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Ever thought your water heater could outsmart you? Welcome to the future of home energy management. Say goodbye to sky-high bills with a simple device.
Introducing a groundbreaking innovation from a French startup that’s transforming how we heat our homes.
Developed by Elax Energie, this smart thermostat attaches effortlessly to your water heater, turning it into a savvy energy-saver. By intelligently regulating the temperature of your hot water tank, it helps you reduce energy consumption and ultimately save money on your utility bills. In the picturesque region of Seine-Maritime, countless social housing units are already benefiting from this advanced technology.
« We started with the realization that energy consumption needs to be smarter and more timely, » explains Thomas Tirtiaux, CEO of Elax Energie. « That’s why we developed a connected thermostat that makes your water heater truly intelligent. »
On average, households using this thermostat can expect a 25% reduction in energy usage, translating to savings of around 100 euros per year. One of the standout features is its autonomous operation; the thermostat adapts to the household’s energy consumption patterns. However, for those who like to have control, manual adjustments are always an option, allowing for a quick boost in temperature when hosting guests.
Another impressive aspect is the ability to monitor daily energy consumption, giving users valuable insights into their usage habits. Since its inception in 2021, Elax Energie has exclusively partnered with social housing providers across Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France, and Seine-Maritime, equipping nearly 32,000 water heaters nationwide.
« Our tenants benefit from lower energy bills, and landlords enjoy reduced wear and tear on their equipment, » adds Thomas. By regulating the temperature, the thermostat not only lowers energy costs but also minimizes calcification and corrosion in the water tanks, extending their lifespan.
In Seine-Maritime, Logeo Seine is a key partner, with over 1,000 social housing units already outfitted and approximately 1,300 more slated for installation this year. The latest development? Installation is now free for tenants, fully covered by the landlords.
« We kicked off in 2023 with a test installation in Darnétal, deploying 80 thermostats, » says Marie Nguyen Khoa, Environmental Director at Logeo Seine. « We’re thrilled with the progress, as it provides genuine benefits for our tenants. »
Social housing in Seine-Maritime is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to innovative solutions that not only enhance living conditions but also lead to substantial cost savings. At the forefront of this change is Elax Energie, a forward-thinking startup that has developed a smart thermostat designed to regulate water heater consumption efficiently. This intelligent device is already making waves in numerous social housing units across the region, demonstrating the potent combination of technology and sustainability.
Elax Energie’s smart thermostat is a simple yet effective device that attaches to the water heater, transforming it into an intelligent system capable of optimizing energy use. By carefully regulating the temperature of the water heater, the thermostat ensures that energy consumption is kept to a minimum, which translates directly into lower utility bills for residents. In Seine-Maritime, various social housing providers have embraced this technology, equipping their properties with Elax Energie’s solution to achieve greater energy efficiency and cost reduction.
Thomas Tirtiaux, the director general of Elax Energie, emphasizes the importance of consuming energy « better and at the right time. » This philosophy underpins the development of their connected thermostat, which autonomously adjusts the water heater’s temperature based on the household’s consumption patterns. The result? An average reduction of 25% in energy usage, leading to yearly savings of around one hundred euros per household. These savings not only benefit the tenants but also contribute to broader environmental goals by decreasing overall energy demand.
Moreover, the thermostat’s autonomous functionality means that residents do not need to worry about manual adjustments. The device intelligently adapts to the household’s needs, providing convenience and peace of mind. However, for those who prefer more control, the thermostat also offers manual settings, allowing users to request a temperature boost when hosting guests, for instance. This blend of automation and manual control ensures that the system is both efficient and user-friendly.
Integrating such smart technologies into social housing is not just about immediate savings. Over time, these innovations contribute to the longevity of the infrastructure. By maintaining optimal temperatures, the smart thermostat reduces calcification and corrosion in water heaters, thereby extending their lifespan. Thomas Tirtiaux highlights that this dual benefit of cost savings and equipment longevity creates a win-win situation for both tenants and housing providers.
In Seine-Maritime, partnerships with major social housing providers like Logeo Seine have been pivotal. Logeo Seine has already equipped over 1,000 social housing units with Elax Energie’s smart thermostats, with plans to install an additional 1,300 units within the year. The initiative began in 2023 with a pilot project in Darnétal, where 80 thermostats were installed successfully. Marie Nguyen Khoa, the representative from Logeo Seine, expressed enthusiasm about the deployment, noting the tangible benefits for tenants resulting from reduced energy bills.
The adoption of Elax Energie’s thermostat is seamlessly aligned with broader social and environmental objectives. By focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability, social housing providers are not only addressing immediate financial concerns but also contributing to long-term environmental stewardship. This initiative is part of a larger trend towards innovative approaches in housing that prioritize both cost savings and environmental impact, reflecting a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of these factors.
Furthermore, Elax Energie’s success in Seine-Maritime serves as a case study for other regions looking to implement similar solutions. The scalability of the smart thermostat allows for widespread adoption, potentially transforming social housing across France. With nearly 32,000 water heaters already equipped nationwide, the impact of such technologies is substantial, paving the way for future advancements in smart home solutions.
Residents have reported positive experiences with the smart thermostats, appreciating the ease of use and the tangible reduction in their energy bills. The ability to monitor daily energy consumption provides an added layer of transparency and control, empowering tenants to make informed decisions about their energy usage. This user-centric approach enhances the overall living experience, making social housing not only more affordable but also more comfortable and modern.
The integration of smart technologies in social housing is also supported by a robust infrastructure of research and innovation. Institutions like the Nantes Health Campus are at the cutting edge of developing and testing new solutions that can be applied to social housing. These collaborations ensure that the technologies being implemented are not only effective but also continuously improved based on real-world feedback and advancements in the field.
Looking ahead, the future of social housing in Seine-Maritime and beyond appears bright, with ongoing investments in social innovation poised to drive further improvements. As highlighted by Damien Baldin, General Director of La France s’engage, there is a pressing need to intensify efforts in social innovation to address the evolving challenges of housing affordability and sustainability. By embracing technologies like Elax Energie’s smart thermostat, social housing providers can lead the way in creating more resilient, efficient, and comfortable living environments for all residents.
In addition to energy-saving devices, other innovative projects are being explored to enhance the quality and efficiency of social housing. From advanced heating systems to integrated renewable energy sources, these initiatives collectively contribute to a more sustainable and economically viable housing sector. The success stories from Seine-Maritime serve as inspiration for similar endeavors, showcasing the potential benefits of embracing cutting-edge solutions in social housing.
Ultimately, the adoption of smart thermostats and other innovative technologies in social housing represents a significant step forward in addressing both economic and environmental challenges. By reducing energy consumption and costs, these solutions make social housing more affordable and sustainable, benefiting residents and society as a whole. As social housing providers continue to prioritize innovation, the future holds promise for even greater advancements and a more sustainable living environment for all.
