maintain a comfortable temperature (about 22-23°C) in the room (in the heating zone), surface heating needs a low supply temperature (up to 30°C), which is not only environmentally friendly, but also economical.

Why is it like that? It's pure physics. If we want to reduce the thermal parameter of the supply, we have to increase the heating surface. And this is what happens in surface heating.

What is most important, the low supply temperature of the surface heating works well with eco-friendly heat pumps, which are becoming increasingly popular among forward-thinking investors.

The advantages of surface heating have been discussed many times (e.g. here). To summarize them, you need to know that – in comparison with radiator heating – surface heating is more efficient and healthier. It is also more comfortable for householders, because with lower supply temperatures and gradual heat distribution, the house is never overheated. Warm air does not "hit in the face " as it happens in the case of radiators, that "throw out" the hot air that is floating to the ceiling. The result is that, the radiator distributes heat very unevenly – the further away we are from the radiator, the colder it is for us, and sitting by the radiator we can hardly bear the heat. Another issue is the air quality. Surface heating does not dry the air, and radiators do. Very much. Radiators also collect dust in the recesses on their surface. They cause movement of air; they carry pollutants, forcing us to inhale them.

If you are interested in surface heating, let's take a quick look at the possibilities.

Types of surface heating

Heating loops hidden in the floor

In the case of underfloor heating - the most popular version of surface heating - the manifold distributes the heating factor (e.g., water) through pipes or heating tubes, hidden in the floor. This is added comfort of stepping on a pleasantly warm floor, although in practice it comes down to the fact that - except the bathroom, where the floor is actually perceptibly warm - in other rooms it is not simply unpleasantly cold. The most outstanding is that what the floor is covered in. The best heat conductors are ceramic tiles, laminated panels, waterproof vinyl, resin flooring, wood (so materials with low thermal resistance). Underfloor heating is the most efficient and unquestionably the most popular version of surface heating - it brings thermal comfort at the lowest supply temperatures.

Heating elements hidden in the ceiling

With ceiling heating (installation behind e.g. a false ceiling), the heat radiates evenly from the ceiling to the structural components of the building and to the objects in the interior. We feel the heat at head level, not leg-height. In this case, we will not benefit from the comfort of a warm floor. For many builders, this is a disadvantage, but there are also advantages: there is no risk of covering the heating surface with a carpet or disturbing the installation when hanging cupboards or decorations (as with wall heating, for example, which we will discuss in a moment). On the other hand, we must take care of the insulation of the building. The supply temperature for ceiling heating is usually higher than for underfloor heating, because the heat does not fall to the ground. To ensure that the heating effect is satisfactory, supply temperature needs to be increased.

Heating loops hidden in the wall

Wall heating is the least common form of surface heating. Heating elements are permanently built-in in the walls and emit heat through them, warming the interior. As with underfloor and ceiling heating, the heat spreads gradually without overheating or raising dust. There are no additional layers here to reduce efficiency (e.g. panels, carpets). However, you should be aware that with this solution, the usable area of the room is reduced - it becomes smaller by the thickness of the installation built into the wall (this is especially noticeable with air heating). With this type of surface heating, it is also necessary to set a higher flow temperature than with underfloor heating (up to 45℃). However, it is still economical and low enough not to cause damage or burns in the event of possible contact.

Water, air or electric surface heating?

Where to install the heating elements is one thing, but the heating factor you ultimately decide on - water, air or electricity - is crucial. The running costs of the surface heating, and therefore of the entire house, will depend on this important choice.

The water heating system heat the building through plastic or metal pipes through which hot water flows. The installation is insulated and protected against leaks or moisture. This is important to prevent corrosion, rusting or rotting of the heating elements.

Air heating system is characterised by the fact that there are special channels in the ground or wall in which heated air circulates - it is set in motion by an internal fan.

Electric surface heating is based entirely on heat conducted through heating cables or foils. Its main advantage is the ease and 'cleanliness' of installation and convenient operation, while the obvious disadvantage is the price of the heating fuel. Electricity is expensive, especially with such increased use.

Or maybe capillary tube mats?

They are still a kind of market "innovation", which is why it is worth mentioning that they exist and represent an interesting variant, or rather alternative, to the installation of surface heating. These are the so-called capillary tube mats, i.e. light and thin chains of polypropylene tubes through which the heating factor (water) flows. They are installed with screws into the surface (floor, wall, ceiling) before plastering. The capillaries are flexible and can be formed, which means that they can be placed on architectural elements of different shapes and cross-sections - e.g. on a semi-circular wall, a suspended ceiling, in the attic (bevels). Capillary tube mats are not only lightweight, they also operate quietly (quieter than surface heating) and do not actually reduce the usable area of the room.

When choosing capillary mats, it is important to remember to install them in walls for which we have no long-term decorating or renovation plans. Accidentally drilling through the plastic tubes (e.g. when hanging a painting) can cause damage and expose us to unnecessary repair and renovation costs. Such a wall cannot be covered by a large piece of furniture - then the operation of the mats misses the point. However, these are limitations which equally apply to wall-mounted surface heating.

At the moment, the biggest disadvantage of capillary tube mats is the high installation price. When buying them, pay attention to the quality of the materials used and the solidity of the welds.

Surface heating - what is the purpose of temperature control?

Each room in a building has an individual need for heat. Rooms may lose it at different rates, but they also have different functions, so they should have different temperatures. This is why it is important to introduce zone control, which involves installing thermostats separately for each heating zone. Then each room will have its own set temperature. Of course, with air heating (radiators) this is also important and necessary, but underfloor heating in particular needs precise control. This is because of what we essentially consider to be the advantage of this installation - it is slow to heat up and slow to give off heat. With this operating mechanism, the heating schedule must be logically thought out, planned in advance and monitored by controllers.

Manually, we are unable to operate the surface heating comfortably and efficiently.

Energy fuel prices will continue to rise. It's hard to predict at what level they will be in the coming heating season, as well as in the following ones. Energy conservation awaits each of us. How to reduce energy expenses on your own, without losing comfort? Prudent use of heating fuel is the first thing that comes to mind, but improving CH efficiency will pay off more.

Discounts or subsidies will not stop rising inflation. They will only postpone its unpleasant effects. If we're in the mood for it, we can joke that it will be cheapest to light a fire and rely on the traditional way of heating the house. Only that jokes, while they certainly help to endure reality, will not translate into energy savings. Let's rethink our steps during this difficult time.

Replacing the installation with a more economical one is not the only option to pay less. However, not everyone can afford such an investment, while everyone wants to do something to reduce the expense of heating the house. Besides, even if we decide to upgrade the entire CH, we still have a chance to increase savings. It is given by installing the right control system for the heating system - any kind.

Why does temperature control save heating energy?

It doesn't matter whether we heat the building with a solid fuel boiler, liquid fuel boiler, electric boiler, gas boiler. Or maybe we heat the house with an ecological heat pump? It doesn't matter either. What matters is primarily the way of the installation consumes the heating fuel we pay for. This way can be wasteful if we do not use controllers for heating. Investing in them will definitely be cheaper than replacing the installation, and will bring the desired results. That's because automating energy consumption is low-carbon and energy-efficient. It protects the environment and - which is now hugely important - reduces bills.

Installation of the control system is not complicated or hard. Well-known brands, such as SALUS Controls, offer free support during the selection, installation and subsequent use of control products. Saving energy is easier than it seems.

The heat source (boiler, heat pump), controlled by heating automation, produces only as much heat as it really needs to maintain the temperature we set. There is no overheating of the interiors or cooling them, after which even more energy is needed to restore a comfortable temperature for us. Of course, room thermostats do not affect the price of heating fuel, but they help to manage its intake. As a result, heating costs are reduced no matter what type of fuel we heat the house with.

Zone control and energy savings

If the heating of a building is based on measurements coming from only one room, such as the living room, where the thermostat has been installed, the temperature in the other rooms will be random. This is neither efficient nor, of course, comfortable. Someone will always be either too cold or too hot. Zone control allows you to easily manage the heat of each room separately.

Investment in one thermostat seems to be a smaller expense than the one-time purchase of several temperature thermostats - needed for zone control. However, this is a that simple, since such a calculation is about the initial expense, not energy savings. Over the course of the building's operation, zone control will save on energy consumption, which will increase the savings from buying just one thermostat, installed in the most frequently used room.

Control automation by SALUS Controls

SALUS Controls offers energy-saving devices for temperature control in buildings using any type of heating: radiator, underfloor, electric, fan coil. There is a choice of modern thermostats operating by wire, wireless, via the Internet - the SALUS Smart Home system.

It is worth taking a closer look at the devices that support daily energy savings, because temperature control helps optimize the operation of the heating system not only in private homes, but also in commercial premises, workplaces, offices or hotels.

Energy saving vs. controllers - how does it work in practice?

With zone control, that is, installing a temperature thermostat separately in each room, we can reduce the heat by a few degrees in places where we are less often present (such as the hallway). The same, when no one is at home. A few days or even hours a day of economical temperature will make a difference when paying bills later.

According to experts, lowering the temperature in homes by 1℃ saves 6-7% on energy bills. If we translate this over the entire heating season, the numbers starting to be major. Consciously lowering the temperature - without sacrificing comfort on a daily basis - will save concrete amount of money.

Energy price increases - pay less with heating automation

In the coming months and even years, the heating industry will not escape severe increases. Market analysts also warn of rising electricity prices. As we mentioned at the beginning, the cost of operating buildings will rise. We can’t escape this change. To feel them less „painful”, we need to save energy on our own. Temperature control is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

Less heating fuel is consumed by maintaining a constant temperature in the building. During the absence of household members, the building should have an economic (lower) temperature. The installation should not be turned off completely, as this will cause the interiors to cool down, which will have to be reheated. Meanwhile, the installation uses more energy to heat cold interiors than to maintain an economic temperature in them. That's why it's worth relying on heating automation.

SALUS Smart Home and energy saving

Reasonable consumption of heating fuel goes hand in hand with technological trends. Therefore, the modern smart home is no longer just a matter of convenience and comfort - although, no doubt, this is an advantage. SALUS Smart Home is more than convenience. It is an energy-saving potential that must be used.

The SALUS smart Home system consists the devices that allow you to save energy by controlling the operation of a boiler, central heating pump, DHW pump or other heating or cooling device. In addition to voltage- or battery-powered temperature thermostats, the series includes an Internet gateway, wiring centres for controlling surface heating, wireless thermostatic heads, control modules, smart plugs (controlling electrics up to 3600W), sensors: window/door opening, flooding, smoke, motion, and other accessories. The whole system complements a modern and energy-efficient interior.

SALUS Smart Home is operated through a free web application (mobile and desktop versions). The software allows you to control devices from anywhere in the world. You just need to register an account and have internet connectivity.

The balance of benefits in practice: how SALUS Smart Home will benefit energy efficiency?

Controlling home installations reduces energy losses during the operation of the building, which promotes environmental protection and translates into significantly lower fees. Saving heating energy is done in the spirit of modernity. Any landlord will appreciate such technological assistance.

How do smart home solutions help save energy?

When we hear "smart home solutions," our first thought is voice-activating a playlist of our favorite songs or turning on a light at the clap of a hand. And that's right - home automation provides convenience, creates a cozy atmosphere. It is compared to technological magic. But a smart home can do so much more. Especially in difficult economic times, when energy saving is precious. And here too, you can put your trust in technology. Savings begin at home.

Do smart solutions help save energy if they are expensive? Are they really expensive?

High price is an effective " repellent " of any service, goods, industry. All more so if we do not want to spend, but we want to save. Smart home is associated with something expensive and exclusive. With something that only a few can afford. With something that will not help to keep money in the household budget. However, such thinking is wrong. Smart home solutions are not just gadgets in luxury properties. Of course, they improve the daily comfort of homeowners, but a large part of smart solutions are devices that thoughtfully improve the operation of home installations. And if the home installations work optimally, they consume less energy and create financial reserves. It usually doesn't take long for that to happen.

Remember that energy is a regular (and growing) expense, and the equipment that determines its consumption is a one-time expense. Since energy costs a lot, it is necessary to manage its consumption wisely. If we do not take care of it, we will waste it unnecessarily and pay even more. Why should I waste energy? - someone will ask. And probably few of us consciously do it. Unfortunately, it does not always depend on the responsibility and self-discipline of the householder. Without the support of controllers it is impossible to avoid wasting energy. We ourselves are not able to set the consumption in such a way that some of the energy "sucked in" by the household installations is not unused. We pay in vain. Therefore, saving energy in every home should be a priority.

Which smart solutions will work for you?

On the market we can find many more or less technologically advanced devices that help save energy: intelligent heating systems, lighting, security systems. We have many smart solutions to choose. So the question is - which ones to skip with no regrets, and which ones to be interested in.

Wiring centres, actuators, thermostats, TRV radiator heads

Heating controls are one of the most important categories of smart solutions for energy efficiency. In our geographical zone, we have to heat our homes for about 8 months a year. The winter season starts in early autumn and ends in late spring. Heating expenses drive gigantic costs. To keep them in control and save energy, we need modern technologies. Maybe not all smart solutions are as spectacular as chatting with a voice assistant, but we need them badly.

A well-designed wiring centre for surface heating (e.g. for underfloor heating) will be an ideal example here. It allows to control the distribution of the heating medium to individual loops by means of thermoelectric actuators (actuators open/close the flow). And how do the wiring centre and actuators (or the heating unit itself) "know" how to distribute the heating medium to maintain the temperature? Thanks to the room themostat. At the right moment, the temperature thermostat sends a signal to heat or stop heating. This is caused by continuous measurement of the room temperature and comparing it (according to an established algorithm) with the set temperature. Similarly, in the case of the TRV radiator head - although it is already a part of the radiator installation - which, in cooperation with the thermostat, distributes heat to radiators.

The human mind cannot replace the algorithms and technical devices that control the flow of the medium in the heating system. It is pure engineering and mathematics. Control systems are a group of smart solutions that most support energy saving. They provide optimal heat at the lowest possible cost. Not to mention that the ideal temperature improves living comfort and promotes well-being.

Small smart solutions: smart plugs and sensors

Smart plugs, or intelligent plugs (commonly called smart sockets), are small devices with huge power. They don't cost much, but they can make life more enjoyable and save energy. How do they work? Really simple. The smart plug is connected to the electrical socket. It becomes its extension with special functions. If we connect an electrical device such as a lamp to such a mounted plug - which happens most often - smart plug will turn it on or off at selected moments. Thanks to this it will not be lit when it is not needed - it will consume less power and we will save energy. Such an expanded socket will also work well in the so-called intelligent house scenarios. For example, it will allow you to control the lamp depending on the work of another device, or from sunrise, sunset or selected time. There are many more combinations. For example, you can set the light to go off when the temperature in the bedroom drops. The situation is similar with sensors - for example with a motion detector. You can create a rule that turns off the lights when there is no one in the kitchen (when the motion stops). Of course, to make it work the way we want it to, we first need to program the appropriate rules into the smart home app (such as this one). This is done only once and then the house "lives" according to our rules.

It is also worth paying attention to other sensors that will help save energy. For example a light dimmer (more here) or an opening sensor, which will signal the opening of a window and - included in the rule - enable turning off heating in a ventilated room. Why pay for heating your balcony or backyard? A flood sensor will also be useful; properly connected to the home's plumbing system, it will shut off the water supply to the bathroom after detecting a washing machine malfunction. So we can save not only on energy consumption but also on renovation costs.

Smart solutions help save energy – summary

In these difficult economic and ecological times there is also good news. For example, modern technology allows you to reduce energy consumption. Just sit down with the idea, check the possibilities and bet on smart solutions that will help control this essential daily process. Each of us lives differently, has different habits, different needs, differently organized home space. Therefore, before we decide on any purchase, we should consider which technical innovations will help us optimize energy consumption. This is important especially with installations that consume the most money (heating, lighting). Remember that control systems are an investment that will pay off for years. After all, even simple models of thermostats allow you to maintain the right temperature in rooms. Not to mention those with extensive schedules. With these, energy consumption will no longer be accidental.