a BOXT engineer installing a new boiler and filter

Save money on your energy bills with a new boiler, and other tips to keep your bills down and improve your energy efficiency. 

<p>Heating and hot water account for over half of your annual spend on energy bills, and with current energy prices and the cost of living crisis, we&rsquo;re all looking for ways we can be more energy efficient in our homes.</p>
<h2>Cut your bills with a new boiler</h2>
<p>Depending on the efficiency rating of your current&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers">boiler</a> and the type of home you live in, you could save over &pound;500 a year on your energy bills simply by upgrading to a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/boiler-replacement" rel="follow">new A rated boiler</a> &ndash; without having to change the way you use it. Have a look at the graphs below to see what you could save based on your circumstances*.</p>
<h3>Detached house</h3>
<p>If you live in a detached house you could save up to &pound;540 a year on your energy bill if you're upgrading from a G-rated to an A-rated boiler &ndash; over a fifth of the cost of the average new boiler installation. And with the added energy-saving technology in the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, which comes in our tech bundle, you could <strong>save over &pound;700 per year by upgrading</strong>!</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/7PXARXHcSjKOtBAoMCNh" alt="undefined"></p>
<h3>Semi-detached house</h3>
<p>Upgrading your boiler in a semi-detached house could save you &pound;342 annually, a massive 20% of the <a rel="follow" href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/new-energy-price-cap-level-starts-today">average UK energy bill</a> which comes in at &pound;1,690 a year. Add to that the 10% saving from using a Google Nest Learning Thermostat, and you could save over &pound;460 a year on your energy bills!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/nQY3LcHcSA7amvcbQ3td" alt="undefined"></p>
<h3>Bungalow</h3>
<p>If you live in a detached bungalow, you could save up to &pound;299 a year on your energy bill simply by upgrading your boiler to a new A-rated one, and if you add Google Nest Learning Thermostat to your package, you could save an additional 10% on your energy bills, taking the total savings to over &pound;400 per year!</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/3MH5u4SMRBaKPpUVnu9u" alt="undefined"></p>
<h3>Flat</h3>
<p>Upgrading your boiler in a flat could save you up to &pound;125 a year on your energy bills &ndash; more than the average monthly energy bill for property this size! Plus, with the added energy-saving technology in the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, your annual energy savings could be up to &pound;175 per year.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/yRK6nI1ST22Zvf7VUqjX" alt="undefined"></p>
<h3>Mid-terrace house</h3>
<p>In a mid-terrace house you could see annual savings of up to &pound;280 simply by upgrading to a boiler with an A efficiency rating. Plus, if you add a Google Nest Learning Thermostat, you could save an extra 10% per year on your energy bills, taking the total saved to &pound;380!</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/coZs3ZCKQDWndqErMzve" alt="undefined"></p>
<p><sup>*savings shown based on data from&nbsp;Ofgem for <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/average-gas-and-electricity-use-explained" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">typical energy consumption</a> and <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-price-cap" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">energy unit rates</a>, and using data from</sup><sup>&nbsp;</sup><sup><a href="https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9254386?hl=en-GB" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Google</a></sup><sup>&nbsp;</sup><sup>on energy saving using a Nest Learning Thermostat</sup></p>
<p>While the cost of a new boiler may seem daunting, rising energy prices mean the savings you make on your energy bill will go a long way to offsetting this and you&rsquo;ll make your money back in energy savings in less time than you might think&hellip;</p>
<p>According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/boilers/article/buying-a-new-boiler/boiler-prices-how-much-does-a-new-boiler-cost" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Which</a>, the average cost of a new gas combi boiler including installation is &pound;2,597 &ndash; so if you live in a detached property and upgrade from a boiler with a grade G efficiency rating, you could have saved back the cost of your new A rated boiler in just over 4 years!</p>
<p>Even better, here at BOXT we offer a range of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/finance" rel="follow">finance options</a>** to help spread the cost of your new boiler, as well as a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/the-boxt-price-promise">price promise</a>&nbsp;that if you find a like-for-like offer that&rsquo;s cheaper than we&rsquo;ve quoted you, we&rsquo;ll either beat the price or give you a &pound;50 Amazon voucher &ndash; it&rsquo;s win-win!</p>

See how much you could save with a new boiler

Cut your energy bills by up to £60/month with a new boiler & smart thermostat

<h2>Stay on top of the temperature in your home&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Google Nest Learning Thermostat</h3>
<p>Using smart technology like the Google Nest Learning Thermostat can help with ensuring you aren't wasting any energy on heating your home, as you can set schedules around your usual routine and lifestyle to make sure your heating is only on when someone will be at home. Or, if you're not sure what the best times are to schedule the Nest Learning Thermostat can even learn from your routine and make changes to ensure you're being as energy efficient as possible. Data from Google suggests that you can save up to 10% annually on your energy bills by using a Nest Learning Thermostat! If you don't have a smart thermostat, still make sure you make full use of the thermostat controls to programme your boiler to only come on when you need it.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Turn the temperature down</h3>
<p>When you do have your heating on, try turning the temperature&nbsp;<a rel="follow" href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/one-degree">one degree</a>&nbsp;lower than you usually would. You could saving over &pound;100 a year on your energy bill without feeling much of a difference, if any! You can also use&nbsp;<a rel="follow" href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/radiator-valves">Thermostatic Radiator Valves</a>&nbsp;(TRVs) to control the temperature in each individual room. Experts recommend some rooms, such as the bedroom, are kept slightly cooler than others, and so by setting different temperatures throughout the home you can make sure there's no energy being wasting keeping rooms warmer than they need to be. Find out more about the ideal temperatures in your home with our&nbsp;<a rel="follow" href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/optimal-boiler-calendar">Optimal Boiler Calendar</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Check the flow temperature</h3>
<p>You can also control the temperature of the water that's supplied to your radiators and hot water taps directly from the boiler and hot water cylinder, if you have one. If these are currently set pretty high, turning down the flow temperatures can help you make savings on your energy bills without feeling a difference to your comfort levels around the house! If you have a combi boiler, it's important that you don't set the temperature any lower than 55&deg;C, and if you have a system or standard boiler with a separate hot water cylinder then the minimum temperature is 60&deg;C. Any lower than these and there is a risk of bacteria forming which can be hazardous to yours and your family's health.</p>
<h2>How else can you reduce your energy usage?</h2>
<h3>Service your boiler and make savings</h3>
<p>Making sure you get a&nbsp;<a rel="follow" href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/boiler-service">regular boiler service</a> will ensure that it continues to run as efficiently as possible as well as helping to prolong the lifespan of your boiler, so you keep your energy bills low and don't have to think about paying for a new boiler for even longer. With our&nbsp;<a rel="follow" href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/home-cover">Service plan</a> you can spread the cost of your service and we'll arrange it for you, so once you've had your new boiler installed you can sit back and relax safe in the knowledge we've got you covered.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Get a system flush and install a filter</h3>
<p>Having a&nbsp;<a rel="follow" href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/magnetic-boiler-filters">magnetic filter</a>&nbsp;installed, if you don't have one already, will help keep your system clean and running efficiently as possible, as well as getting a&nbsp;<a rel="follow" href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/power-flush">system flush</a>&nbsp;to give your system a really good deep clean. With BOXT when you get a&nbsp;<a rel="follow" href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/boiler-replacement">new boiler</a>&nbsp;we perform a chemical system flush and install a filter as standard.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Benefit from a smart meter</h3>
<p>Installing a smart meter can help you better understand your energy usage - so you know when you're using the most energy, and which appliances are the biggest culprits of driving up your energy bill. Once you know this, you can look at ways you can makes small day-to-day changes to use less energy and keep your bills down.</p>
<h3>Top up the&nbsp;insulation</h3>
<p>Insulating&nbsp;elements of your heating system such as&nbsp;<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/insulating-tanks-pipes-and-radiators/" data-sk="tooltip_parent" delay="150" data-stringify-link="https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/insulating-tanks-pipes-and-radiators/" target="_blank">water tank, pipes and radiators</a> is a quick and easy way to save money on your bills, as well as ensuring your roof, wall and floor insulation are up to scratch. Plus, with the Government charging <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-vat-treatment-of-the-installation-of-energy-saving-materials-in-in-great-britain" data-sk="tooltip_parent" delay="150" data-stringify-link="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-vat-treatment-of-the-installation-of-energy-saving-materials-in-in-great-britain" target="_blank">0%&nbsp;VAT&nbsp;on energy saving materials</a> like insulation until 2027, as well as the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Great British Insulation Scheme</a> offering financial support, now is a great time to invest.</p>

Get a quote for your new boiler with next-day installation available

<p><sup>**finance options are subject to status, T&amp;Cs apply.</sup></p>

Learn

How much energy can you save with a new boiler?

Get the ultimate guide to smart thermostats and revolutionise your home heating with BOXT. Learn about features, benefits, and installation today!

<p>Like most people right now, you're probably looking for new ways to reduce your energy bills. This means you'll have already heard of smart thermostats.<br><br>But is it actually worth getting one?</p>
<p>At BOXT, we've laid out the ultimate guide to smart thermostats to give you all the information you need. We'll cover what they are, how they work, their key benefits, and much more.</p>
<h2>What is a smart thermostat?</h2>
<p>Some people confuse smart thermostats with smart meters. However, they're different things.</p>
<p>A smart thermostat is used to connect your heating system to the internet. You can then use your thermostat to control your heating via a smartphone or other device.</p>
<p>You can also link your thermostat to other smart home devices so that they can all be controlled from the same app.</p>
<h2>What do smart thermostats do?</h2>
<p>The main purpose of a smart thermostat system is that it allows you to control your heating from your phone. The features vary between thermostats but most smart thermostats include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hot water control</li>
<li>Multi-room control</li>
<li>Draught detection</li>
<li>Safety and holiday patterns</li>
<li>Geo-fencing</li>
</ul>
<p>Exactly what your thermostat does depends on the model. For instance, if you have a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/improve-energy-savings-with-your-google-nest-learning-thermostat" rel="follow">Google Nest thermostat</a>, it will have different capabilities to a <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/google-nest-v-hive-thermostats" rel="follow">Hive Thermostat Mini</a>.</p>
<h3>How do they work?</h3>
<p>Smart thermostats work by connecting to your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/" rel="follow">boiler</a> and your home's WiFi network. This then means you can control your boiler via your smartphone. However, not all old boilers are compatible with this.</p>
<p>If you have an old boiler, you should consider upgrading to a more <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/boiler-efficiency" rel="follow">energy-efficient boiler</a> anyway. That way, you'll have a boiler that's compatible with the best smart thermostats and your home will be more energy-efficient.</p>
<p>If you want to have even more control over your central heating system, then you could consider installing thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). These give you room-by-room control over your heating.</p>
<h2>What are the benefits of smart thermostats?</h2>
<h3>1. App-based scheduling</h3>
<p>One of the best smart thermostat benefits is the ability to schedule your heating directly from an app. This makes them incredibly easy to use in <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/smart-thermostat-v-traditional-thermostat" rel="follow">comparison to traditional thermostats</a>. It also allows for comprehensive temperature management on a day-to-day basis.</p>
<h3>2. Remote control</h3>
<p>One of the key features of a smart thermostat starter kit is the app that you download onto your phone. The model that you choose will determine which app you need to download. For example, if you buy a Google Nest Learning Thermostat, you'll use the Nest app to control your thermostat.</p>
<p>The app allows you to control your heating remotely anywhere you have an internet connection. So, if you're on your way home, you can turn the heating on so that your house is warm when you arrive.</p>
<h3>3. Movement sensors</h3>
<p>Many smart thermostats have movement sensors that can detect when people are usually at home. This means they can provide you with information on when you're most likely to need heating, which helps you work out your schedule.</p>
<p>Some thermostats, like the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, use these sensors to learn your habits. They can then use this information to set the heating schedule, if you would like them to.</p>
<h3>4. Energy usage tracking</h3>
<p>One of the most useful smart features of these thermostats is the energy reports they give you. They allow you to closely track your energy use and show you how your energy use varies at different times. Many smart thermostats also give you tips on reducing your usage and lowering your heating and cooling costs.</p>
<h3>5. Voice control</h3>
<p>As well as temperature sensors and other features, many smart thermostats also have voice control capabilities. Depending on the model you choose, you can control your thermostat using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.</p>
<h2>How much are smart thermostats?</h2>
<p>Typically, smart thermostats cost between &pound;120 and &pound;220 depending on the model you choose.</p>
<p>Just remember, the most expensive option isn't necessarily the best smart thermostat. For example, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium costs around &pound;204 but the Google Nest Learning Thermostat costs just &pound;169.95.</p>
<p>Although it's less expensive, in our opinion the Google Nest thermostat is definitely the better choice of the two.</p>
<p>You may have to pay around &pound;30 to &pound;80 to have your thermostat installed. However, there are plenty of models available that are easy for you to install yourself.</p>
<h2>How can they help you save money on energy bills?</h2>
<p>The biggest benefit of smart thermostats is that they help you to <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/guides/simple-ways-to-save-money-on-your-energy-bill" rel="follow">save money on your energy bills</a>. The amount you can save on your heating bills largely depends on your preference of room temperature and also the time periods you have your heating on for, as well as the model you purchase.</p>
<p>A thermostat that's able to learn your habits and adjust the temperatures accordingly is likely to save you more money than a more basic model.</p>
<p>The fact that you can monitor your usage patterns and set your own schedules is the way that most people save money with smart thermostats.</p>

The ultimate guide to smart thermostats

Want to know how to connect your new wireless thermostat to your boiler? In this guide, we show you how to connect one to various different boiler types.

<p>A wireless thermostat can save you time, money, and energy - as long as you connect it to your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers" rel="follow">boiler</a> correctly.</p>
<p>With a smart thermostat, you can control your home heating from anywhere and at any time. Plus, with built-in sensors, wireless thermostats can detect when you're at and away from home. It can then create heating times that fit your schedule exactly.</p>
<p>However, to reap these benefits, you have to first set the thermostat up. This involves connecting your new thermostat to your boiler, as well as your smartphone.</p>
<p>In this guide, we'll explain how to connect a wireless thermostat to an array of different boiler types.</p>
<h2>Tips before you get started</h2>
<p>Regardless of which kind of boiler you're connecting the thermostat to, there are certain preliminary things you should do to ensure the set-up is smooth sailing.</p>
<p>The main thing you need to do before getting started is to choose the right thermostat placement. In the instruction manual, you'll normally find some model-specific recommendations. However, there are key placement guidelines that apply to all remote thermostat devices.</p>
<p>These placement guidelines include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Distance</strong> - The fewer walls between the boiler and the receiver for the thermostat, the better. The receiver needs to be wired into the boiler directly or into a system wiring centre.</li>
<li><strong>Draft and window-free</strong> - Ensure you're not placing your thermostat in any particularly drafty areas. Additionally, ensure there are no windows facing the thermostat. Drafts and direct sunlight could affect the thermostat's sensors, leading to inaccurate temperature sensing.</li>
<li><strong>Unobstructed wall</strong> - There shouldn't be anything in front of the thermostat or directly below it. Fix the wireless thermostat onto a bare wall for best results. Try and ensure that there is no fridge freezer or any large mirrors in the way between the receiver and the wireless thermostat.</li>
</ul>
<p>Always seek the advice of a professional or better still get a professional to install your chosen wireless / smart thermostat. &nbsp;Installation of these thermostats can in some instances be straightforward, however accessing electrics within boilers or the system wiring is hazardous and should not be attempted without relevant qualifications or experience.</p>
<p>Connecting a smart thermostat to your boiler isn't always a straightforward process. There could be several issues with boilers or wiring that could cause connectivity issues. Even when the smart thermostat appears to be connected, the boiler may not be achieving the desired temperature or you could have no hot water.</p>
<p>If you're struggling, contact BOXT for support. We'll be able to resolve any issues and give you complete control over your heating systems.</p>

<h2>Final thoughts</h2>
<p>Smart thermostats help you keep on top of your home heating when the temperature drops. Leading models such as Google Nest help you organise your heating remotely so that you can return home to the ideal temperature.</p>
<p>Setting them up should be a simple process. As long as you find the right place for your thermostat and read the instructions manual thoroughly, you shouldn't have any issues.</p>
<p>Want to upgrade your boiler so you can move to a wireless thermostat? Check out our online Find a Boiler tool to discover the best <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/boilers/boiler-replacement" rel="follow">new boiler</a> for your home.&nbsp;</p>

How to connect a wireless thermostat to your boiler

Want to know what smart home technology will be popular this year? Read our guide to find out. 

<p>As technology advances, so do our homes. But what <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/smart-home-technology-what-is-it" rel="follow">smart home technology</a> can we expect to see in 2024?&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here at BOXT, we've compiled a list of devices that will likely gain popularity this year. So, without further ado, let's look at how you can upgrade your home to the next level!</p>
<h2>1. Home automation</h2>
<p>If you're looking to simplify life at home, then automated or remote-controlled devices are what you need. With just the push of a button or a tap on your phone, you can control anything from lighting and heating to water and security.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's fair to say that home automation has become increasingly popular over the last decade, and as a result, prices have been declining to meet demand.</p>
<p>Here are some smart home automated devices for you to consider:</p>
<h3>Smart thermostats</h3>
<p>This handy device allows you to control the temperature of your home. So long as you have mobile data or Wi-Fi, you can automatically adjust your heating with a single tap.<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/google-nest-v-hive-thermostats">&nbsp;</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/google-nest-v-hive-thermostats">Google Nest Learning</a> and Hive active heating thermostats are great for setting a schedule for when you'd like your heating to be turned on via an app or the thermostat itself. It's a fantastic way to accurately regulate and monitor energy costs to help you save money.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">Smart showers</h3>
<p>Ever wanted to walk straight into a shower without having to wait ages for it to heat up? Well, with a smart shower, you can control the temperature and how fast the water flows with the touch of a button, a touchpad or even just your voice.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So if you want a relaxing spa or tropical waterfall experience, a smart shower is a wonderful feature to have in your home.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">Smart light bulbs</h3>
<p>At the end of a long day, cuddling up in bed can be a great feeling, but just as you've got yourself comfy, you realise you need to turn the light off. But, if you had smart bulbs, you could switch your lights off remotely via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Some Smart bulbs even use the same app as their Smart Thermostat counterparts keeping your smart devices in one place.&nbsp; An example of Smart devices using the same app for activation is Hive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Philips Hue is the leading company for energy-efficient light bulbs. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hue-Portable-Compatible-Assistant/dp/B0B9T2LW6R?tag=androidpolice-20&amp;ascsubtag=UUapUeUpU1002688" rel="follow">Go Portable Table Lamp</a> is expected to be among the top picks this year, cycling through various lighting settings and colours thanks to the Hue app. Through this, you can also add Bluetooth devices or the Hue Bridge, which allows remote control access from multiple rooms outside the home and any other automation. Voice control is another option for those who would like such assistants.</p>
<p>Some smart LED light bulbs allow you to turn them on and off automatically to match the sunrise and sunset - so no more coming back late at night to a dark home.</p>
<h3>Interconnected devices</h3>
<p>Something else we'll see more of in 2024 is interconnected devices. Your phone can not only control your smart lights but also your TV, speakers and thermostat; it can even be used for checking security cameras.</p>
<p>Apple's HomeKit, for example, is an app that lets you connect with all Apple devices and other smart home accessories. Everything is in one place, meaning you can protect your data a lot more easily. You can use this app to connect with your Apple TV, lights, switches, thermostats, window blinds, fans, air conditioners, locks, and so much more.</p>
<p>It is estimated that there will be 30 billion connected devices in 2024.</p>
<h2 role="presentation">2. Security features</h2>
<p>Home security features are a great way to help your property feel safe and comfortable. It's important to protect yourself and your property, which is why adding a few security features to your smart home can bring you peace of mind.</p>
<p>Here are a few smart home security features you can expect to find in 2024.</p>
<h3>Smart cameras</h3>
<p>If you've experienced any suspicious behaviour surrounding your home or you simply want to check if a parcel has arrived, smart cameras allow you to see what's happening when you're not around. Using a smartphone, you can connect to a live feed wherever you are. You could be at work or on holiday and still have access to your smart cameras.</p>
<p>Some smart cameras will also allow you to talk and communicate with whoever is in close proximity, and you can control what the camera sees by turning the screen from left to right.</p>
<h3><strong>Smart locks</strong></h3>
<p>A <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/would-you-trust-a-smart-lock" rel="follow">smart lock</a> enables you to keep things protected via your smartphone. With the sound of your voice or a single tap, you can lock and unlock your home remotely.</p>
<p>Not only can it keep things secure, but smart locks can also monitor when someone has entered or left your home. It can connect with compatible smart home devices on the same Wi-Fi and allow you to see who the person is, making it easier to determine whether you have an intruder in your home or not.</p>
<p>This device is also great for parents who want to make sure their children have arrived back home safely without pestering them.</p>
<p>Opting for other keyless smart home systems is a great solution if you'd rather not use your smartphone. For example, some devices use custom passcodes, voice recognition and even fingerprints.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/August-Home-AUG-SL05-M01-G01-Wi-Fi-Generation/dp/B082VXRND2">August Wi-Fi Smart Lock</a> is said to be one of the best smart home devices, with open and close sensors and a log of everything that happens outside your front door. While you can sync this lock with smartphones, you can also add manual codes - this lock has got it all!</p>
<h2 role="presentation">3. Sustainable homes</h2>
<p>With a cost of living crisis and the threat of climate change increasing year on year, engineers and developers are constantly seeking sustainable solutions. Nowhere is this better showcased than with our homes.</p>
<p>From LED light bulbs and solar panels to natural insulation and recycled materials, with sustainable technology, you can save on energy, help the environment and also create better living conditions with improved air quality.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">Water conservation</h3>
<p>Perhaps the biggest trend when it comes to sustainable living in 2024 is saving water. With a cost of living crisis and energy bills increasing year on year, water conservation has become much more necessary. Smart water devices can help make your home greener and reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing warm and fresh water.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In the UK alone, 2.4 billion litres of water are wasted each day due to leaks. This is the equivalent of around 1,200 Olympic swimming pools. Water waste is not just a huge problem for the UK but it also reflects the larger issues of climate change. With the right water conservation technology, not only will you be able to save money, but you will also help save the environment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Leak detectors are a great way to monitor your water usage and check for any issues. <a href="https://www.moen.com/flo" rel="follow">Flo by Moen</a> is a great smart device that works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home systems. This detector will alert you about any leakage or changes in temperature and humidity so you can take the best course of action. You can even set this detector to shut off your water if it registers anything faulty, saving you money and energy.</p>
<p>Rainwater harvesting, which sees people collecting and storing rainwater for later use, is another trend that we can expect to see more of. Making rainy days a little less gloomy, you can use rain to water plants, wash your car or boil a kettle.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 role="presentation">4. Home ecosystems</h2>
<p>Voice recognition and home assistants have become the must-have piece of tech every smart home should have. It wasn't until Amazon Echo's digital assistant, Alexa, in 2014 that we began to see an influx in this type of smart home tech.</p>
<p>Having the ability to have your questions and needs answered through communicating with artificial intelligence has been astonishing. Whether you want to remind yourself of specific dates, shop, or turn the volume down on the smart speaker, simply talking to your AI will get the job done.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, Apple and Google followed suit and produced their own home systems with Apple Homekit and Google Home. Home ecosystems have undoubtedly become hugely popular, with every system offering a convenient and fast way to manage and control the appliances in your home.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But are there any other smart home systems that you can use in 2024?</p>
<p>When it comes to smart home devices, most people look for something clean and simple. Here are a few smart home systems we think will be popular in 2024.</p>
<h3 role="presentation">Samsung SmartThings</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://www.samsung.com/uk/smartthings/" rel="follow">SmartThings Hub</a> allows all kinds of devices to connect to Samsung's smart home system. Whether you accidentally left the lights on or want to make sure your home is at the right temperature when you get home, with a simple app, you can control devices in all rooms.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On the SmartThing app, the Favourites and Devices tabs require manual control, whereas the Life and Automation tabs allow for automation. For this, you&rsquo;ll need to plan and schedule when you&rsquo;d like your appliances to work. Scenes, for instance, allow users to manage multiple devices via voice recognition. If you were to say &ldquo;Goodnight&rdquo;, SmartThings will take that as a signal to close your blinds, turn the lights off and turn on any soothing sleep humidifiers all at once.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Automations allow users to set triggers for when appliances are to work. This can range from setting the time of day to recognising where your phone is in relation to certain tasks. If, for instance, you have forgotten to lock your door when you&rsquo;re upstairs in bed, your app will recognise this due to the time and location of your phone. This aspect of the app can take some getting used to, however, so it is worth trying things out first before becoming reliant.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you have a smart bulb from Philips, an August smart lock or an Ecobee smart thermostat, you can use all three at the same time from the same app. Maybe you want the lights to turn on when coming home and unlock the door or lower the lights while watching a film. Connected devices can work in harmony with this Samsung ecosystem.</p>
<h3>Yonomi</h3>
<p>This little device can have multiple connected gadgets at once via an app which you can use to control and adjust your smart home devices. Yonomi offers more controls than Apple HomeKit, Alexa and Google Assistant, with its focus revolving around keeping a routine. This routine could be dimming the lights at dinner time or setting the right temperature before bed. Yonomi helps you set up a schedule for when you want to get things done.</p>
<p>You can also add other voice control assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant if you'd rather not use your phone constantly.</p>
<h2 role="presentation">5. Health, wellness &amp; sleep solutions</h2>
<p>Tech isn't just for security and entertainment, it can also be used to improve our health and wellness greatly. Whether you&rsquo;re looking to get yourself fit with a home gym or simply want to get a good night's sleep, there are a few smart gadgets that can assist you on your well-being journey.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Oura Ring helps to reduce stress and increase activity. Using an app to help track and monitor your behaviours, you&rsquo;ll know exactly how your body is feeling and what you can do to help it. This gadget will tell you when you need more sleep, when you&rsquo;re likely to be feeling ill, when is the best time to start exercising and check your blood pressure whenever you want. As well as this, the Oura Ring is very stylish and offers a nice alternative to smartwatches like the Apple Watch.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Smart technology can also work outside of the human body. You can use a variety of tech to assess your posture and produce scents to help you sleep. Anything to help you create an eco-friendly home that aids and improves your health is always desirable for a smart home.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Air purifiers have become a sought-after smart home device to tackle pollution in the home and lessen the chances of contracting an air-borne disease. The popularity of these devices has undoubtedly been because of COVID-19, which has forced many people to think a lot more about hygiene in the home.</p>
<p>You can also relieve symptoms of Asthma, clean your air of particles and reduce the smell of bad odours thanks to air purifiers. Whether you&rsquo;d like to have one of these in your living room as both a cleansing and decorative piece or place it next to your bed to help you sleep at night, air purifiers are certainly going nowhere in 2024.</p>
<h2 role="presentation">6. Hidden tech</h2>
<p>In terms of design, it&rsquo;s becoming a trend to hide or subtly place technology around your house. A good example of this is having a TV screen at the end of your bed, which you can lower into your footboard and hide.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Smart plug sockets are also becoming a lot more discreet in the home both with their placement and adding a cover over them. Sometimes when designing and decorating your dream home, heavy, big or clunky pieces of technology can disrupt your vision, so finding ways to limit their visibility could be an option.</p>
<h2>Be smart about your home</h2>
<p>Technology is always evolving and developing, so it's not always certain what new advances could knock at our door, but we can make reasonable assumptions. The more we rely on AI and automation, the more wireless devices will be prominent in every aspect of life, including health and well-being.</p>
<p>Smart home devices aim to aid and benefit us. Life shouldn't be a chore when you have smart home control. Organise your lifestyle with a smart home hub to help you gain more free time for yourself and the things you love doing. With the tap of a finger, you can save money, lock in your home security, play music and keep your home looking modern and sleek.</p>

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