The industry has been developing control systems for decades with the mindset that they’re not for display purposes, but the time has come for that to change, the company said.

It said the industry needs to recognise that sales decisions are initially based upon first impressions, cost, ease-of-use and design. Construction engineers and installation specialists make decisions early on in a building process. They must make these decisions based on previous experience, industry recommendations or their first impressions.

Justin Wells, managing director of Polar Bear Design said: “We like smart designs, symmetry and uniformity in our lives. Why should the way we control our home heating, air conditioning, lighting etc be any different? We shouldn’t have to go into cupboards or corners to control our homes.  An attractive smart thermostat should be on display in the room and offer ease of use for everyone. Too many management control providers are not aiding the industry to move into the modern smart market. While they’re focussing on the features they’re leaving the design behind.” 

Mr Wells continued: “Construction planners, architects, designers and everyone involved in the creation of smart homes and business environments recognise that attractive external designs with practical features create a better sales opportunity. Add to that a heating, air conditioning and lighting control system that conforms to the building’s style and another positive element is added.  Post build, construction companies hire specialists to ensure that internally show homes are so aesthetically pleasing that a sale is made. Pleasing ‘on display’ controllers that don’t disturb the  ‘Feng Shui’ add to the attraction of a build and can support the closure of a sale.”

“We must offer customers options, we need to have a range of attractive, aesthetic control units for heating, air conditioning and ventilation management. The HVAC industry can become a sexy, attractive area of building and installations if we remember that looks do matter and first impressions count, but we must have the essential usable features and functions on the inside to make a lasting impression. The industry won’t move forward if we continue to hide control systems in cupboards.” concluded Mr Wells.