Fridgehub News

Honeywell Evohome is not a product that you have probably heard of compared with the Nest and British Gas' Hive but the Evohome has been generating a lot of buzz in the world of heating and smart technology.

According to Honeywell the Evohomes creator, the Evohome is a sophisticated heating system that ensures you can create and individually control up to 12 heating zones in domestic properties as well as also controlling hot water.

Evohome is suitable for any home with a hydronic (wet) central heating system and is ideal when looking to control temperatures in larger properties such as: luxury apartments; large family homes; homes with business use; multiple occupancy apartments and light commercial spaces such as doctor's surgeries and small offices. 

Some of the features benefits are:

• Touchscreen control, the user can quickly gain control of exactly where and when the property should be heated.
• Remote access is provided via a tablet or smart phone.
• Wireless Radiator Controllers provide an easy way of installing heating zones without draining down or disturbing pipes or décor.

Orders are now stacked up until September and the Evohome is launching this summer in France and Italy.

Honeywell has also just increased production to keep up with demand as Europe prepares for another winter of expensive heating bills.

Currently the Evohome is linked up to either an iOS and Android app and allows you to change the schedules and adjust your heating on the as and when you want, however you can’t get into the full range of settings available on the Evohome Controller, but this could change in the future.

To make this system work to its fullest potential Honeywell you will need controllers for individual radiators, hot water (if you use a hot water tank) and electric or hydronic underfloor and wall heaters.

To watch a video about the Evohome Click here. 

To download the Total Connect Comfort App, Click here. 

UK: A survey has been carried out by the Electrical Contractors Insurance Service (ECIS) which questioned 200 tradesmans, across all trades including roofers, electricians, plumbers, heating engineers and joiners about their attitudes to pay and conditions, business pressures and health issues.

The Facts:

• Working more - 25 per cent of heating and ventilation engineers worked more in 2013 than in 2012, compared to 19% of plumbers. And both trades have experienced more business pressures.
• Optimism about business prospects - Plumbers were far more positive. Only 7% of heating and ventilation engineers were very positive compared to 42% of plumbers
• Joining the Profession - 84% of the plumbers surveyed said they’d encourage a young person to join their profession. 79% of heating and ventilation contractors felt the same.
• Stress and Illness - 36% of heating and ventilation engineers have suffered fatigue and stress, in the past year, and 21% have had a back, neck, arm, shoulder, hip, knee or leg injuries
• Leaving the Job - A third of heating and ventilation engineers and a third of plumbers have considered leaving their profession, in the past year.

ECIS sales and marketing director Phil Scarrett said, “It looks like business is booming for heating and ventilation engineers, as well as plumbers. These trades continue to be in high demand, with many working more than they were a year or so ago.

“The government’s initiatives to create new homes will only bring more work to this sector. However, it’s worrying to see that a third of heating and ventilation workers have suffered from stress and fatigue over the last 12 months and that many skilled people have considered leaving their profession.

“With a working week typically exceeding 46 hours including weekends and evenings, it’s easy to see how health and well-being can take a back-seat. However, it’s important to find time to step back and take stock.

“Key to this is making time for regular health checks and screenings to help identify and tackle any underlying issues. Health assessments are an excellent way to understand and improve your health as they provide a powerful incentive to take positive action, either to seek treatment or to make changes to the way you live.”