Alarm.com (Nasdaq:ALRM) unveiled a new smart thermostat that can proactively detect and respond to common home maintenance problems before they cascade into big-ticket home repairs. The themostat, which debuts at CES 2018, uses machine learning and cloud intelligence to protect against HVAC failures, floods, water damage, and mold. It also has several key features aimed at custom installers, including:
- New installation wizard auto-detects HVAC wiring
- Branding plate allowing service provider partners to easily pull their brand through the smart thermostat
- Improved mounting screw locations to match virtually all commonly used thermostats
- Designated O and B terminals, so no additional configuration is needed
“Alarm.com applied the same approach that we pioneered with our home security technology to make sense of anomalous conditions throughout the home environment,” says Dan Kerzner, Alarm.com’s chief product officer. “By applying machine learning to various inputs from our broad ecosystem of devices and sensors, we created a new category of capability that extends peace of mind beyond traditional security. Now, our smart thermostat technology can help property owners prevent or mitigate some of the most common repair and maintenance costs they face.”
Using advanced cloud intelligence and an ecosystem of connected devices and sensors throughout the home, the smart thermostat uses machine learning to proactively monitor the HVAC system, alerting service providers and homeowners to trouble conditions before they cascade into complete system failures. The unit also balances both humidity and temperature set points to help prevent health risks and cleanup costs caused by mold. A Winter Freeze Protection feature also alerts homeowners before pipes can freeze and burst.
The thermostat also reduces energy costs by automatically adjusting to real-time activity and occupancy changes, open windows or doors, and the homeowner’s geo-location.
Common Home Repair Emergencies
“The longer these issues go unaddressed, the more damage they can do and the more expensive they can be to fix,” Kerzner continues. “By adding a new layer of protection to our smart home systems, Alarm.com empowers homeowners so they can prevent or address problems before they escalate into aggravating system failures, more costly repairs, and health problems, in the case of mold.”
The unit features a simple and elegant design to blend with the décor and includes a new user interface and hardware innovations. For easier installation, it automatically detects HVAC wiring and configures settings to the home’s system. Near-universal compatibility with 24-volt HVAC systems, and two dynamic terminals for controlling humidifiers, de-humidifiers, and external air baffles, ensure broad system integration, according to the company.
Alarm.com’s second-generation smart thermostat was designed and engineered in partnership with Building 36, a subsidiary of Alarm.com. It will be available May 2018.
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