Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Thermostat Upgrades | Heating and Air Conditioning | Lancing
Imagine walking into your Lancing home on a chilly evening and feeling the perfect warmth greet you—without having left the heating on all day. HEP’s energy-efficiency specialists make that possible with thermostat upgrades that learn your schedule, fine-tune temperatures room by room, and cut wasted energy the moment you step out the door. Our team installs sleek, intuitive smart thermostats that integrate seamlessly with your existing heating and air conditioning, giving you fingertip control from any phone or voice assistant.
Beyond the convenience, every adjustment you make is backed by detailed usage insights, helping you see exactly where you’re saving. Whether you’re combating coastal humidity in summer or crisp sea breezes in winter, HEP ensures your system runs only when—and how—you need it, translating to lower utility bills and a greener footprint for Lancing. Discover how a small change on the wall can make a big difference in comfort, costs, and carbon emissions.
FAQs
Why should I upgrade my thermostat when improving my home’s energy efficiency?
A modern, smart or programmable thermostat gives you far more control over when and how your heating and cooling run. It allows precise scheduling, learning algorithms that adapt to your routine, geofencing to turn systems down automatically when the house is empty, and detailed energy-use reports. In Lancing’s mild coastal climate, a conventional system may cycle more frequently than needed; a smart thermostat prevents this ‘short-cycling’, trimming 10–20 % from annual running costs and cutting carbon emissions at the same time.
What types of thermostats are compatible with heating and air-conditioning systems in Lancing homes?
Most properties can choose from three main categories: 1) 7-day programmable thermostats – economical, with simple time/temperature schedules; 2) Smart Wi-Fi thermostats – e.g. Google Nest, Hive, Honeywell T6, Tado°, Drayton Wiser – that offer app control, voice assistant integration and self-learning features; 3) Zoned or multi-room systems – separate wireless radiator or under-floor actuators so each room is heated only when needed. All reputable models carry UKCA/CE marks and are designed to work with 230 V on/off boilers, OpenTherm modulating boilers, heat pumps and most split-system air-conditioners (via IR hubs).
How much money could I save by installing a smart thermostat in Lancing?
Savings depend on occupancy patterns, insulation and how disciplined you are now. National studies (Energy Saving Trust & BEAMA) show average reductions of 10–20 % on space-heating and cooling energy. A typical semi-detached in Lancing spends around £1,200 a year on gas/electric heating and summer cooling; installing and correctly using a smart thermostat could therefore save £120–£240 annually, paying back the hardware in 1–3 years. Additional benefits include improved comfort, lower CO₂ emissions and real-time energy-cost tracking.
Will a thermostat upgrade work with my existing boiler, heat pump or air-conditioning unit?
In most cases, yes. Modern thermostats are designed to interface with: • 230 V switched live boilers (the majority of combi and system boilers fitted in West Sussex) • OpenTherm-enabled condensing boilers for load compensation • Low-temperature heat pumps (via dry contact or modulating terminals) • Ductless split A/C units using an infrared bridge • Electric under-floor or panel heaters through a switching relay. During our free home survey we check wiring, available ‘common’ (C) wire, control voltage and internet strength. Even older gravity-fed or two-zone systems can usually be adapted with a wiring centre or receiver module.
What is involved in a professional thermostat upgrade and how long does it take?
1. Pre-visit assessment (phone/video or on-site) to confirm compatibility. 2. Power isolation and safe removal of the existing controller. 3. Fitting the new back-plate, verifying correct wiring (or running new low-voltage/c-wire if required). 4. Mounting the thermostat in an optimal, draught-free location about 1.5 m from floor level. 5. Connecting any wireless radiator actuators or air-con IR hubs. 6. Commissioning – Wi-Fi pairing, firmware update, adding users, setting schedules and testing boiler/AC response. A straightforward swap normally takes 60–90 minutes; adding multi-room TRVs may extend the job to half a day. All work is carried out by Part P-compliant engineers and includes a demonstration plus hand-over documentation.
Do smart thermostats qualify for grants or incentives in Lancing or wider West Sussex?
While there is no stand-alone grant solely for smart thermostats, several schemes can subsidise the cost when installed as part of a wider efficiency upgrade: • ECO4 and ECO+ (Great British Insulation Scheme): low-income or hard-to-heat homes may receive smart heating controls alongside insulation measures. • Boiler Upgrade Scheme: when replacing a fossil-fuel boiler with a heat pump, the £5,000–£7,500 grant covers the controls required for efficient operation, often a smart thermostat. • 0 % VAT: Until at least March 2027, smart thermostats and TRVs qualify for zero-rate VAT when supplied and installed together, saving 20 % instantly. We can advise on eligibility, prepare paperwork and coordinate with local authority or energy-company partners to maximise any available funding.