January 2014 Newsletter - "Home Automation Options"

Today's Home Automation Brings New Meaning to “Remote” Control

If you're annoyed with having separate remotes for your TV, DVD player, cable box and sound system, you might think that having a "smart" home would be too complicated. But you would be wrong. Twenty-first century home automation innovations make it possible to connect multiple systems and appliances and to control them all from wherever you are with your phone, iPad or computer. Whether you're home on the couch, at your office or kids' soccer game, or even away on vacation, you can tell your home what to do.

The prevalence of wireless Internet networks in homes and the increasing affordability of home technology mean more and more companies can offer easier-than-ever ways to smarten up your home.

Select a System...

One name that's getting a lot of buzz is Nest, which was recently acquired by Google. The addition of Google's resources to Nest's technology has created excitement about what's sure to be the next generation of internet-enabled home gadgets. Two systems are currently available: Nest Thermostat and Nest Protect. Every time you adjust the temperature on a Nest Learning Thermostat, you're teaching it your preferences and schedule. Before you know it, it's programmed itself to maintain your comfort. An Auto-Away™ mode for energy efficiency kicks in when it detects no one is home. The Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm units have simple green/yellow/red status lights and send low-battery alerts to your phone (so there's no low-battery chirping in the middle of the night). Plus, if you burn your toast, you'll get a simple "Heads-Up" alert instead of an ear-piercing alarm blast.

Kwikset offers KEVO smart locks that secure your home not only with traditional metal keys, but also with auto-style fobs or Smartphone controls. Encrypted controls let you buzz-in your in-laws when they show up early or keep track of when your teenagers come in and go out.

LG's newest line of smart appliances has HomeChat, a service that lets you text with your connected appliances...and get replies. Before you arrive home from a hard day's work you can turn on the oven, start a robotic vacuum and tell the washer to start a load of laundry.

...Or Get Totally Connected

Lutron has become a well known brand of switches, timers and occupancy sensors for light and fan fixtures. With the progression of wireless technology, custom lighting solutions have become more prevalent in the industry. Now with the ability of "smart" systems to be web connected, your home can be managed whether you are there or not. The Radio RA2 system from Lutron is one such system. The lighting, central air, security and window shade systems can all be centralized and programmed to your schedule. The system can be controlled at a main panel or through a phone, tablet or off-site via the web.

The first benefit of the wireless switch technology is complete flexibility. You can control the lighting of each room according to your activity and available natural light. You can even pre-program lighting scenarios for activities like viewing movies or entertaining. This can help to save energy and optimize your comfort level. The second advantage is the ability to integrate all your systems together. The system can detect energy being wasted by appliances (computers, monitors, etc), occupancy for a room or when peak power loads can be an issue…and will then offer "green" mode (dimming lights, opening shades, adjusting thermostat) to reduce your energy usage. Security and heating/cooling systems can also be managed while you are away or help you monitor house guest activity. Click here for a detailed customer brochure on the Lutron RadioRA2 product line.

Photos courtesy Nest Labs Inc. and Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.

Maintenance Tip: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The potential for carbon monoxide poisoning increases dramatically in the winter. In addition to having carbon monoxide detectors with an audible alarm in your home and garage, follow these tips to help keep your family safe:

• Make sure your fuel-burning appliances (gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves) are installed properly.
• Never use an oven, gas range or charcoal grill to heat your home if the power goes out.
• Never leave your car idling in a closed garage to "warm up" in cold weather. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and enter the living area of your home.

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Chris Donatelli CR, CKBR, CGBP