According to forecasters, the El Nino in the Pacific this year is particularly strong, aided and abetted by underlying higher sea temperatures. The planet could be set for its hottest ever year in 2024 but, perversely, that could mean an especially cold 2023/24 winter for us. Gas and electricity prices aren’t tumbling, so energy saving is going to climb higher on people’s priority lists.
How can you help your customers to create the smart, intelligent control they want without coming up with solutions that cost so much they dwarf the savings and will take many years to pay for themselves?
My advice is to keep it simple – focus on what you can deliver here and now. Fit reliable, flexible devices and then there is always scope to go back and add more functionality for your satisfied customers next year.
I am a simple soul and, to my mind, the user must be able to control their automation easily and effectively. I also believe that most people still want to have that control in their own hands, even if they rarely change the settings. Complex systems that can only be controlled by calling an installer back in are not on their shopping list.
I have seen the evolution of smart time controls from simple plug-in mechanical timers to Wi-Fi control with multiple programming options which have become easier and easier to use – and that is smart enough for many people.
Intelligent control surpasses basic smart control by enabling automatic device communication and control. While predominantly sought after in commercial and high-end residential buildings, the high integration standards set by custom installers have raised customer expectations. Our solution fills the gap, delivering performance without the hefty budget of top-end projects.
PIR detection remains popular for automated switching. Properly adjusting detectors is crucial for peak performance – time on, light levels, and sensitivity. Tuning sensitivity is often overlooked but vital for tailored performance. Our setup simplifies the process, making it accessible to non-specialist installers, expanding intelligent control of LED lighting and other devices.
With innovations like Timeguard’s new Wi-Fi LED floodlight, you have the option to use them stand alone or to give users control of other compatible lighting and devices in harmony. The LED200WFB’s indirect load activation can trigger other devices controlled by the same app when the PIR detects someone in the area. Timeguard uses the global TuYa App as standard, which is continuously maintained and improved and, above all, trusted. Installers can devise and build their own system to suit the customer – and our tech team is at the end of the phone to answer installers queries on loading and compatibility.
The Wi-Fi option also avoids the complex wiring involved in very high-end projects. It is no surprise that these exclusive installations often use Wi-Fi control for ‘last mile’ wire-free control.
So don’t overthink it: focus on the here-and-now opportunities to give your customers the help they need this winter.
Check out the full range at www.timeguard.com
T: +44 (0)20 8450 8944
E: sales@timeguard.com
