How to Design Smart Houses
Computers are everywhere these days--in our offices, cars and pockets; they even control our homes. Simple computers, such as thermostats and coffee timers, have been around for quite a while, but computers now can control everything from lighting to security systems to shading devices, and can be interfaced remotely via the Internet or a smartphone. Houses that use computers in this way are called smart houses. The smart house not only automates many functions in the home, but also monitors and minimizes energy use. Both new and existing homes can become smart houses; a checklist of systems to include and the organization of service inputs and outputs is all you need before purchasing a smart home control device.
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Instructions
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Create an inventory of all of the systems in the house that you would like to control, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); lighting; electrical fixtures and equipment (security systems, entertainment systems, etc.); and door and window openers and shading devices.
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Break the systems into zones or areas around the house. Lay out the zones by room use, solar exposure and floor level. For example, the south side of a house gets more sunlight, so the HVAC system will have to work harder on the south side in the summer. Also, most spaces only need to be lit when occupied. List these separate systems and zones on a sheet of paper. A diagram may help organize the lists.
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Break the zones and systems into uses by time of day. For example, a house is cooler at night, so you need to adjust heat and air conditioning. Other examples of systems defined by time include coffee makers for morning use, garage door openers, and shades moving throughout the day to screen the windows from the sun.
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Organize the systems by zones and times. Sketch the layout of the house, and take these and the lists and system diagrams to a smart house consultant. It is possible for the homeowner to install the smart house computer system, but consultants have expertise in programming, zoning, phasing and applying system settings, as well as contacts with contractors familiar with smart house technologies.
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Tips & Warnings
Although fixtures and equipment can be controlled by supplying electricity to electrical outlets, it is more efficient to use fixtures and equipment that are designed to take advantage of smart house computer systems. When shopping for equipment, look through the specifications to see if the mechanisms accommodate smart house technology.
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