Becoming energy management systems for homes

As the housing sector adapts to the UK’s net zero ambitions, developers are focused on delivering homes that are not only energy efficient today, but also futureproofed for the years ahead. Merlin Milner, Product Owner for Water-based Systems at Drayton, explores how heating control products are evolving to meet the demands of homeowners. 

A report by The Home Builders Federation revealed that newbuild homes emit 65% less carbon each year compared to older properties, with technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and electric heating now becoming common features to boost the sustainability of developments.  

However, this shift to more sustainable new homes and the electrification of properties poses a new challenge. With more systems relying on electricity, they need to be managed effectively. That is why heating controls are evolving and will eventually become full home energy management systems (HEMS), so that homeowners can make the most of their technologies while developers deliver connected, efficient homes.  

Heating controllers to energy managers 

Originally, heating controls were designed to simply regulate temperature. However, today’s homebuyers want home automation solutions that enable intuitive connectivity, and put them in control of the comfort of their home and their energy consumption. 

As the evolution began, smart heating controls offered multi-zoning, smart energy-saving modes to optimise heating schedules and remote access. However, the next generation also integrates lighting, security alarms, motion sensors, and even leak detection, all in single system. This reflects consumer demand for convenience, butalso plays a critical role in usage management for energy efficiency and futureproofing homes ready for the next developments.  

The age of electrification  

The electrification of homes is changing the way developers think about building design. In a consumer survey conducted last year by Schneider Electric, almost half (48%) of respondents agreed that smart home technology should be standard in all new homes, and 37% felt such technology made a new home more desirable.Although heating and hot water use accounts for around 80% of the average energy consumption, electricity use is rising as consumers add more appliances and devices. With intelligent control, this can all be managed effectively to avoid waste and higher energy bills.  

Drayton’s Wiser 2^nd Generation, for example, has evolved into a platform for complete home automation. It combines smoke alarms, leak sensors, motion detectors, lighting and shading modules, and power control, which can all be controlled through the Wiser Home app. By adapting to real-world conditions and learning household patterns, systems like this provide comfort, convenience, and efficiency without the need for constant user input. For example, sensors can adjust the heating schedule when a window is left open, or lighting can monitor energy used, instead of running during peak tariff times. This all ensures less wasted energy, lower bills, and reduced carbon emissions. 

These home automation solutions ensure that renewable and low-carbon technologies operate at their full potential. In the future, these systems are likely to evolve even further into a comprehensive HEMS offering, with features such as load shifting – allowing homeowners to capitalise on dynamic tariffs – and AI optimisation of energy consumption.  

According to figures from The Home Builders Federation, 86% of newbuilds have an A or B Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. For developers, embracing these home automation solutions is key to keeping up with the green expectations now placed on newbuild developments.  

Meanwhile, Schneider Electric’s research showed 89% of participants said energy efficiency and energy savings were important home improvements. With research demonstrating that homeowners and renters prioritise these elements, they are clear opportunities for developers to optimise the desirability of their projects. Developers who incorporate these systems will not only deliver homes that meet environmental goals, but also offer homeowners the convenience, control, and efficiency that they increasingly desire.  

www.draytoncontrols.co.uk