New Technologies
The geothermal heat pump is a highly efficient renewable energy technology that is gaining wide acceptance for both residential and commercial buildings. Geothermal heat pumps are used for space heating and cooling, as well as water heating. The benefit of ground source heat pumps is they concentrate naturally existing heat, rather than by producing heat through the combustion of fossil fuels.
Tankless water heaters or instant-on water heaters are gaining in popularity. These high-power water heaters instantly heat water as it flows through the device, and do not retain any water internally except for what is in the heat exchanger coil. No more waiting for hot water!
Natural gas is ready now to play a greater role in helping reduce air pollution in communities across the country. Natural gas represents the only clean energy option of adequate scale today to start now to make meaningful improvements over the next 10 years in our air quality. So breathe easy, America. With natural gas, our clean energy future may be closer than we think.
Going solar can be a very smart financial choice, depending on your home and how much you're currently paying for power. If your average monthly electric bill is $100, then you're paying too much. Adding solar panels can help you cut your electric bill by locking in low solar electric rates.
Home automation is the residential extension of building automation. It is automation of the home, housework or household activity. Home automation may include centralized control of lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), appliances, security locks of gates and doors and other systems, to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security. Home automation for the elderly and disabled can provide increased quality of life for persons who might otherwise require caregivers or institutional care.
The popularity of home automation has been increasing greatly in recent years due to much higher affordability and simplicity though smartphone and tablet connectivity. The concept of the "Internet of Things" has tied in closely with the popularization of home automation.
A home automation system integrates electrical devices in a house with each other. The techniques employed in home automation include those in building automation as well as the control of domestic activities, such as home entertainment systems, houseplant and yard watering, pet feeding, changing the ambiance "scenes" for different events (such as dinners or parties), and the use of domestic robots. Devices may be connected through a computer network to allow control by a personal computer, and may allow remote access from the internet. Through the integration of information technologies with the home environment, systems and appliances are able to communicate in an integrated manner which results in convenience, energy efficiency, and safety benefits.
Keep an eye on your home 24 hours a day 365 days a year. You will be able to access your home cameras wherever you are, on your computer, cell phone, or tablet.