Tado is announcing a heat pump controller at IFA, allowing users to control their heat pump via the Tado app. In addition, Tado introduces Balance, a software function aimed at saving energy thanks to variable energy rates.
The Tado Heat Pump Connector connects via the BUS connection to heat pumps from Vaillant, Atlantic, Saunier Duval and Fujitsu. Tado says that support for other brands will follow in the coming months, but does not specify which specific brands that will be. Using the Connector, users can control their heat pump through the Tado app.
Tado is also introducing a subscription, Balance. Balance is a functionality within the Tado app that can switch the heat pump on and off using the Heat Pump Connector based on dynamic energy rates. The software can thus preheat rooms and heat any hot water tanks or buffer storage tanks when energy prices are low. Users can optionally ignore Balance through the Tado app and take over the operation themselves, for example if the user comes home earlier than the set schedule.
In order to use Balance, an energy contract with dynamic hourly rates is required. According to Tado, Balance can deliver energy cost savings of 27 percent per year. The Tado Heat Pump Connector is available immediately and costs 300 euros. If you purchase the Heat Pump Connector, you will receive Balance for free for a year. After that, the subscription costs fifty euros per year, or six euros per month.
