Case Study - How One Landlord Achieved Comfort, Savings & Sustainability With Smart Heating

In today’s rental market, landlords face the challenge of balancing tenant comfort with rising energy costs and growing sustainability demands. For Steven Higginbottom—a property developer with more than 30 years of experience—this balance has become central to his success. With a portfolio of premium rental homes in Birkenhead, attracting professionals who expect high standards of living, Steven needed a solution that could deliver warmth and comfort without driving up bills or environmental impact. This case study explores how he transformed his properties with smart heating technology, achieving the rare combination of comfort, savings, and sustainability.

Photo of part of a bedroom with light grey walls and a lamp shining onto the bed. There is a Wireless Room Sensor on the wall near the bed and a Smart Plug installed into a socket behind the bedside cabinet.
Photo of a Wireless Radiator Valve displaying the set temperature on a wall in a bedroom.
High-Quality Homes for High-Value Tenants

With over 30 years of experience in the grounds and maintenance industry, Steven Higginbottom has built a reputation for quality and attention to detail. After selling his original business, he turned his expertise toward property development—taking buildings back to brick and refurbishing them to the highest standards.

His portfolio now includes four premium rental properties (with a fifth on the way) in a highly desirable area of Birkenhead, attracting NHS professionals, doctors, and key workers—many relocating from warmer climates such as Africa. These tenants expect a high level of comfort, and the landlord is committed to delivering it.

The Challenge: Big Buildings, Big Bills

The properties themselves posed a challenge. Large, older buildings running on gas meant annual heating bills of £3,000 to £7,200—and without careful control, much of that heat was wasted. Tenants would understandably leave the heating on constantly, especially during the colder months, but this led to unnecessary costs and environmental impact.

Switching fully to solar or electric heating proved difficult due to EPC restrictions, so the landlord needed a solution that would:

  • Keep tenants warm and comfortable
  • Reduce wasted energy and running costs
  • Lower the carbon footprint of each property
  • Be manageable remotely, as he now lives abroad

The Solution: Control HQ Smart Heating

Three years ago, Steven installed Control HQ in his first property—a decision that changed the way he managed heating. Every room became its own heating zone, each with a personalised schedule tailored to the tenant’s lifestyle.

Key benefits included:

  • Personalised comfort: Tenants enjoy heating when and where they need it, with the option to override schedules at any time.
  • Remote management: Steven can set and adjust heating schedules from anywhere in the world.
  • Energy efficiency: Heating is only provided to occupied rooms, preventing unnecessary energy use.

     

Tenants are introduced to the system, with the reassurance that Steven can adjust settings for them at any time. “I want to make sure it’s right for you” has become his simple, effective approach.

The Results: Comfort Without Compromise

Since introducing Control HQ, the landlord has seen:

  • Zero complaints about heating—tenants are consistently happy.
  • Lower energy bills thanks to precise, zoned control.
  • Reduced carbon emissions, making his properties more environmentally responsible.


The success of the first installation led to Control HQ becoming standard in every property he owns. While Steven notes the app could be more modern, the overall performance has been excellent—and a perfect fit for his high-quality rental portfolio.