ESSENTIAL HVAC
WHAT IS HOME AUTOMATION WITHOUT HVAC INTEGRATION? Justin Wells, Founder of Polar Bear Design and 20 year veteran of the smart home market, asks a key question. The Zentium Pro thermostat and UMC controller has been designed with integration in mind. Not only does this platform have compatibility with all the major brands of AV control systems, but also directly to major air-conditioning
brands
too.
This
allows
an extremely flexible design topology and connects to the heating and cooling systems. The Zentium has native features included, normally these features would need to be custom programmed into a system control system. • Heat Boost, uses heating element in AC unit • Stops heating and cooling being ON at the same time • Automatic Eco modes • Comfort bathroom floor temperature
What is home automation without HVAC integration? The home automation market is bouncing back from the pandemic. Many AV installers are rebranding themselves as home automation companies, but seem to go weak at the knees
contractors, maybe even three if the package has been split further. Management of problems and maintenance can escalate, and relations often break down.
truly understand some of these fundamental issues with HVAC integration. Not only does
automated home ?
the Zentium range of pro thermostats address
Some of the more experienced AV installers
some of the major differences with super
have come to learn that even if you’re not
prime residential HVAC and commercial
involved in specifying or installing the HVAC,
installs, but we also offer design support.
that’s guaranteed). By sorting out the problems, many projects come down to the way a commercial HVAC contractor treats a large residential project. They assume as the equipment’s the same its just a large commercial building with a luxury finish. This
generally
leads
to
some
early
fundamental errors created within the design.
If you need even more help, Polar Bear Design have a number of installers that are more than happy to work in partnership with you to help expand your knowledge and get your first few projects underway. It’s about educating the installer and empowering them with advanced luxury products. With these new products and backing, the AV installer can move fully into
The AV installer then often has to mask over
becoming a true home automation installation
these problems with some cleaver backend
company and start making money from the
programming and bang, you’re involved!
HVAC integration instead of just being involved
From this point the client now has to get two
as free help.
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• Independent towel radiator control
The Polar Bear Design ethos is to help
Without HVAC integration is it still a fully
out the issues at the end of the project (and
• Control two rooms from one thermostat
educate and empower the AV installer to
when integration to HVAC is mentioned.
you will definitely still be involved in sorting
• Room temperature averaging
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DECEMBER 2021 29
