Home automation is hot again and here are the top three trends we’re following now:
1. Energy management technologies – not only because we play in this space but because it’s a big piece of many home automation offerings today and will continue to be. It’s not just about more smart thermostats coming to the marketplace but the types of services that will be available consumers wanting to save energy and money. Using the smart thermostat as a platform, there’s an opportunity for energy efficiency, demand response and even remote HVAC diagnostics services to be delivered.
2. The rise of data and analytics in the connected home – connected appliances and devices are collecting a lot of information and when you add analytics and automation, these devices get even smarter. Using the smart thermostat as a gateway, we at EcoFactor use a number of factors such as residential data, outside weather information, customer behavior and preferences, how fast or slow your home warms or cools down to create customized programs for each household to maximize energy efficiency.
3. More merger and acquisitions – the home energy management space is in the spotlight this year especially after Google announced it was acquiring Nest and Opower went public. We expect to see more moves in the industry this year!
What trends are you following?
