Hometronic system controls under floor heating, appliances and lightening throughout the home, making it more comfortable and secure

Homeowners can set up several profiles that match their lifestyle – telling Hometronic what to do, how and when.

BRACKNELL, UK, 25 FEBRUARY 2002 - Honeywell has introduced the latest version of its advanced Hometronic wireless domestic automation system, which makes a home more comfortable and secure, while reducing energy consumption.  The Hometronic system uses RF (radio frequency) links to control a home’s underfloor heating, lighting and appliances automatically. 
Homeowners can set up several profiles that match their lifestyle.  These tell Hometronic what to do, how and when.  Each profile can provide individual temperature control in each room, as well as switching appliances, lights and services at pre-programmed times or in response to certain events.  For example, it can close blinds and curtains when it gets dark, or start a garden sprinkler when it is too dry. 
A typical “wake up” profile might start laundry machines during the night to take advantage of cheaper electricity, raise temperatures in each room just before the family wakes, then welcome them with fresh coffee from a coffee maker that Hometronic has started automatically.  A single press of a button can take Hometronic into the “Leaving” profile, which saves energy by reducing temperatures throughout the home to lower values while the house is unoccupied, then raises them again before the family’s homecoming.  If they arrive early, by pressing the “Arriving” profile button the heating is started immediately.
An “evening” profile might adjust the temperatures in rooms to different levels, to recognise that the family is at home, or that different rooms are being used.  A “party” profile might postpone the time at which the heating is reduced at night.
More importantly for the homeowner’s peace of mind, they can set a “holiday” profile for use while the home is unoccupied.  This can create an impression of occupancy by switching lights and opening and closing curtains, according to a normal occupancy pattern.  It can reduce the heating to a level that minimises energy use but prevents freezing.  If desired, it can detect a burst pipe and turn off the water supply, shut off the gas if there’s a leak, or even water the plants in the garden.
A single wall-mounted unit – the Hometronic Manager – allows homeowners to override, change or switch between pre-programmed profiles, or they can do so through an infra-red remote unit.
As the Hometronic system is wireless, it is quick and easy to install without damaging home decorations.  It uses a unique multi-frequency transmission radio frequency (RF) system to ensure reliable and consistent operation.
Hometronic room modules monitor the current temperature in each room and transmit by RF to the Hometronic Manager, which can control up to 16 individual time and temperature zones within the home using RF radiator controllers.  Other Honeywell products, such as Air Conditioners and portable High Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA) filter units, can be plugged into any mains socket in the home, yet still be controlled by the Hometronic Manager. 
Readers can request further details of Honeywell Hometronic from Honeywell Control Systems Ltd, Honeywell House, Arlington Business Park, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1EB.  Tel: 01344 656000.  Fax: 01344 656240.  
E-mail: uk.infocentre@honeywell.com  

Web: www.honeywell.com/uk/homes.htm