Home Automation is an evolving field that presents many exciting possibilities, and there is great promise for simplification and greater integration in the future. For now, there are many companies offering different solutions from a few of the services mentioned on this site, to complete integration of whole house systems. These services are perhaps where our One-Stop (turnkey) Solutions provide our customers the greatest benefit.
Here are some examples of how we've provided customers Practical and Aesthetic solutionssm for convenience and energy savings (also see our other sections for security and entertainment automation):
Lighting that is on when and where you want it. This includes when you are away, randomized timing that makes a home or small business appear occupied to an observer who might be watching to see if lights are predictably timed (which mostly advertises that no one is home).
The house is not only cooled or heated to your desired temperature when you arrive home or at your vacation home, but if there's a change in your schedule, you can turn on a light / appliance or change the timing remotely.
Appliances are working when you want them to be, without requiring your attention.
Drapes are opened for you automatically in the morning for you to enjoy daybreak, or closed at night before you retire for the evening.
Convenience Routines: Arrange what are called Scenes or Scenarios or processes for your convenience: For example, instead of that startling alarm or clock radio, have the lights come on gradually in your bedroom, slowly brightening over 10 minutes, while your favorite music gradually gets louder starting from inaudible, to barely audible, rising to a pleasing level, and have your curtains open while your coffee maker starts to grind and brew your coffee so the aroma fills the air as you approach the kitchen. Heat the Master bathroom in advance and have lights turn on gradually as your eyes adjust. As you walk in, the radio or TV turns on to check out the traffic, weather or news updates as you get ready for work. Also, have different Scenarios for Weekdays and Weekends or Vacations when you are around.
Have your Fresh Air (HRV) and Air cleaning system turn on high in the morning to clean and freshen the indoor air in your house, and then turn back to provide a slow flow, turn it off or release it to your HVAC systems control. (Note: There are many studies that warn about indoor air quality as a source of various health concerns).
Save energy by sensing the outside air temperature and humidity and running your HVAC system at the optimal times.
Save Money: Save on electricity bills by sensing outside temperature and turning off roof deicing coils when it is too cold to work or sending a daily 'off' instruction to the roof coil switch to turn off roof coils that have been turned on by mistake by say, cleaning people. You know what this means if you've ever received an electric bill where the roof coils have been on, unknowingly, for a month.
There are many more possibilities to save energy or make your daily routine more convenient, left mostly to your imagination. Give us a call to discuss your ideas.
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