
Strand Road Shelter, Derry
Strand Road Shelter, located in the heart of Derry City, was originally planned as a hotel.

However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, due to changes in the city's economy, the owner, Declan O'Donovan, decided to convert it as a homeless shelter. The building underwent significant renovations, including the installation of two new gas boilers, hot water tanks, and radiators.
After consulting with mechanical engineers, Declan decided to choose Control HQ as the system to control the building's heating, finding it the most user-friendly and energy-efficient

How did you control your heating before?
I had no control system prior to engaging with Control HQ. My mechanical engineers had spec’d a complex hardwired system offering limited controls.
What was your main consideration before purchasing the Control HQ system?
Energy saving. Heating a 17-bed hotel could be very expensive if not controlled adequately given the number of rooms which are largely unoccupied most of the time.
What do you feel contributed most to your decision to buy Control HQ?
The level of controls available, timing and instant online control of every zone. It was a lot easier and more accessible than other options available.
What do you like about the system?
The level of controls available and the app generally works very well.
How much have you saved to date on your energy bills, as a result of having the Control HQ system installed?
It’s still hard to know the exact figures, but we are estimating that we will have saved around £2000 this year on heating costs.
How user-friendly do you find the system?
The system is very user friendly. On occasion, adding or amending wireless components can be a little tricky, but the online videos are very useful.
How would you rate your experience with Gaia Smart Energy, and would you recommend our company to others?
Joe is very knowledgeable on the installation of these systems and has been adaptable to changing plans and specifications. He has dealt with all teething issues very professionally, meaning that we now have a system that runs very well currently.
I will not hesitate to contact Joe for the next project.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say About Our Products
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The Smart Control system has saved 41% on our gas bills in the first month and 9% on our electricity”.”
The Mount Business & Conference Centre, Belfast
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“We have saved on average 45% on our gas consumption which has been vital during the current climate.”
Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Co.Down
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“We were extremely pleased to calculate that the Genius Hub has saved us 64% off our healing costs meaning that the system has about a 2 year payback on the cost of installation.”
The Belfry Hotel, Birmingham
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I have now rolled out the Control HQ system to other HMO properties and I'm seeing the benefits in a reduction in tenant complaints and energy bills.”
Property People – Control HQ
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The Control HQ system enabled us to install smaller boilers because there was less heating demand. The system itself works very well and we would certainly recommend both the system and the company to others. Gaia were friendly, easy to work with and highly professional.”
Sienna Monastery, Drogheda
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I have calculated that the Control HQ System has reduced my oil consumption from 3 fills of oil a year to 2. The installation was quick and remarkably tidy, with little or no mess.”
Simon Healey, Homeowner in Belfast
Independent Reviews





