Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Answers
Q. Can Optimal officially register my Display Energy Certificate
(DEC) for my buildings?
A. Yes, as well as being able to provide regular calculated DEC
ratings based upon your energy consumption, Optimal will also be able to officially
provide you with your DEC.
Q. Can Optimal calculate my Display Energy Certificate (DEC)?
A. Yes. As Optimal automatically collects energy consumption data
in real time, it will be able to calculate your DEC rating at any time, not just
on the annual basis on which you are required to register your DEC. This provides
customers with the added benefit of being able to monitor how they are progressing
in terms of improving their DEC registration throughout the year, rather just taking
a snapshot at the time the DEC is required.
Q. Optimal is web-based. Is it secure?
A. Yes. Access to your system is password controlled and within
your own system you can password-restrict access and also access levels, ie from
viewer status only up to administrator level, where the administrator can view sensitive
data or change details. Also, the system is hosted by us, off-site, adding to the
security protection.
Q. Are the any harmful emissions from the equipment?
A. Optimal equipment is completely safe. We use low power radio
devices that work on a 434MHz frequency, with transmitted power restricted to 10mW.
This is the same as car central locking key fobs, home security systems (sensors
and controls) and wireless keyboards or headphones.
Q. What about the administration involved? Do I need additional software to operate the Optimal system?
A. No. No additional software is required, nor will you have to
make any changes to your existing back office systems. Once you go live with your
Optimal system, all you need to be able to view your data on screen or to generate
and download reports is automatically handled by our program.
Q. Is it user-friendly?
A. Yes. We will give you training on how to use Optimal and will
also show the administrator of your system how to set up utility profile parameters,
alarm and message alerts. We are also able to provide telephone support – and when
you call us you get to speak to an expert in our UK head office, not to someone
in a remote call centre.
Q. Optimal is a wire-free system using radio signals to communicate.
How do prices compare with a wired system?
A. Considerably lower. With no cabling to install and no reinstatement
of any surfaces, installation and materials costs for Optimal are much lower than
for a wired system. This will be reflected in the price we will quote you after
we have carried out a detailed site survey and also agreed with you what features
you want to incorporate in your Optimal system. Optimal installation is quicker,
with little or no disruption to your staff, work place or the normal running of
your business. Also, with less to install, Optimal is more reliable than a wired
system.
Q. How do I know Optimal is as good and reliable as you say – I
only have your word for it?
A. A fair question. Firstly, look at the accreditations we have,
as shown throughout this website. We would not be permitted to display these if
we did not satisfy these respected bodies that we deliver what we promise. Secondly,
take a look at the white papers in the media/download section. Thirdly, before you
purchase a system we are happy to let you speak to existing clients for their verdict
on Optimal and the savings they have achieved in utility consumption, bills and
carbon emissions.