Smart Home Blog

Heating and cooling company Lennox launched its new device – WiFi enabled thermostat icomfort. It allows home owners control cooling or heating in one click directly from device (thanks to color touchscreen) or remotely via web interface or smartphone application.

The icomfort not just control heating, air-conditioning, air purification systems or dehumidifiers but it can notify consumers or installers about repairs or maintenance needs. Also it displays a real-time weather information plus five days forecast for better adjustment of temperature. The Lennox thermostat automatically checks firmware updates and allows skin customization to fit in your style.

[via SlashGear]

Californian start-up Nest Labs launched world’s first learning thermostat Nest. It looks very attractive and uses the same approach for user interaction as iPod (company’s founders – two ex-Apple employees from the iPod team). The thermostat is extremely simple in installation and easy in use. Moreover, it learns your temperature preferences during the fist week and then starts build the temperature schedule automatically based on previous data. Sure you have ability to adjust it manually.

Thanks to built-in WiFi adapter and special apps you may control the Nest from iOS or Android devices as well as from web-based interface. Also it can be integrated to the whole home automation system.

The thermostat Nest will be available in the middle of November at $249.00. Taking into account its price, design, learning feature and DIY segmentation we can say that it’s possible the best approach for your apartments or house to add climate-control and save money.

Check a few demo videos after break.
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British company Chalmor recently launched low cost and elegant thermostatic electronic radiator valve eTRV. It’ll be good option for home owners who would like to control heating system but don’t want to have any complicated control system.

The eTRV is controlled by slim remote control which allows to setup desire temperature mode and get feedback about current one. It costs just £60 and can swap easily existing thermostatic radiator valves. The Chalmor tells using of the eTRV might save on gas or oil central heating costs by typically between 15% and 25%.

If you’re interesting to use the eTRV you may buy it on Chalmor web site as well as get more info about it and its remote control.

[via AutomatedHome]

FAKRO announced a few new Z-Wave products for skylight type windows – an electric FTP-V pivot windows, an ARF blackout roller blinds and an ARZ roller shutters. Z-Wave support allows to control window from remote control or control panel of home automation system. Also built-in moisture sensor can close the window when it detects the rain. Using the ARF blackout roller blinds consumers may control illuminance in the room on summer and prevent loosing of heat on winter. Integration with smarthome system (thanks Z-Wave support) will give a possibility to create various scenarios to make your home more comfortable.

[via AutomatedHome]

Verizon is going to demonstrate its new Home Monitoring and Control system at CES 2011. it’ll allow to control lighting, thermostats, appliance as well as remotely view security cameras and lock/unlock doors through smartphones or FiOS TV boxes. The system will use Z-Wave technology for home automation, sensors and climate control and wireless IP security cameras. The pilot Verizon projects are planned next month in Jersey. Will see it in action at CES.