There is a growing home automation trend for residential comfort systems. With the internet and wi-fi so pervasive, the industry around the Internet of Things (IoT) is booming. While, for some, the idea of home automation seems a little overwhelming, there are many practical areas that can be used today in your home that can not only help you, but also help save money. We have put together a list of some our favorite areas of residential home automation that is both practical and can help you save money.
Heating and Cooling
When it comes to heating and cooling your home, home automation technology can be very helpful. The most common home automation for heating and cooling comes in the form of wi-fi thermostats. In fact, some of these wi-fi thermostats can provide you with significant savings on your heating and cooling bills. There is a wide variety of options when it comes to wi-fi thermostats, but many of them are programmable. In fact, some of them, such as the Nest, learn when you are home and away without programming and can adjust the temperature based on your behaviors. Others, such as the Côr Thermostat, provide reporting on your usage and offer tips to help you better save. Most systems also provide remote control of your heating and cooling system from your smartphone. This allows you to turn on the heater when you are heading home so you can come home to a house that is already adjusted to your comfort when you walk in the front door.
Security
Security systems today are largely automated with sensors on windows, doors, locks and even cameras all pretty common in some home automation security systems. In fact, thanks to internet-connected systems, you can check-in on your home, kids and the babysitter from almost anywhere through your smartphone. You can arm and disarm your security remotely and even respond, if need be, to alarms anywhere with your phone or tablet. There are even some systems that allow you double check if you closed the garage door and even close it if you forgot to do so. Other security systems can also integrate safety sensors such as those that can detect gas leaks, smoke and carbon monoxide.
Lighting
One of the biggest energy drains on your wallet is simply lighting your home. While new CFL technology has created significant savings, home automation with lighting can also help. Some home automation lighting systems can allow you to remotely check what lights are on in your home so you can turn them off if you forgot. Or, if you are on vacation, you can program the lights to turn on in the evening and shut off during the day and even stagger what gets turned on and off to throw off would be thieves. The Phillips Hue systems also lets you customize the lighting color to match your mood.
Plumbing Disaster Prevention
Home automation can also apply to your plumbing. New automation systems can help detect pipe leaks before they become a major disaster that can cost you thousands of dollars to repair. Some of these systems can be designed with a series of water detection sensors around showers, sinks, toilets, water heaters and major plumbing junctions and the flooring. Some systems, if they detect a leak, can be designed to shut off the water which can provide peace of mind when travelling, especially during those cold winter months when burst pipes become more common.
How to Use this Information
Home automation systems can be a little confusing. Our comfort specialists can help you make sense of them when it comes to heating and cooling your home. We can install any number of wi-fi and smart thermostats that fit your comfort needs. Call us at 303-424-1622 or schedule your appointment online.
What are other thing in your home that you have automated?