The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a home is the single most costly system to operate, accounting for approximately 70 percent of the home's total utility bill. It is also the system most responsible for your comfort. Automated control of your HVAC system increases efficiency while also cutting energy use. This translates to big money savings on utility bills.

By utilizing smart thermostats that are connected to a home automation system, the HVAC system can be controlled in many different ways. Here are the most common examples:

Remote Access - Now temperature levels can be monitored and changed from the office or in even in another country. Utilizing a phone line or the internet, homeowners can see what the temperature is on the inside and outside of the home and make changes to reduce energy consumption. This feature is invaluable if you travel often or have a vacation home.

Timed and Programmed Events - Your home automation system can be programmed to turn the temperature up or down during certain times of the day. This can help you to avoid expensive peak hours, therefore reducing your energy bill. Also, your HVAC system can respond to certain programmed events. For example, as you set your security system to leave, the temperature slowly drops to a more efficient level while you are away. Or if there is a fire alarm the HVAC system is immediately shut down to help prevent circulation of smoke.

Enhanced Control & Monitoring - While you are at home, your automated thermostat can be controlled from an in-wall touch screen or handheld remote, a motion sensor (when you walk into a room the temperature rises or falls) or from a personal computer that monitors energy usage and controls the temperature. When using touchscreens, your thermostats can be tucked away in closets, reducing wall clutter. Hidden temperature sensors are placed throughout the home to detect the indoor temperature.

To achieve automated HVAC, Digital Lifestyles replaces standard thermostats with "smart" thermostats which, in turn, are connected to a powerful home automation system. Then we program the automation system to control your HVAC system according to your needs and lifestyle.

All of our smart thermostats are Energy Star compliant and will operate the HVAC system even in the unlikely event that the home automation system goes down.