Page 17 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine
P. 17

1. Smart Appliances. The washer and dryer can coordinate the timing of loads, and the
     refrigerator can turn the compressor off during periods of peak energy demand.

2. Leak Detection. Sensors located under sinks and other areas that are vulnerable to leaky
     pipes can detect the presence of water or increased humidity and alert you via text or
     email.

3. Controlled Lighting. Dimmable LED lights adjust to ambient light levels, and they can
     sense whether a room is occupied.

4. Scene Setting. Software platforms allow coordination among wireless devices. You can
     create scenes that trigger a series of actions; for example, when the front door opens, an
     entry light switches on and music begins to play.

                     5. Optimal Charging. A connected EV charger can suspend charging
                          when electricity demand is high. EV batteries can serve as backup power
                          when the grid is down.

                     6. Climate Control. A smart thermostat learns your behavior and adjusts
                          indoor temperatures accordingly.

                     7. Home Security. You can monitor your wireless residential security
                          system from afar, and your system can send you captured video images.

                                                                8. Sun Tracking. A connected solar PV
                                                                     array allows you to monitor your system
                                                                     and find out how much energy is being
                                                                     used or generated in real time.

                                                                9. Safety Signals. Smart smoke and
                                                                     carbon dioxide detectors don’t just
                                                                     sound alarms; they will also direct you
                                                                     to safety.

                                                                10. Smart Shading. Blinds automatically
                                                                     raise and lower to take advantage of
                                                                     natural lighting and keep the house
                                                                     warm at night.

                                                                11. Energy Strategy. Home energy
                                                                     management systems give you
                                                                     feedback and tips about your energy
                                                                     usage, so you can adjust behavior
                                                                     accordingly.

                                                                12. Wise Watering. A wireless irrigation
                                                                     controller can adjust the watering
                                                                     schedule based on soil moisture and
                                                                     the weather forecast, and can be
                                                                     controlled by a tablet or smartphone.

                                                                13. Flexible Tools. Power tools batteries
                                                                     can charge wirelessly, even while
                                                                     they’re being used.

                                                                14. Keyless Entry. Smart locks allow you
                                                                     to lock and unlock the door with either
                                                                     a code or voice command, and you
                                                                     can even monitor and control the lock
                                                                     remotely with a smartphone.

                                                                             Apple HomeKit

                                                                                                   HomeKit home automation
                                                                                                   software allows you to control
                                                                                                   all of your home products via
                                                                                                   interconnecting apps. You can
                                                                                                   also set scenes, which direct
                                                                                                   coordinated actions among
                                                                                                   lighting, thermostats, shades,
                                                                                                   locks, switches and plugs.
                                                                                                   www.apple.com/ios/homekit
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