In an article that we were recently reading, which centered around the “smart home” movement, there was mention of the fact that HVAC contractors are among the specialists best equipped to help homeowners transition into the “smart age”.

For those who are not aware, a smart home is defined as a personal residence outfitted with appliances, electric, heating, cooling, electronics, and security systems that can communicate with each other, and can be operated remotely (often via smart phone or tablet).  As one might imagine, the HVAC systems are often the biggest components of these smart designs because, after all, the benefits of the smart home are supposed to include energy efficiency and cost savings, much of which will come from improved HVAC controls.  In fact, integrated diagnostics now make it possible for alerts to be sent directly to the homeowner, indicated possible issues within the system that could be reducing efficiency or that could lead to more serious complications later.

There are many products available today that are capable of being connected to smart software. The commercial and industrial HVAC markets have been doing this for years. The residential market has been slow to embrace the technology because the systems and sensors were not cost effective for homeowners.  However, costs are falling now and an increase ease of installation means that many contractors are able to make the systems work for the residential customer.   There is also the matter of control centers.  Now with Bluetooth technology and smart phones, some of these control features that the commercial and industrial sectors have enjoyed, are attainable for the residential customer. With suppliers like SRP control systems supplying easily adaptable temperature and pressure sensor. Residential HVAC installers can provide a level of control over home heating and cooling that has not been seen before.