Wireless technologies bring great functionality to a home without the time and money spent to run new wiring. In the HVAC market, new Wi-Fi options facilitate home comfort management and monitoring.
Close to Home
Previously available for light commercial installations, Mitsubishi Electric now offers RedLink technology to M-Series residential split-ductless and ducted systems. With a receiver mounted on each indoor unit, coordinating wireless controllers can be placed anywhere in the home, and an optional Portable Central Controller can operate up to 16 RedLink controllers throughout the house.
For more advanced communication, RedLink controllers are compatible with partner Honeywell’s RedLink Internet Gateway, allowing users to remotely control their HVAC systems via the Web or a free mobile app. A quick click lets users turn the system on or off, set the temperature, and view system modes and alerts.
Far-Off Monitoring
Lennox’s Icomfort Wi-Fi touchscreen thermostat also takes advantage of remote monitoring. Cloud connectivity allows access to the system from any Web-enabled device.
“With as much as half the energy used in the home going to heating and cooling, it made sense to develop an innovative and easy-to-use thermostat that could keep up with consumers’ busy lifestyles, while helping them to save energy and money,” said Bobby DiFulgentiz, director of product management. “The new icomfort Wi-Fi helps homeowners take control of utility costs by putting comfort control at their fingertips.” Once the system is connected to the home’s wireless network, users have a range of options to help them adjust comfort settings and meet energy-saving goals. Features include remote access to check and adjust temperature, “Away Mode” for energy saving during vacation times, on-demand weather alerts and forecasts, service alerts and reminders for homeowners and dealers, and cloud-updated diagnostics.
The Icomfort Wi-Fi is compatible with any Lennox or third-party home comfort system using an optional 24-volt relay kit (available toward the end of 2012). When paired with premium Icomfort-enabled Lennox equipment, the system is designed to exchange information with system components to maximize efficiency.
—Lauren Hunter, senior editor, REMODELING.
