There is no single blueprint for having a smart, automated home that’s also
environmentally friendly. But the good news is the two usually
complement each
another, especially when it comes to energy efficiency
and temperature
regulation.
Home automation is rapidly gaining
in popularity. But before you
can raise your home’s IQ, you need to
install special structured wiring and a
network that provides the basis
for digital communication between computers,
cameras and a host of
devices used to control the home’s internal
systems.
While a
smart home’s gadgets are mostly in the interior, a home’s
exterior
features, for the most part, are responsible for reducing its carbon
footprint, a task that has become easier due to the growing awareness
of the
impact of global warming. Everyone knows about compact
fluorescent light bulbs
and low-flow showerheads, but here are some
additional steps you can take to
make your home smarter and greener.
These measures are good not only for the
environment, but ultimately,
also for your wallet.
Smart Home
Vehicle Sensor: Detects vehicles
entering the driveway and automatically
activates security system,
lights and exterior intercom.
Home Lighting:
Automatically turns on and off via interior and exterior sensors; sets
mood
lighting inside and out; works with security cameras and alarm
system.
Weather Detection: Senses climate
changes and initiates adjustments
to interior temperature and
humidity.
Irrigation: Works in conjunction with
weather
detection system to regulate watering of lawn and shrubs, which use 50
percent or more of urban water
resources.
Security: Motion-detection sensor
picks up presence and activates security cameras, lighting and intercom
through
wireless telephone handsets.
Whole House Audio/Video: The cornerstone of any smart home.
Enjoy
high-definition video and high-quality surround sound in every
room of your
house.
Interior Comfort Control:
Be comfortable and energy efficient with
smart controls monitoring and
purifying your living
environment.
Communications: Enabled telephones can control intercom and
camera systems, as well as open doors and locks. They can also convert
voice
messages to e-mail and forward them to your hand-held or
computer.
Wireless
Network: Distributes
Internet throughout the home; centralizes home remote
control and forms
backbone for security system.
