Jan 3, 2012

Energy Management Systems

Residential energy management systems are designed to help homeowners reduce home energy consumption costs. The technology can be used to control home temperature settings, lighting, humidity, heating and air-conditioning based on factors such as the time of day and the number of occupants in a home. Many are integrated into home alarm systems today for greater convenience.

Smart Home Systems and Smart Grid Products

Most energy management systems that are currently available work with home automation technologies, such as intelligent switches, dimmers, thermostats and outlets. Going forward, many energy management technologies will likely be integrated with smart-meters and other emerging smart grid technologies.

Intelligent Thermostats

Examples of energy management systems that are sold as part of a home automation package include energy efficient thermostats, temperature and humidity sensors and intelligent light dimmers. Energy efficient thermostats can be used to control the temperature inside a home based on time of day or on the number of people occupying it. Many such thermostats are fully programmable and can communicate with temperature sensors that are installed at various spots inside a home.

The sensors can detect the presence or absence of people in a room and relay that information to the thermostat, which then adjusts the temperature settings based on the feedback. High-end thermostats have built-in programs for displaying graphs of the energy consumed by HVAC systems at different times of the day. Thus, it is easier for homeowners and businesses to manage their energy usage and save on bills.

Smart Metering Technologies

The growing adoption of smart metering technology by electric utility companies could soon lead to a new generation of far more sophisticated energy management systems. Smart meters are basically utility meters that capture highly detailed information on home energy consumption and relay it back to the utility provider for billing purposes. Smart meters give consumers a way to look at their energy consumption patterns and to identify opportunities for reducing that consumption.

Rule-Based Energy Management

Energy management systems that work with smart meters allow consumers to set rules for home energy use. For example, based on information from a smart meter, a homeowner could set a rule toggling the power flowing to their fridge during peak hours. Or, they could set it so that power-intensive systems, such as a clothes dryer, function only during off-peak hours. Many such power management systems let homeowners use a web-based interface to control all the settings in their home.

Tips to Consider

Here are a few tips to consider if you are planning to purchase an energy management for your home:

Decide if you want a system that works with home automation products or one that works with a utility company’s smart metering technology.
Consider using a technology that can be managed remotely over the Web. Most energy management products these days are IP-enabled, which means that can be programmed over the Internet.
Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Many home energy management products these days have highly sophisticated functions, which allow you to do highly granular energy management. If all you want to do is something that allows you to exert better control of your lighting and heating systems, you probably don’t need a very high-end system.

Residential energy management systems offer homeowners a way to get a grip on energy costs and are certainly worth the investment in the long term. Many home alarm companies can help you install these systems and help you start saving on your electric bill today!

Home Security News

Installing a Home Security System?

Did you know that installing a security system is not only a great way to minimize the risk of a break-in or burglary, but it can also lower your home insurance payments? Insurance companies recognize that homes are indeed more secure when they have a home security system installed by one of the top alarm companies.

TopAlarmCompanies.com offers quotes from only the best, most well known business and home security companies. By working with leading providers like FrontPoint, Vivint, GE, Pinnacle, Smith & Wesson, and, of course, the ADT Security Systems Authorized Dealer Program, we can assure you that we are providing quotes from the highest rated security companies in the business.

Not to mention, these six companies use state-of-the-art technology to keep up with the changing market. Features like wireless alarms and touch screen control panels are what consumers want, and these companies offer them along with expert technicians and a skilled customer support staff.

Protect America has been given a five star rating for four years in a row by TopConsumerReviews.com. With their line of affordable home security packages starting at about $30 and free installation, Protect America is offering home security at a price most Americans can afford.

Vivint is one of the most modern, high-tech home security companies. With services that integrate your security system with energy management and home automation, Vivint makes a compelling, "green" option for people that want a top home security company.

ADT Security Systems - ADT is certainly the largest and most well known security provider. Not only do they work with homes and businesses, but their security services are so sophisticated that government agencies also use them.

Protection 1 trails only ADT in the number of customers it has in the US. And, with 60 branch offices, Protection 1 also has locations in nearly every US state, making them a home and business security company that you can even contact in person if need be.

FrontPoint Security touts that their wireless security systems are "virtually undefeatable." The company also notes that it has no hidden fees, all the while providing modern, high-tech home security features like a security app for your smart phone.

Security Networks boasts an A+ Better Business Bureau rating is just one indication of the great customer service they offer. Making use of services like WeatherNet for alerts on dangerous weather, and IDnet for identity protection, Security Networks truly strives to make all aspects of your life more secure, not just your home.