{"id":81458,"date":"2020-08-26T07:48:51","date_gmt":"2020-08-26T06:48:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=81458"},"modified":"2020-08-26T07:48:51","modified_gmt":"2020-08-26T06:48:51","slug":"smart-heating-controls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/energy-news\/smart-heating-controls\/81458\/","title":{"rendered":"Smart heating controls: How to ensure you are protected"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pete Mills, technical operations manager for Bosch Commercial & Industrial<\/a>, explains what to look out for when choosing a smart heating system control<\/h2>\n

There is no doubt that smart internet-connected<\/a> control systems have a lot of benefits for buildings of all types. The current pandemic crisis has really highlighted the advantages of remote access and how this can reduce unnecessary site visits and give reassurance that systems are operating well from a distance.<\/p>\n

Building heating systems were one of the first systems to adopt internet connectivity through bespoke Building Management Systems (BMS) and have been part of this revolution since the days of dial up modems.<\/p>\n

As we begin to address the challenges of decarbonisation of our buildings heating systems<\/a>, smart internet-connected controls will play their part in maximising energy efficiency, as well as the role they will have in energy grid stabilisation, in ways that are still evolving. The direction is clear though; internet-connected controls offer real benefits and the days of having to have expensive bespoke systems, are being challenged by lower cost \u201coff the shelf\u201d solutions.<\/p>\n

The Internet of Things<\/a> (IoT) is growing and with it come risks for the unwary of malicious attacks to vulnerable equipment. One such case was highlighted in a BBC article back in 2017 that found a large number of schools\u2019 heating systems to be vulnerable to hackers. Equipment had been procured and installed by people, who were simply not aware of the potential risks involved.<\/p>\n

This situation is not uncommon and probably most of us are guilty of being complacent about internet security in our own homes. That complacency can spill over into decisions made in the work environment, if we are not aware of the higher risks associated with commercial applications.<\/p>\n

So, when looking to procure equipment for internet control of heating systems, what should we be looking out for?<\/p>\n

There are some key processes and protocols that reputable manufacturers of IoT equipment will follow, which the prospective purchaser should check at the outset.<\/p>\n

Key processes and protocols:<\/h3>\n