Do-it-yourself retailer Lowe's later this year will sell three home automation kits designed to plug thermostats and home security gear into a home network. The company today announced a deal with U.K.-based AlertMe which will provide the equipment and a cloud-based service, called Iris, for home energy management, automation, and monitoring. The products will be available mid year and be priced for the "mass market," said Kevin Meagher, the vice president and general manager for smart home at Lowe's. All three kits will be self-installable and can be accessed from Internet-connected devices, such as PCs, smart phones, and tablets. With them, consumers will be able to remotely monitor and control devices in the home, including heating and cooling, home alarm systems, security cameras, or appliances. Lowe's expects the combination of energy savings through a programmable thermostat and convenience through remote control will attract consumers, Meagher said. A person could, for example, turn on the air conditioner on the way home from work.

The system could also automatically change a thermostat setting to "away" when a person arms home security remotely, he said.bryant air handling unit The technology to link multiple devices in a home into a network is becoming more accessible, which is leading to many new products. harga ac portable hemat listrikLowe's decided to work with AlertMe because it provides a system for integrating multiple devices controllable from a single application. wall ac unit freonOver time, all manner of items that Lowe's sells, including humidifiers and light fixtures, will be Internet enabled so Lowe's needs to be prepared, Meagher said. "We think there's a real danger the whole market could stall if we just let all our manufacturing partners stick things on the shelves without considering the broader interests," he said.

"Consumers stand to get confused by the technology and lose the real benefits." The base AlertMe system will include a wireless thermostat, smart plugs, and a small network hub. The full kit will also have security related gear, including a wireless front door lock and motion detection system. They will work over Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave wireless protocols. In the U.K., AlertMe charges a monthly fee for its service. Meagher said it'd be likely that there will be online component that consumers don't pay for. The Web site will be a Lowe's branded site. Lowe's entry into smart home and energy management follows Best Buy which last fall launched home energy zones in three pilot stores to demonstrate to consumers a suite of products it's offering, which includes GE's Nucleus system and Nest Labs' Learning Thermostat. Advantage 22,000 BTU 2 Ton Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump - 230V/60Hz DIY 36,000 BTU 3 Ton Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump - 230V/60Hz

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Both tank-type and tankless may be good options for your client’s home Standard LP gas-tank-type water heaters can heat anywhere between 40 and 100 gallons of water, depending on the size of a home and its water needs. But advances in technology, coupled by the national push toward using greener and cleaner fuels, have also sparked consumer interest in tankless propane heaters. “These units use 50 percent less energy, but also cost significantly more,” says Steve Clark, chief scientist for GREENandSAVE, a Philadelphia-based green consulting firm. Phil Squair, senior vice president with the National Propane Gas Association, adds that while they may be expensive, an Energy Star-qualified propane tankless heater with an Energy Factor (EF) of 82 percent can save a homeowner up to 60 percent on energy bills compared with a standard electric model. “Propane appliances are truly an excellent choice from the standpoint of personal economics and environmental impact,” he says.

Tank Water Heaters Vs. Tankless Water Heaters The common propane tank water heater has existed for decades, but thanks to technological advances, now operates more efficiently than before. The system uses a large internal container that holds and heats water prior to use. Although tanks cost less than tankless heaters, Clark says the operational costs far exceed those of tankless models. For example, the thermostat of a 50-gallon water tank could be set to 120 degrees, even when hot water is not needed for several consecutive days. As a result, the tank heats unused water and creates standby heat loss. “It is kind of like keeping a pot boiling all day to make spaghetti at dinnertime,” Clark says. “Who would do that?” Tankless Hot Water Heaters For maximum fuel efficiency, your clients may want to consider a tankless “on-demand” water-heating system. The system works similar to an air conditioner: Water enters the unit and travels through its coils, which are heated by a propane burner.

In this case, the water is only heated when it travels to the tap for use. As a result, tankless propane water heaters can produce up to 60 percent fewer carbon emissions compared to standard electric water heaters, Squair says. For all of the system’s heating efficiencies, tankless heaters can cost up to twice as much as standard systems. Depending on use, the unit can pay for itself in a matter of months. Plus, it takes up less space than even a small, 20-gallon tank-type model. It’s important to consider a homeowner’s lifestyle when making a decision between a tank and tankless system, Clark says. “A tankless unit may not be cost effective for two retirees but could be for a family of six with four teenagers, a gym or a public pool,” he says, noting that the more hot water your clients need, the more money they will save with a tankless heater. Be sure to join the Lowe’s ProServices LinkedIn Group to read additional content and interact with other Construction/Trade and MRO professionals.