Green Technology

Q. I want my home to be “Green,” how can home integration help?

A. The term home integration or automation refers to the ability to connect and control the various sub-systems of a home through a centrally controlled network. Most consumers may think of their audio video system, lights, HVAC, security system, irrigation and pool controls as stand-alone systems. Although they operate independently, by using custom-designed control systems, the homeowner gains the convenience and cost-saving benefits of controlling the systems from a centrally located in-wall touch panel or portable remote control. It is even possible, with the addition of an Internet connection, to log in to your home to control or check status of the systems from anywhere in the world. Consumers are now demanding the benefits of connectivity - convenience, safety, and lifestyle enhancement.

The National Green Building Council developed LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. This is a set of design practices that give builders and custom integrators guidance in areas such as energy efficiency, water consumption and indoor environmental quality. A well designed home automation system aims to observe the guide by reducing heating, cooling and lighting loads through climate responsive design and conservation practices; employing energy sources such as natural daylight and passive solar heating and optimizing system control using occupancy sensors resulting in lower life cycle costs.

The system can be tailored to the needs of the homeowner. A small integration system may only be required for control of the HVAC system. For example when arming the security system from the central control station, the HVAC system automatically adjusts to an ‘away’ mode, hence reducing the heating or cooling demand for the home when not occupied. More elaborate systems connect further sub systems and sensors to monitor such things as temperature, humidity, heat, water and light. The system programmer can use conditional logic to respond to sensors and control sub systems in an efficient manner with the appearance of one system responding to the other. It may be more efficient and cost effective to kick the ceiling fans into action in a room instead of the HVAC system, or if the windows are open - to turn the HVAC system off. Maybe the automated window shades or drapes could open or close to increase natural light in a room or decrease passive heating. Perhaps the lights could turn on automatically, based on occupancy or ambient light, or even better - switch off when the room is not in use. Events may also be triggered from the control processors clock such as landscape and other exterior lighting. Using the astronomical clock allows on and off times to be varied as sunset and sunrise times change throughout the year.