Smart heating controls for small businesses
As energy prices continue to fluctuate, business owners need every tool available to help cut unnecessary usage while keeping staff and customers comfortable.
That’s where smart heating controls come in, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) manage energy use, reduce costs and improve comfort through automation and connectivity.
In this guide, we cover everything SMEs need to know about smart heating controls. From understanding what smart heating controls are and the benefits they offer, to selecting the right technology for your business and installing it.
We’ll break everything down, without the jargon, so that you can make confident choices about your energy usage and future investment.
Five-point summary of our smart heating controls guide
- Smart heating controls use sensors, connectivity, and automation to adjust building temperatures accurately based on occupancy, usage patterns, and weather data.
- They help small businesses lower energy costs by heating only when and where it’s needed, reducing waste and unnecessary usage.
- Remote and app‑based control lets owners manage multiple sites efficiently from anywhere, maximising comfort and productivity.
- Businesses gain real‑time insights into energy consumption and performance, helping them make data‑driven decisions for efficiency and sustainability.
- With proper setup, scheduling, and maintenance, smart heating controls can cut carbon footprints and support progress toward net‑zero goals.
What are smart heating controls?
Smart heating controls are digital systems that monitor and adjust a building’s heating based on occupancy, schedules, and real‑time data.
Instead of relying on a basic on/off timer or fixed thermostat settings, smart central heating controls collect information about how your building is being used and automatically adjust the temperature to match. This means the heating is turned up when staff, customers or guests need it and turned down when they don’t.
Smart systems typically connect to WiFi and can be controlled through an app on a phone, tablet or computer. They may also use sensors that detect movement, temperature or even weather forecasts to fine-tune energy usage.
They offer far more flexibility compared to traditional heating systems, which run on static settings and can lead to energy waste.
How do smart heating controls work?
Smart heating systems use sensors, algorithms, and connectivity to optimise temperature and energy use automatically.
While a typical thermostat lets you change temperature using a dial or a control panel, a smart thermostat does it using several components to provide a more user-friendly and accessible way of controlling your heating.
The system typically includes a smart thermostat, sensors that are placed around the building, and a central app or online dashboard. The sensors measure things like temperature, occupancy and time of day, feeding information back to the main control unit.
This data allows the system to make decisions automatically. For example, if an office is empty at lunchtime or a shop closes early, the system can reduce heating without anyone needing to touch a thermostat. Some tools even factor in external conditions, such as weather, to warm or cool the space.
Whether you’re off-site, working from home or managing multiple locations, you can check usage, spot unusual patterns and make adjustments instantly. The result is a cleaner, more efficient way to run workplace energy systems.
What are the benefits of smart heating controls for SMEs?
Installing smart controls for heating can help small and medium enterprises save money, improve workplace comfort and support sustainability goals. Here are some of the key benefits:
Energy cost savings
One of the biggest advantages of smart heating controls is reduced energy costs through smarter heating schedules and less waste. Whether you run a cafe or a small office, by only heating the space when it’s occupied or needed, smart systems avoid wasted energy, which can lead to significant savings over time, especially during colder months.
Track energy use
Smart heating systems offer valuable insight into how energy is being consumed throughout the day. With access to real-time data and usage reports, business owners can spot patterns such as wasted heating during closed hours. This transparency makes it easier to budget, plan and make informed decisions on reducing energy consumption.
Efficiency and sustainability
Smart controls optimise energy use by reducing unnecessary heating and helping businesses run more efficiently. Companies can cut their fuel consumption, lower costs and reduce their carbon footprint. This also supports wider sustainability goals and can help SMEs demonstrate progress towards net zero.
App-based scheduling
Automating heating through mobile apps and sensors simplifies daily operations and frees up staff time. Systems learn your usage patterns and automatically adjust settings, meaning less time spent manually checking thermostat settings. Business owners and employees can control heating remotely through an app.
Comfort and productivity
Maintaining consistent, comfortable temperatures can boost employee satisfaction and productivity. A more comfortable workplace supports happier teams, reduces distraction and can even improve productivity. Staff are less likely to complain, adjust thermostats or bring heaters from home, helping energy use stay under control.
Are smart heating controls right for your business?
Now you know some of the key benefits of smart heating controls for SMEs, it’s time to ask yourself whether your business is better suited to a standard scheduled thermostat or a smart model. Selecting the right option means balancing features, cost, ease of use and compatibility with your existing systems.
If your business works to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, a standard scheduled thermostat will suffice. Simply set the heat output to come on just before your employees arrive and then program it to turn off overnight.
Smart models are designed to offer greater control over heating and cooling through WiFi integration, web and mobile apps and, in some cases, even sensors that can tell if employees are on site.
How to make the most of smart heating controls for optimal efficiency
To get the most out of your smart heating central heating controls, consider the following tips:
- Use learning features - allow your smart thermostat time to understand and learn your routines and heating preferences. The more regular your routine is initially, the better and more efficiently your smart thermostat will work.
- Set up geofencing - utilise geofencing to adjust your business premises temperature automatically in line with your location. This will ensure you are not unnecessarily heating or cooling a space and wasting energy.
- Schedule intentionally - make use of smart scheduling functionality to create a heating and cooling programme tailored to your daily operations. Depending on your industry type, you might find it helpful to create alternate schedules for weekdays and weekends.
- Check energy reports - smart thermostats can deliver detailed reports of business energy usage. Check these frequently to find areas of possible improvement and track your savings over time.
Common challenges and solutions
While smart heating controls offer many benefits, small businesses can face some challenges when integrating them into their day-to-day business operations.
Connectivity issues
One of the most common challenges with smart heating controls is connectivity problems. Your smart thermostat or heating control app may struggle to establish a stable connection with your heating system, leading to issues with remote control and scheduling.
To resolve connectivity problems, you should ensure your WiFi network is stable, check for software updates on your smart heating control device, reboot your router and smart control divide and reconnect the device to your WiFi network.
Integration with existing HVAC systems
Not all HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems are compatible with smart central heating controls. Some older systems may lack the necessary technology or infrastructure to support these devices.
To check compatibility, consult the smart heating control manufacturer’s compatibility list, seek professional advice if you are unsure and consider upgrading your heating system if your existing system isn’t fully compatible.
Inaccurate temperature readings
Your smart heating control may display incorrect temperature information, causing your heating system to work harder than necessary and create cost concerns.
To address inaccurate temperature readings on smart controls for heating systems, ensure your smart thermostat is positioned away from heat sources and drafts, calibrate your thermostat according to manufacturer instructions and clean the thermostat’s temperature sensors regularly.
Maximise your business energy savings with Bionic
At Bionic, we work with a panel of trusted energy suppliers and providers to get you a competitive deal, no matter the shape or size of your business. Just give us your postcode and our tech-enabled experts will use smart data to find an energy deal that suits the unique needs of your business.
If you need help maximising your business energy savings, get in touch with our helpful team to compare business energy tariffs and find the right one for your business. When you switch business energy with Bionic, we support you with the transition and can automatically send you new quotes when it's time to renew.
Smart heating controls for small businesses FAQs
Still unsure about smart heating controls for your business? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Are smart heating systems difficult to install?
Most can be retrofitted easily to existing heating setups, though older HVAC systems might need minor upgrades or professional support.
What are the main benefits for small businesses?
Lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, improved workplace comfort, and real‑time energy tracking.
Can I control my heating when I’m off‑site?
Yes. Smart heating controls connect to Wi‑Fi and allow you to manage your system remotely via a smartphone or computer.
Do smart heating controls really save money?
Yes. Smart scheduling and automation can cut unnecessary energy use—often reducing heating costs by up to 30%.
What should I check before buying a smart heating system?
Confirm compatibility with your existing heating or HVAC system and ensure your Wi‑Fi network is reliable.
How can I maximise savings with smart heating controls?
Use built‑in learning features, set geofencing, check energy reports regularly, and adjust schedules based on business operating hours.
