Another element driving the growth of smart thermostats is the provision of open source developer APIs, which enhances the usability and performance of these devices. An API is an acronym for Application Programming Interfaces. It is a library that assists developers in writing code that interfaces with other software. In essence, it defines a way in which a computer program communicates with another computer program. The significance is that all these smart thermostats incorporating the open source development allows several different devices to operate from one app. This has helped fuel the growth of this technology because now the homeowner can operate his/ her heating and cooling set points, security cameras, door locks, garage door openers and lighting all from one app on their smart phone or tablet. Home automation systems, which historically existed in high end home (aka “McMansions”) is quickly becoming accessible to anyone who has the Internet and a router in their home—meaning almost everyone! I believe the demand for this technology will be supplemented by the growing popularity of smart home devices and the ubiquity of wireless connectivity. With Amazon’s Alexa or Echo and Google’s Assistant, smart home technology is only going to increase and, with it, all the other technologies like smart thermostats. The North American smart thermostat market is expected to dominate the global industry due to the increasing demand for energy efficiency, and the utilities may start to play a role in this emerging technology. As more value is realized by the consumer on lowering their energy bills, this savings is also helping the utilities meet energy efficiency and demand-side management (DSM) requirements. Just as they have participated in the gas rebate programs for high efficiency condensing boilers and electric rebate programs for high efficiency electronically commutated motor (ECM) circulators, I would not be surprised if they take an active role in the advancement of these smart thermostats. ICM If you have any questions or comments, e-mail gcarey@ fiainc.com, call 1-800-423-7187 or follow me on Twitter at @Ask_Gcarey. ICM/September/October 2016 19
ICM September-October 2016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above