Installed February 2018
Running a guesthouse brings unique challenges when it comes to heating and hot water. Guests have different comfort levels, rooms are often occupied at different times, and traditional heating systems struggle to keep everyone satisfied without wasting energy. In early 2018, an Irish B&B decided to tackle this problem by installing a smart heating control system from Control HQ.
Seven years later, the system is still going strong. In this case study, the owner reflects on why they chose smart heating controls, what the installation was like, and how the system has performed over time. From resolving guest comfort issues to cutting energy waste, the technology has delivered both financial and environmental benefits — proving its value well beyond the initial investment.
A: A local plumber I knew told me about it around 10 years ago. He said there was a smart control system that could solve all of my heating problems. He also knew a guy in Galway who was an expert in this, so I decided to give it a try.
A: I needed independent control of the rooms. Before, if one guest was cold and I switched the heating on, it came on everywhere — then other guests would complain they were too hot. I couldn’t regulate each room individually. On top of that, the hot water didn’t work well, so guests weren’t happy.
A: Not about the technology. My real concern was wasting money heating the whole building all the time when it wasn’t needed. Some clients were too hot, others too cold — it was impossible to keep everyone happy. The system solved that perfectly.
A: We designed it online with someone from the company over the phone. It was very easy. We decided to put one smart valve on each radiator in the bedrooms and ensuites, so everything was covered.
A: Brilliant — it was fantastic, and it still is fantastic 7 years on! At first, I used the computer more as the phones weren’t as good back then, but now the app is my main way to control everything.
A: A local engineer did it, and it was simple. It worked perfectly right from the start and has continued to do so ever since.
A: I use the phone app to set schedules all the time. I don’t use the occupancy sensing because the rooms can take time to warm up, but I understand the new smart valves are much quicker, so I’ll upgrade to those when the time comes.
A: The savings at the start were staggering. The system paid for itself really quickly. These days, because we close in the winter, the savings are less obvious — but that’s only because we just switch all the rooms off in the app when we’re closed. In spring and autumn, the savings are still very noticeable.
A: We’re no longer heating empty rooms. That was a big waste before, especially in winter. Now we only heat what’s needed, when it’s needed. That cuts energy use and makes the whole business more sustainable.
A: Definitely. It’s brilliant. It keeps guests happy, it saves us money, and it’s worked perfectly for seven years.
