Tag Archive: Energy Blog Posts

Google Powermeter

August 10, 2010

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I love my Google account.  No matter where I am, I have access to my mail, calendar, documents, pictures and news.  The free tools (Analytics, Webmaster, Places, Maps…) have been invaluable in my job as DC Home Systems webmaster.  So, when I read a recent blog about ‘Google PowerMeter’ my curiosity was piqued. 

Google offers a free web based energy monitoring tool.

energy monitoring app

The site displays your energy consumption and related costs and allows you to view the data in a day, week or monthly view.  The program will calculate a projection of future consumption based on current trends.  Armed with this information you can input your desired consumption and track your progress to your budget goals.  And, as with all Google tools, you can communicate with others members of the PowerMeter community and utilize Google’s online help center.

Google PowerMeter interfaces with the meter data management systems of participating ‘Smart Grid’ utility companies (none in the North East unfortunately) as well as standalone energy tracking devices manufactured for in home use.  Current Cost, a UK based company, has a number of devices which display energy data on a portable, docked device that looks similar to the iPod classic.  TED (The Energy Detective) manufactures a similar line of displays (www.theenergydetective.com). One of the TED models allows you to monitor from both your electrical panel and your solar or wind inverter.  These devices are small, easy to install and quite inexpensive, most under $300. With one of these devices combined with Google PowerMeter, you are one more step down the path of reduced energy consumption.

And though I love my Google, those of you with or contemplating Crestron home systems should be aware that Crestron Green Light offers a more sophisticated monitoring, display and control option which monitors the dollars, energy(WH), power(W) and Carbon(lbs) associated with your electricity, gas, water and solar consumption. With this system, your motorized shades, lighting control and thermostat will automatically adjust based on the thresholds programmed for your budget. Now that’s a giant step in the green direction.

Updated Lighting

May 11, 2010

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Adjusting the lights in your home through programmed controls is becoming more and more desirable, not only for the convenience but also for reducing energy consumption and costs.   This technology is more widely available than ever before.  Thanks to recent product innovations, retrofitting your current lighting to controllable lighting is as easy as replacing a light switch.   You can choose to replace one switch  or have as many as 200 switches programmed on to the system.  Start with just a single room or area and expand the system to the most logical spaces. The right dimmers, switches and keypads talk wirelessly to a central control point, enabling control of all of the lighting in your home with simple, intuitive keypads, both in-wall and table-top. And as an added benefit, the controls are elegant and available in many colors and styles.    

lighting keypad switchLight control Keypads

As switches are added, groups of lights are programmed to come on to preset levels based on the ambiance you want for the occasion. Now, as you enter the den, you press a button on a keypad near the entry and your over head lights come on to a dimmed setting,  your desk lamp turns on and the art light illuminates your favorite painting. Lights can be programmed to turn on, off or dim according to the time of day or occupancy patterns, saving energy and bulb life.  Further, with a built in astronomical clock, your system can be programmed to turn lights on automatically at  sunrise, whatever the time of year.  You can even turn off all the lights in the house from a keypad beside your bed with the push of a single button.     

Your system can include progammed sensors which automatically turn the lights on when movement is  detected in a room.  Conversely, when you leave the room and the sensor doesn’t detect movement for a few minutes, the lights will turn off to save energy.    

Car visor controls provide an additional level of safety and security. When you leave your home, you simply press one button to turn off all the lights, except the lights that provide security in your absence.  Similarly, when you return, a button on the visor control illuminates a safe path to your entrance and task lighting inside the home.    

Sophisticated systems aim to optimize not only electric light but also natural day light. Motorized shades  are an important part of light and energy management.  The shades/drapes can be programmed to rise with sun. The shades lower with the mid day sun, to protect upholstery, flooring and minimize energy spent on cooling.   You adjust the shades to any level you choose using simple keypad buttons.  The shades are whisper quiet in operation, offer a variety of privacy levels  and come in a beautiful array of fabrics.    

Visit these sites to learn more about these well engineered solutions for total optimization of  both electric and natural light.   

http://www.lutron.com/   

http://www.crestron.com/

Motorized Shades

March 29, 2010

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Motorized Window ShadesAutomated and motorized window treatments will enhance your control of energy costs both in winter and summer. In winter, shades that automatically lower at dark will block heat from leaving your home. Conversely, in the summertime, shades that automatically lower during peak sunshine will prevent heat from coming in your home and straining your air conditioner. Fabrics come in an excellent variety of styles and colors. You need a  certified professional to properly design, measure and install the ideal treatment for your home. Additionally, if you have a lutron or litetouch lighting control system, you can most likely be able to adjust your programming to minimize lighting consumption-little changes can make a big difference.

Electronics for Elderly Care

March 29, 2010

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I am excited to report that today I have seen an application of our home automation technology being put to use in caring for our elderly. I have have been noodling the concept for a few years and was pleased to find a company that has developed an engineered and scalable solution.

The core concept is to install sensors that can monitor the key activities of a loved one like: movement in the home, opening and closing of doors and medicine cabinets, flushing of toilets, use of a vehicle, etc.. These sensors are tied to a processor that will present real time information via the web, email or smart phone. Triggers can be set up so that certain events, or lack of events, can send an emergency email or phone call.

Another option with these systems is to add a video camera for remote monitoring and a “message” board that would permit you to type or even draw messages to a screen. You can even post photo’s, videos or music for them as well.

Finally, lights and heat control can be automated with occupancy sensors so that the person does not need to fumble in the dark or try and read a thermostat with small print.

I am particulalry excited about this application of technology as it takes the core elements of systems that we have installing for years and makes them available in a focussed way for our elderly and those in need.

Apps For Home Control Systems

March 10, 2010

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Crestron iPhone AppsNew technologies allow you to use your iPhone as a house wide remote control. Simply tap the screen to select movies, music and TV in any room or adjust volume, light levels and room temperature with just a touch. Using the home Wi-Fi network locally or the powerful 3G and EDGE networks remotely, total control is always at your fingertips.  What apps would you like to have for your home audio, video, lighting control or other home systems?