On Controls is a new home automation company with a sort of in-between take on home automation. By that, I mean it’s still a custom-installed system, but with a vastly simplified approach that eliminates much of the hardware usually involved with advanced home control. By replacing the centralized control hubs with network-attached mini controllers that more »

URC announced yesterday the immediate availability of its new TKP-7000 In-Wall Touchscreen for Total Control systems. Positioned as an upgraded alternative to the company’s TKP-2000, the TKP-7000 offers the advanced functionality of URC’s Total Control mobile app, with the always-on convenience of a dedicated in-wall device that the kids can’t snag for a quick game of more »

When you welcome pets into your home, you want to make sure that they are safe and comfortable at all times. Home automation via Smart Home technology can assist you in making sure your pets get the care they deserve, even when you’re away. Here’s a look at some of the ways home automation can more »

The following is a guest post about home automation trends from tech enthusiast Shaun Chatman. Home automation has been around for a few decades now, but growing more accessible, more attainable every year as people learn about—and can afford—new ways to control their homes and favorite devices. From products that enable you to receive text more »

If you’re in the market for a WiFi-enabled thermostat that’s not The Nest or Ecobee, a new offering from  Savant might fit the bill. The SST-W100 controls HVAC systems within residential or commercial systems and works with one- and two-stage control of forced air, radiant, and heat pump systems. The SST-W100 needs only standard wiring more »

Allure Energy introduced a neat new climate management system at CES Unveiled last night: the EverSense 2.0 Home Environment and Energy Management Platform at CES in Las Vegas.  Before we get into some of the nuts and bolts, Kevin Imes, CEO of Allure Energy sums up what Allure is trying to do with EverSense: Allure Energy is more »

Earlier this month, ecobee—makers of the  and it’s newer little brother, the —rolled out the beta launch of Home IQ, a free information tab for ecobee customers that the company describes as “a value-added service that provides customers with personalized insights into their homes’ energy efficiency.” The press release continues: “ecobee’s Home IQ takes thousands more »

If you were just about to pull the trigger on a Nest thermostat, hold off for a few weeks, because it looks like the Apple design philosophy is carrying over in the thermostat world.  Nest has posted details about this year’s model on the company’s blog. The new Nest features a streamlined design, increased compatibility (for low more »

If your interest is piqued by the idea of a gorgeous, intuitive, web-connected thermostat that allows you to make smart energy usage decisions, provides remote access from anywhere in the world, and may potentially save you a coin or twelve on your heating and cooling bills, but you’ve been put off by the Nest, you more »

And now something from the “How Cool Is This?!” Department: Control4 and Sony have teamed up on the world’s first receivers with built-in home automation. Two new ES Receivers featuring integrated Control4 systems are on display at the 2012 CEDIA Expo. There’s no doubt that home automation is the wave of the future. Home owners have more control over their more »