What is a smart home system?
A smart home system is a network of automated devices connected by the internet. This allows the control of household appliances via smartphones, tablets, or voice commands remotely. This system is known for the convenience it provides.
Appliances commonly linked to a smart system include:
• Security cameras
• Lights
• Air conditioning
• Televisions
• Ceiling fans
The smart home system connects these electronics through the main circuit breaker (MCB). The MCB is then linked to the internet router, where you can control all your appliances via wifi.
This system allows general control of your appliances, but advanced functions have to be controlled manually. This system can also record usage patterns of electricity and water usage, allowing you to adjust settings that can help you minimise utility bills.
Your heater is one of your highest utility expenses in your household. If you already have a smart system at home, naturally you will ask: can my water heater be linked to it?
1. The Short Answer: Yes, You Can Link It.
Water heaters are high-power appliances with a fixed switch in the MCB. If your smart home system can connect to your MCB, you can control your heater from the system.
Here is an insight into the basic water heater functions your smart system can control compared to a Gen 6 digital heater:
After much research, I decided on AOSmith from AOS bath. I have been using it for half a year without any issue and had very good experience. Highly recommended.
Control panel was installed near yard making it much more accessible and can accurately control the water temperature. Very very good experience!
Installation was a breeze thanks to Suruj and Rana. They also helped to clean up after installation. Thanks guys.
Control panel was installed near yard making it much more accessible and can accurately control the water temperature. Very very good experience!
Installation was a breeze thanks to Suruj and Rana. They also helped to clean up after installation. Thanks guys.
Alex Ang
Google review
Decided to take the plunge after doing research on AOS, and have been using it for the past 6 months. I would just need to on it once in the evening and the water will remain heated for the next 24 hours or longer, depending on your usage and the tank capacity.
I like the digital control panel as well. Able to set the timer function and let it turn on and off without worries. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good storage heater.
I like the digital control panel as well. Able to set the timer function and let it turn on and off without worries. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good storage heater.
Daniel New
Google review
2. How Smart Homes Control Water Heaters
Water heaters are high-power appliances with a dedicated switch in the MCB.
If your smart system can:
• switch power at the MCB level
• schedule on/off times
• monitor power status
Any water heater can be integrated with the MCB and the smart system.
3. Why it Doesn't Make Sense to Link an Instant Heater to a Smart Home
Instant heaters heat water as water is being used; why do you need to turn it on and off in advance? The same applies for tankless heaters. They only use power when water flows through your mixer. Even if your power is on, it does not consume energy.
Timers are only used for storage heaters to heat water up in advance before your shower. If you have an instant or tankless heater, you don’t need to heat water in advance.
Don’t go on a linking spree, every link you make costs money. Our Gen 6 Digital Heater already has a built-in timer function. This means you already get the timer function even without linking it to your smart system.
AOS gen 6 digital heater (40L/10 gal) is serving me well. With the current cool weather l am able to get hot water with in 2 minutes. Furthermore water remains hot throughout the day.
The digital control panel helps with setting the suitable temperature & indicates the amount of hot water in the tank. With the Built-in Timer the heater is able to preheat water for me at a pre-set time.
Excellent product, made to last. Customer service support is excellent & prompt.
The digital control panel helps with setting the suitable temperature & indicates the amount of hot water in the tank. With the Built-in Timer the heater is able to preheat water for me at a pre-set time.
Excellent product, made to last. Customer service support is excellent & prompt.
Mike Lim
Google review
Have been using the Gen 6 Digital 40 for a few months now. The water gets heated up very quickly, definitely within 1-2mins. Interestingly, the water also remains hot a few hours later.
Also appreciate the digital panel where we can utilize the built-in timer. Definitely worth the buy!
Also appreciate the digital panel where we can utilize the built-in timer. Definitely worth the buy!
Jacinda Boh
Google review
Smart homes and digital heaters are complementary
There is very little overlap between having a smart system paired with a digital heater. In fact, the systems are quite complementary. This is also the case for other more complicated appliances like surveillance cameras and air conditioners.
While smart homes specialise in giving homeowners a bird’s eye overview on appliances at home, the importance of programming appliances individually is still crucial for saving energy. Be sure to read up well on the features of your items you purchase!
More on smart homes in Singapore:
Learnt something new? Share it!
Facebook
WhatsApp
LinkedIn
