Achieve 30%+ Savings with Smart Water Heating Control

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In our continuous journey towards a sustainable future, we often encounter challenges that demand innovative solutions. One such challenge lies in the management of hot water systems within multi-occupancy accommodations, including student residences, hostels, and shared housing. The operators of these facilities are faced with unique hurdles, from fluctuating occupancy levels to the pressing need for operational efficiency and comfort. At the heart of these challenges is the hot water cylinder—a seemingly straightforward piece of equipment that, when inadequately managed, can lead to excessive energy consumption, soaring utility bills, system failures, and compliance risks.

To future-proof operations and improve sustainability, it is essential to understand the common issues associated with traditional hot water systems in these settings, as well as the benefits that tighter control and monitoring can provide.

The Issues with Traditional Hot Water Systems

Lack of Control and Visibility

Many traditional hot water cylinders in multi-occupancy buildings rely on basic thermostatic controls or fixed-time schedules. Unfortunately, this often results in the continuous heating of water without real-time awareness of demand or occupancy levels. The lack of visibility leads to a reliance on guesswork, with little to no data available on when water is being used, the overall consumption, or the operational efficiency of the cylinders. As a result, buildings often maintain a constant supply of hot water, even during periods of low or no occupancy, such as holiday breaks or weekends. This “always-on” approach not only wastes energy but also contributes to unnecessary wear and tear on equipment.

Ageing Components

In numerous student accommodations, the water heating systems consist of older immersion elements and poorly insulated cylinders. These components degrade over time, becoming less efficient and consuming more energy to provide the same output. Additionally, older systems are susceptible to temperature drift, causing the set temperature to fluctuate and resulting in inconsistent hot water delivery—a common grievance among residents. Furthermore, these outdated systems often lack modern safety features such as automated thermal disinfection, which is critical for preventing the growth of harmful bacteria like Legionella.

Energy and Water Consumption

Heating water represents one of the most significant energy costs in multi-occupancy buildings. When systems are outdated or uncontrolled, cylinders are often heated far more frequently than necessary. Water waste is another pressing concern, arising from leaks, dripping taps, or faulty toilet cisterns. These inefficiencies not only impact the environment but also contribute to inflated operational costs.

The Solution: Embracing Smart Technology

To address these issues, operators can implement SmartTank as part of the Irus ecosystem. This innovative solution enables real-time temperature management and water measurement, transforming hot water systems from passive utilities into proactive assets. By adopting SmartTank, operators can realise numerous benefits.

Enhanced Utilities Efficiency

SmartTank allows for much tighter control of heating, based on more accurate temperature measurements. Rather than heating water continuously throughout the day, cylinders can be preheated before peak demand periods and held at safe standby temperatures during low-demand times. According to data from SmartTank, operators can achieve an impressive 31% energy saving per bed annually.

Leak Detection Capabilities

Another key feature of SmartTank is its leak detection capability. At one installation site, SmartTank uncovered a year-long leak that was wasting a staggering 14,000 litres of water per day. Such insights can lead to significant conservation and cost savings.

Monitoring and Maintenance

The addition of PipeSense to the system further enhances monitoring capabilities. This tool tracks outlet temperatures and identifies faulty toilet cisterns, allowing for timely intervention. By consistently monitoring temperature stability and heating performance, operators can detect degrading components before they fail, enabling more effective preventative maintenance. This proactive approach not only reduces downtime but also minimises the need for emergency repairs.

Improved Sustainability and Reporting

Accurate water measurement through SmartTank provides operators with clear insights into hot water consumption. This level of understanding allows for targeted conservation efforts, helping to meet sustainability targets while supporting transparent utility reporting through the Irus Portal.

Boosting Resident Satisfaction

Ensuring a reliable supply of hot water and minimising downtime directly contributes to improved resident comfort. Moreover, SmartTank helps prevent overheating or underheating, addressing common complaints related to inconsistent temperatures. This focus on resident satisfaction can significantly enhance the overall living experience in multi-occupancy accommodations.

Conclusion: A Smart Move Towards Sustainability

The challenges associated with traditional hot water cylinders in multi-occupancy accommodation are substantial, but they are not insurmountable. By implementing tighter temperature control and accurate water measurement, operators can dramatically improve utility efficiency, reduce waste, extend the lifespan of their equipment, and enhance the living experience for residents. In today’s increasingly data-driven and sustainability-focused world, upgrading hot water systems is not just a smart decision—it’s a transformative step towards achieving Net Zero goals.

As we continue to champion sustainability in our communities, let’s embrace the innovative solutions that empower us to make a real difference. Together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future.

For more information on SmartTank and the Irus ecosystem, visit www.prefectcontrols.com.

This article first appeared in the June 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

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