[Home Automation] The House is Alive!!

[Westin Conahan]

Hey all,

This weekend Andrew and I met and were able to discuss the desired experience for the home entertainment system and how the home automation system could help with this.  A spin off discussion of what exactly the home automation system could do ensued.  I wanted to list some of the ideas we had as well as invite everyone interested to throw ideas in.  We are not sure how much it would all cost and what is truly feasible, or not, but for the sake of brainstorming ideas, please feel free to jump in.  Here are some ideas that we had:

- Water faucet sensors that would record water usage out of each fixture.  The data could be used to create graphs of how much water is being used in the kitchen sink, shower, dishwasher, etc.

- Electronic door looks, allowing the user to unlock the door remotely to let someone in, or lock the door if they perhaps forgot.  The same idea applies to actively operated windows.

- Occupancy sensors that would detect occupants to modify/change thermal systems in the house.  They could also double as security, sending push notifications to mobile devices if it appears that someone is home when you are not.

- Creating a push notification system that would tell the user when they are approaching or have gone over their budgeted water/electricity usage for the month

- Real time feedback on home much energy/water/power is being used/produced

This are the ones I can remember.  Andrew and others, please feel free to add what I may have forgotten as well as contribute other ideas.

Thanks.