Smart HMO
September 11, 2023
If you own or manage a house of multiple occupancy (HMO), you might be wondering how to reduce your energy bills and make your property more attractive to potential tenants. One way to do that is by installing smart energy meters, radiator valves, motion sensors, and window sensors in your HMO. In this blog post, we will explain the benefits of these smart devices and how they can help you achieve a return on investment and improve the living conditions for your tenants.
What are smart energy meters, radiator valves, motion sensors, and window sensors?
Smart energy meters are devices that measure your gas and electricity consumption and send the data to your energy supplier automatically. This means you don't have to submit meter readings manually or worry about estimated bills. You can also access your energy usage information online or on a smartphone app, which can help you monitor and manage your energy spending.
Smart radiator valves, also known as smart radiator thermostats, are devices that attach to your radiators and allow you to control the temperature of individual rooms remotely. You can set up a heating schedule for each room through a smartphone app, or let the smart radiator valves learn your habits and adjust the temperature automatically. Some smart radiator valves also have features like open window detection, which turns off the heating when a window is opened, or geofencing, which tracks when you leave and enter your home and adjusts the heating accordingly.
Motion sensors are devices that detect movement in a room and trigger an action, such as turning on or off the lights, adjusting the thermostat, or sending an alert to your phone. Motion sensors can help you save energy by ensuring that lights and heating are only on when needed, as well as enhance security by detecting intruders.
Window sensors are devices that detect when a window is opened or closed and trigger an action, such as turning off the heating, sending an alert to your phone, or activating an alarm. Window sensors can help you save energy by preventing heat loss through open windows, as well as improve security by detecting unauthorized access.
How can these smart devices benefit you and your tenants?
Installing smart energy meters, radiator valves, motion sensors, and window sensors in your HMO can have several benefits for both you and your tenants, such as:
Saving money on energy bills: By giving you and your tenants more control and visibility over your energy consumption, these smart devices can help you reduce wastage and optimize efficiency. For example, you can use smart radiator valves to heat only the rooms that are occupied, or use motion sensors to turn off lights when no one is in the room. According to some estimates, smart radiator valves can save you up to 30% on your heating bills, while smart energy meters can save you up to 3% on your gas and electricity bills.
Increasing comfort and convenience: By allowing you to adjust the temperature of each room individually, these smart devices can help you create a more comfortable and personalized environment for your tenants. For example, you can use smart radiator valves to set different temperatures for different times of the day, or use motion sensors to turn on lights automatically when someone enters a room. This can also make your tenants' lives easier by eliminating the need for manual adjustments or switches.
Improving security and safety: By detecting movement and window openings in your property, these smart devices can help you protect your property from theft, vandalism, or fire. For example, you can use motion sensors to send you an alert when someone enters your property when you're away, or use window sensors to activate an alarm when a window is opened without permission. This can also make your tenants feel safer by deterring intruders and alerting them of potential dangers.
Enhancing reputation and attractiveness: By installing these smart devices in your HMO, you can show that you care about your tenants' well-being and satisfaction, as well as demonstrate that you are up-to-date with technology and innovation. This can help you attract more tenants who are looking for a modern and convenient living space, as well as retain existing tenants who appreciate the benefits of these smart devices.
How can you achieve a return on investment?
Installing smart energy meters, radiator valves, motion sensors, and window sensors in your HMO will require an initial investment that will vary depending on the number and type of devices you choose. However, if you use them wisely and effectively, you can expect to recoup your costs in a few years through the savings on your energy bills and the increased occupancy rate of your property.
To calculate how long it will take for these smart devices to pay for themselves, you need to consider:
The upfront cost of buying and installing the devices
The annual savings on your energy bills
The annual increase in your rental income
For example, let's say you have a four-bedroom HMO with a gas boiler and radiators, and you decide to install smart energy meters, four smart radiator valves, four motion sensors, and four window sensors. The total cost of the devices and installation might be around £500. The annual savings on your energy bills might be around £200, assuming you save 30% on your heating bills and 3% on your gas and electricity bills. The annual increase in your rental income might be around £300, assuming you can charge £5 more per week per room for offering smart heating and security features. In this case, it will take you about two years to break even on your investment.
Of course, these numbers are only estimates and will vary depending on your specific situation and the devices you choose. You can use online calculators or tools to get a more accurate estimate of your potential savings and return on investment.
Conclusion
Installing smart energy meters, radiator valves, motion sensors, and window sensors in your HMO can be a smart move that can benefit both you and your tenants. These smart devices can help you save money on your energy bills, increase comfort and convenience, improve security and safety, and enhance reputation and attractiveness. By using them wisely and effectively, you can also achieve a return on investment in a few years.
If you are interested in installing these smart devices in your HMO, you can find more information and reviews on various products and brands online or in stores. You can also consult with a professional installer or an energy advisor to get the best advice and service for your needs.
We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us directly. Thank you for reading!
