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iNNOVATION UPDATE
Smart Security Can
Also Boost Efficiency
Let your clients know that new IOT-enabled security systems can double as energy watchdogs.
BY GREEN BUILDER STAFF CREDIT: BOSCH
T HESE DAYS, SECURITY systems can do more than CREDIT: BOSCH Integration. Bosch’s G100 Z-Wave Home Control Gateway can
just signal when an intruder enters a building. Today’s connect home and security systems.
security systems can be integrated into other home
systems to provide energy savings. that alerts a home or business owner when a door has been opened for
“When thinking about using an alarm system, we a prolonged period of time. As a security feature, it alerts homeowners
often think about the system only being used for burglar alarm if there’s a security vulnerability. As an energy saver, it prevents
capabilities,” says Tom Mechler, applications design manager for unnecessary heating or cooling loss and high energy bills.
Bosch. “However, while these systems are monitoring doors or
windows, why not use their capabilities for other things?” Bosch B and G Series security systems also integrate with the
company’s surveillance cameras, which can email a video snapshot
By integrating with a smart home system, homeowners also can use to the user when security events occur. That way, an intruder can be
the security system’s ability to monitor open doors and movement identified. In addition, Bosch’s video analytics capabilities can alert
to optimize other home systems, such as HVAC and lighting. For a business or homeowner when someone leaves a room or enters
example, because the security system monitors movement in the an area in which they may not be permitted, or whether too many
home, a homeowner can program their smart home system to turn people are in a building.
a light off 15 minutes after a person leaves a room. Or, if the home
includes zone heating or cooling, the temperature can be adjusted Bosch security systems also can monitor whether window glass
based on whether a person is in a room or not. is broken, detect seismic activity and alert those inside the building
to high carbon monoxide levels.
“Smart home systems are really expanding, especially as cost
begins to decrease and ease increases,” Mechler says. “There’s no To take these security and energy saving features a step further,
reason the alarm system can’t signal the smart home system through Bosch offers a Z-Wave Home Control Gateway that integrates with its
normal integration.” B and G Series security systems. Users can connect to Z-Wave devices
from their wireless devices to control and automate lighting, heating
In addition, a security system can be used to inform homeowners and cooling. They can lock doors, turn on the security system, turn
about doors and windows that are left open—and for how long. Bosch off lights, adjust the thermostat, and turn sprinklers on or off from
took this idea a step further and provides security system technology their mobile device—whether they are inside the home or running
errands around town. If a door is unknowingly left unlocked, the
Remote connectivity. Homeowners can connect their mobile device to control panel will send the owner an email or text message alerting
the Z-Wave Home Control Gateway to monitor their home remotely. them to the situation.
Security systems like those offered by Bosch can help homeowners
ensure their safety and save on energy costs inside the home. They
can help homeowners develop more energy-efficient practices and
avoid wasting energy—and spending too much on energy bills. GB
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