Items Tagged With hvac

Open source, java home automation software, jHomeNet collects data from Dallas 1-Wire sensors and controls X10 modules. The team has just released version 0.2 of their application suite.

"Version 0.2 of the jHomeNet suite of tools was released on February 11, 2007. The suite includes the 0.2 release of the jHomeNet commons library, the 0.1 release of the jHomeNet UI library, and the 0.2 release of the jHomeNet server. This is still considered an early release and is intended to provide users a preview of features currently in development. Please download the suite and give it a try..

SmartHome Text is a new product that solves a problem we are often asked about here at Automated Home - how can I turn on the heating at my holiday home before I arrive. Using its built in GSM modem, this £700 device allows you to control your heating system by phone complete with text message reply of status...

"At last a way of remotely controlling the home without having to install a completely new heating system. Your property can keep you up to date on the status of the heating and alarm status by an SMS text message...

Submission by Andrew Hempsall and Colin Price

Located in a quiet Derbyshire village, this cottage had been uninhabited for more than 20 years and was virtually derelict when the current owners decided to buy it. The oldest part of the cottage was originally built in 1799 as a single dwelling, and the original parchment title deeds show that the house, garden and orchard were bought for the princely sum of £60.

Before renovation work began, the ground floor consisted of four very dark rooms. Now the house includes two bright reception rooms, a conservatory and three bedrooms. The house boasts a new oak staircase, along with oak internal doors and floorboards, giving a feel of the traditional, but that belies the secret - all the lighting, heating, air conditioning, audio and security are controlled by an EIB/ KNX system that is anything but old cottage. The system's finish has been carefully selected to bring modern life choices to perfect 'olde worlde' surroundings...

In our experience smart homes use lots of electricity. Perhaps this is a model to at least reduce electricity costs and their associated impacts on the environment...

"According to Professional Builder, the first zero energy home costing less than $200,000 has been built in Oklahoma. This house produces as much energy as it consumes in a year and combines "renewable energy technologies with advanced energy-efficient construction." This environmentally friendly house is just a prototype and not available for sale. But as it has created lots of interest, I would not be surprised if its builder decided to add it to its catalog. Read more...

Idratek is still a little known brand in the Smart Home industry, but it has an impressive array of hardware modules and software features. The aesthetics and form of the modules have always been controversial, but there's no doubting the Idratek networks functionality. UK home automator, David Gumbrell, is blogging his Idratek installation and it's a great insight into what the system is capable of. With lots of photos and screen grabs it's a great home automation diary...