By finding ways to use less energy every day, we can help the environment and save costs at the same time. A smart home in Connecticut pitches in during the winter months by taking advantage of the sun's power automatically. Natural sunlight is a great heat source and it can be harnessed easily by opening the shades on the east side of our home in the morning, closing them late morning and opening them on the west side in the afternoon and evening. This energy, combined with lowering the thermostat during the day, can substantially reduce heating bills. All you have to do is arm your alarm on a weekday and your smart home will take care of the rest. Set your alarm for vacation mode and save even more on energy while away.
Many things go through our minds when we leave our homes for an extended period of time. Put your smart home into vacation mode and walk away knowing that your house will be keeping an eye on itself. As you leave, the thermostat brings the house down to a safe temperature. The house water shuts itself off -- no wasting water while you are not home and no burst pipes. Your entertainment system is put into a hibernate mode, awaiting your return. All lights and controlled outlets are shut down. When night comes, your smart home will be sure to look lived-in, not just by turning on specific lights at specific times, but rather by turning lights on at times based on your normal habits. (Learn more about Green Home Design) When you are ready to return, you can simply call your smart home and let it know when to expect you. Days before your return, your home will begin the gradual warming process so that when you arrive, your home will be ready to greet you with lights, music or whatever you wish. True security is the kind you don't have to think about.
Isn't it nice when everything just works? Most irrigation systems available today will take into account the moisture of the ground to decide whether or not to water your lawn at the preset time. But if this were part of a smart home, the system would be aware if the skies were cloudy and the forecast called for rain soon. In this case, it would delay the watering an hour or two, expecting nature to do the job for free.
A smart home can even overcome our own forgetfulness. One summer day, you're hosting some prospective clients at a backyard party. All the food and guests are settled when 6:00 rolls around, the sprinkler system checks the dry ground and decides to turn on the water. You probably won't be closing any big deals today. If only the irrigation system had been working as part of a team, the smart home would have known that the yard was occupied (it's controlling the music on the back patio, after all), and automatically rescheduled the watering for the next morning. Smart decisions assist the everyday lives of smart home owners. Learn more about home automation in Connecticut.
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