20 percent while Honeywell warrants an average of $66 in yearly savings.
It does not stop with thermostats. Philips came out with its own programmable lighting system, Philips Hue, in 2012. As with most connected products, Hue is controlled via an app and can project a myriad of colors to best fit the mood through its LED lighting. It can even detect colors in photos and mimic lighting that best fits the color scheme in a given photo. In addition to its customizable features, Philips LED bulbs have a lifespan of 15,000 hours and use up to 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. This longevity is a stark contrast to the 1,200-hour lifespan of incandescent bulbs.
Forgot to lock the door? There is an app for that too. Door locks, such as Kwikset’s Kevo and Lockitron’s Bolt, allow homeowners to lock and unlock the house from miles away by a flip of a switch on a supported app. Owners can also give third party access inside their homes remotely. This control provides much peace of mind as home- owners no longer have to worry about taking time out of their day re-checking their lock or exchanging keys as it is all monitored on an app.
Thermostats, lights, and locks are just the beginning for the smart home appliances. Homeowners can control everything from sound systems to security cameras to irrigation systems miles away from home.
Smart Home Technology Polarizes Homeowners
To gain a better understanding of shopper and homeowner opinions on connect- ed home appliances, the BDX research team conducted online discussions with consumers around the country via its New Home Shopper Insights research panel. It quickly became clear that opinions are divided.
Home Shopper Insights panelist, Chris from North Carolina, explains why he supports smart homes. “Yes, I would consider investing in products that enable home
GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE | HOUSTON BUILDER | AUGUST 2015 17
automation. I am interested in anything that makes our lives more efficient and integrated. I’d like a system that can be controlled using our smartphones, laptops, etc. I would consider automating all of our appliances: the garage door opener, our thermostat, and the inside (and) outside lights.”
Other panelists, like Voltz from Nevada, express weariness of the connected home. “Thanks, but no thanks, to home automation systems. Houses are already complicated enough without adding more technology susceptible to break- down, computer hacking, (and) invasion of privacy...”
The divided sentiments are a reflection of how most homeowners feel about home automation. Connected appliances offer convenience and the peace of mind of be- ing able to control and program a home in a seemingly effortless way, enticing owners to invest in this connected technology.
Building on the momentum of the Internet of Things, builders need to be aware of current market trends of connected home products as they continues to penetrate homes at a drastic rate. Awareness of home tech companies that promise data security is essential in providing quality products to homeowners everywhere.
Builders interested in conducting re- search through the New Home Shopper Insights panel can get more informa- tion by contacting Mandy Harper at
MHarper@thebdx.com.
Article provided courtesy of Builders Digital Experience (BDX), a leading pro- vider of digital marketing solutions for builders. In addition to the top new home listing sites --
NewHomeSource.com and
MoveNewHomes.com, BDX offers website development, interactive floor plans, photo realistic renderings, video production, and photography among other products. For more information visit
www.theBDX.com.
HOME OF TEXAS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52