68 August 2019 http://www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk
Q
I’ve read that smart thermostats
can save you money on your
heating bills. Can you explain more
about how they work?
Sara Brooks, WellingboroughA
Christian
Deilmann,
Co-Founder
of Tado Smart
Thermostat, says:
It might surprise
you to know that 79 per cent of your home energy bill goes
towards heating and hot water. With the average UK dual
fuel bill standing well above £1,000 a year, cutting down
on this expense makes financial sense and benefits the
environment. One of the most cost-effective ways to save
energy is to invest in a smart thermostat such as Tado’s
which has many energy-saving features. For example, it
uses your phone’s location to turn down the heat when it
detects the last person has left home – ensuring that you
never waste a penny heating an empty household. It takes
into account local weather and sunshine to adapt the heating
output and, when detecting an open window, it triggers the
heating to turn down to prevent energy wastage. Combined,
these features can save up to
31 per cent off your heating
bill. On the comfort side, you
can control your heating from
anywhere, anytime. You can
also check on your heating
and view monthly energy
reports in the app.Q
I find after a day’s
gardening that I have
an achy back and sore arm
muscles. I’ve heard that
there are lighter tools
available but are they strong,
durable and easy to use?
Rosie Dreyfuss, GarboldishamA
Georgina Taylor, Trade Marketing Manager
at garden tool brand Fiskars, says:
Finding the right kit for the job can make
any task easier and it’s essential that
gardeners are using products that are
the right fit for them – if not, you’ll
feel it the next day! Fiskars Light collection has been
ergonomically designed to reduce back, wrist and
hand strain and is ideal for all ages and strengths.
The tools are extremely lightweight thanks to their
FiberComp and anti-corrosion material, making them
easier on the back for older gardeners, or those new
to gardening. When it comes to quality, the durable
steel blades on the pruners, shears and loppers offer
long-lasting performance while delivering superior
cutting precision. As for comfort, the spade and fork
benefit from a D-handle and a soft grip. This year
the range has just been extended to include nursery
tools, cultivators, a weed puller and forks to give
everyone the chance to get out into the garden
and do something they love, no matter their age
or strength. Light tools, from £5.49, Fiskars.Q
I’d like to upgrade our family bathroom and our installer
recommended a thermostatic mixer shower as a solution
for families with young children. What are the benefits?
Deborah Moorish, Whitley BayA
Tina Simpson, Marketing Director at
Triton Showers, points out the following...
With so many factors to consider when designing
a family bathroom, it may seem almost impossible
to plan a space that combines style and
functionality with the needs of its users. However,
there are so many options available you don’t
have to compromise when it comes to choosing a shower. A
thermostatic mixer is a good option for families as it reduces the
risk of scalding; and it regulates the water temperature so there
aren’t any sudden changes, even if someone turns on the tap
somewhere else in the house. Also, you can set a temperature
stop so there is no risk of a child accidentally turning it up. When
it comes to style, Triton’s Host digital mixer is available in three
finishes: cloud grey, white or black to match any interior. For a
quick and easy routine, you can also save your favourite settings
from a choice of 16 temperature and 10 flow levels, enabling
you to just turn on and step in. It also has an optional wireless
start/stop remote with a warm-up feature that can be located
outside the bathroom – so you can turn on the shower while
grabbing a few minutes longer in bed. Host digital shower,
from £400, Triton.experts
We answer your DIY and
maintenance questions
with a little help from
the experts
Ask the
V3+ Smart
Thermostat
Starter Kit,
£199.99, Tado