Focusing on home heating systems and controls may be the furthest thing from homeowners’ minds following the high temperatures in the UK this summer. However, installers have an opportunity to use the beginning of the heating season to play a pivotal role in making sure their customers are winter ready. Steve Mist from Resideo explains more.
Radiator performance is often underestimated, yet it can significantly influence the overall efficiency of a heating system, especially in lower temperature systems, like heat pumps. Taking time now to prepare radiators can help improve comfort and system efficiency during colder months.
Unbalanced radiator systems may lead to uneven heating, which can affect perceived comfort and energy usage.
When a heating system is unbalanced, some radiators will be warmer than others, leaving certain rooms noticeably cooler. This can lead to frustration for homeowners, who may find themselves constantly adjusting the thermostat with little improvement.
While some systems may never have been properly balanced, others can become disrupted during home renovations. Removing radiators to decorate or upgrade them can unintentionally affect the system’s flow. Once reinstalled, these radiators may contribute to an imbalance that affects overall performance.
Traditionally, balancing a system involves adjusting either the lockshield valves or the flowsetting ring on the thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). The aim is to ensure all radiators reach the same temperature at roughly the same time. This can be a meticulous and time-consuming task, as tweaking one radiator can impact the balance of others previously adjusted. Achieving optimal results requires both precision and patience.
However, there are solutions to help with the task. For example, the Honeywell Home TRV Balancing App which allows installers to find the correct valve settings without complex calculations. This smart solution is designed to save time and support a more consistent heating experience for homeowners.
With growing interest in energy-efficient homes, system balancing can contribute to improved heating performance during colder months.
Control options
Understanding customer needs can unlock upgrade opportunities they may not have considered. For example, suggesting new types of thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) could help improve adaptability of the heating system to evolving household needs, including multigenerational living. The Honeywell Home Thera-6 TRV VI, designed for individuals with visual impairments, features embossed numbers, clear set points, and an easy-to-grip handle—making effective temperature control more accessible.
As family dynamics evolve—whether through new additions, teenagers growing up, or becoming empty nesters—heating systems may often remain unchanged. Preparing customers for winter is a great opportunity to recommend solutions that offer better control and flexibility. Zoning may now be relevant, or it might be time to consider controls that adapt to daily routines.
For tech-savvy homeowners, advanced smart controls with zoning capabilities offer comprehensive room-by-room temperature management. The Honeywell Home evohome system supports up to twelve customizable zones, allowing users to heat specific rooms to desired temperatures. Since the TRVs connect wirelessly, installation is non-invasive and ideal for retrofits.
Alternatively, for those not interested in zoning but still wanting smart features, the Honeywell Home T6R smart thermostat uses geofencing technology. It adjusts the home’s temperature based on the user’s smartphone location—saving energy when away and ensuring comfort upon return. It also allows for programmable schedules with up to six time periods per day, helping reduce energy waste, which can contribute to lower heating costs depending on usage and system configuration.
As smart and voice-controlled devices become more common, connected heating controls like evohome and T6R are compatible with selected smart home platforms, supporting automation and device integration.
For customers who prefer simplicity, programmable thermostats like the Honeywell Home DT4 or T3 series offer intuitive controls and reliable performance without the smart features.
When the seasons start to change, heating comfort will return to being a top priority for homeowners. Installers can support their customers in preparing for winter by ensuring their heating system is properly balanced, as well as discussing the wide range of heating control options available — tailored to individual lifestyles, energy efficiency goals, and comfort preferences.
Image: Resideo
