Are you the proud owner of an Android device or iPhone? If so, you will be able to download a large number of “apps” (applications) that are geared towards saving energy or monitoring energy consumption. Some will help you to manage an automated home, and others are designed to help you monitor things like energy consumption or even the efficiency of solar panels!
One of the most promising is the app known as the Wiser Home Control. It allows anyone with a home using the Wiser management system to wirelessly check in with the system. It allows the device to serve as a sort of remote control that can turn on different systems or appliances, and turn them off too. It can provide the app user with the means of controlling the home security to turning on the air conditioner as well. Because it functions as a networking solution, the more devices and systems tied to the app, the stronger the range of controls!
This article appears in Jul 29 – Aug 4, 2010.