New software applications allow homeowners to lock doors, adjust the thermostat, lower blinds and even power up the Jacuzzi on the deck using their mobile devices — from anywhere in the world.
“Manufacturers are catching on, and they can make apps for just about anything,” said Jonathan Stovall,of Bethesda Systems, a home automation company. “It’s all plug-and-play. A lot of products you can buy over the counter. They are really easy to use.”
These apps run on Apple or Android operating systems, including those on the Nook, Kindle Fire and other Android tablets.
Bethesda Systems installed a Lutron system for Michael Anderson, which allows him to control 24 light circuits and six motorized blinds in his 5,000-square-foot Rockville home.
“I like that when I’m in bed and my wife asks if I remembered to turn off the lights downstairs, I can just do it from by my iPad,” Anderson said.
If the temperature heats up during the day, Anderson uses the app to lower the Lutron cellular shades in the house, from work.
“I can’t say the dollar amount I’m saving, but I noticed I use my air conditioning less,” said Anderson, who confessing to showcasing the cool factor associated with controlling aspects of his house from his phone. “Sometimes I just show off the app even if it’s not doing anything.”
Energy efficiency, home security and home entertainment are the most requested uses for apps and remote access, Stovall said. Manufacturers make the apps downloadable for free. Wolf and Sub-Zero have apps available to monitor ovens and refrigerators.
“Something as simple as receiving an alert when the refrigerator door is left open can conserve energy,” Stovall added.
The Nest is a thermostat that after one week learns a family’s heating and cooling habits and adjusts automatically. Available at Amazon.com and Lowe’s, the Nest retails for $249 and can be installed by the homeowner. It has an app for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android systems and allows users to view the home’s current temperature and energy usage history and adjust remotely.
Lock manufacturers, such as Black & Decker, Kwikset and Yale, all make door locks that can be controlled by an app. “You can easily, with an app, change passcodes and make them accessible at certain times for the cleaning crew or contractors,” Stovall said.
Lutron has two automated systems that can be managed by apps. HomeWorks QS, a whole-house system, is geared toward high-end homes of 10,000 to 20,000 square feet and up to 10,000 devices. The RadioRA 2 is a wireless system designed for homes of less than 6,000 square feet, controlling up to 200 devices.
