Originally posted by Rameses
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The problem for manufacturers and retailers of smart zoning systems is that you are competing against claims of up to 31% energy savings for installing just a smart thermostat. In terms of a return on investment (RoI), I agree that the 'starting point' is the key determinant when it comes to money saved. The problem that I have in promoting zoning systems to other family members is that, if the claims are taken at face value, a £199 investment in a Hive Smart Thermostat which 'could save £150 per year in heating bills' has a 1yr 4 month payback, compared to my Evohome system which is likely to have a payback time in excess of 10 years.
The cynic in me doesn't believe in the validity of any of these academic claims in real life. These claims seem to sit alongside those for Superfast Broadband of 'up to 76Mbps'. Yes, someone living within 300metres of the FTTC cabinet will get max speeds; however, speed degrades exponentially with distance. The seller is covered by use of the words 'up to'; however, under current law, the seller of broadband is now required to provide the customer with a speed estimate for his/her line. It could be argued that the installers of smart heating controls should be required to offer written guidance (as per the System builder) to the customer on where a property sits within the 10 to 40% savings zone. I used a Honeywell Evohome Specialist Installer who provided an arm's length quote, and didn't offer to provide any form of savings analysis. This was also the case with two other Honeywell Evohome installers; however, one installer did say that I would probably get a better RoI by installing a new condensing boiler!
Personally, I am not unduly concerned as I went into this purchase with my eyes fully open.
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