Most readers will be familiar with the idea of using a smartphone to set their PVR to record programmes while away from the home, but what if it was also possible to ensure your front room was nice and warm, ready for you to watch that ‘must see’ season finale or match in true comfort when you finally get back?
If that sounds attractive then you’ll want to check out the new Remote Heating Control™ system from British Gas.
The smartphone and tablet app works in partnership with a wireless thermostat control which connects to the boiler via the householder’s existing broadband router.
Then, whether you’re at home or stuck at some windswept train station or bus stop, the internet connection can be used to set or monitor the temperature, turn your heating system on and off or even manage the system’s heating schedule.
Of course the traditional timer switch can already turn the heating on for you. But we’ve surely all come home at some point to find the heating has come on despite the weather outside being warm?
And when that happens it’s a mad dash around the home, opening windows to let all that expensive heating we’re going to have to pay for back out so we can cool the place down. In the 21st century we should be looking for a smarter, less energy wasting and better value option.
And that’s where the RHC comes in.
While some might be tempted to dismiss it as a posh person’s heating thermostat, we think it’s the start of realising the ‘smart home’ concept first popularised 50 years ago on TV’s The Jetsons and mirrored by a host shows and films since.
If you don’t want to take our word for the scale of the RHC’s impressiveness, how about listening to Stuff Magazine? The worlds best-selling tech and gadget mag recently crowned the RHC as Stuff Home Gadget of the Year award.
To scoop the award the British Gas gizmo had to beat off some stiff competition including from Dyson’s Digital Slim DC44 Animal, Belkin WeMo’s and the Philips HomeCooker.
When announcing the award, Will Findlater, editor of Stuff Magazine, said: “We felt British Gas Remote Heating Control™ deserved to win our Home Gadget of the Year award, not just because of how useful it is but also because of the movement it’s representing towards connected homes and smart appliances.”
In a nice touch the gadget and app are available to all gas and electricity customers regardless of their provider – you don’t need to be a British Gas customer to use it.
And even better news, prices for the RHC start from just £199, placing it well inside the affordability range of most homes.
British Gas has enlisted the help of some bloggers to test the technology and post their thoughts and experiences on a dedicated Facebook page.
Pop along and see what they have to say, then enter a draw to win your own RHC system and 100 worth of cinema vouchers.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of British Gas