(NAPSA)—As temperatures rise, homeownerscan beat the heat by combining “smart” home climate control technologies with the latest air-conditioning systemsto heighten energy efficiency and take customized comfort to newlevels. With home cooling accounting for nearly half of all energy use, costing homeownersmore than $11 billion each year, it’s clear why the American smart fe Youcan be cool and comfortable at homewithout getting hotunderthe collar becauseof yourutility bill Further, an efficiently controlled thermostat could save an additional10 per- cent year. Heres how ductless mini-split sys- tems work. Thin copper tubing is used to pumprefrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor It can be easierto sleep and more air-handling unit, where theair is quicomfortable to wake upina climate- etly distributed to the interior space. controlled bedroom. This eliminates the need for basement home marketplace is exploding. In fact, the industry is expected to reach $46.2 billion in 2018 and $112.8billion by 2022. Householdpenetration is 32 per- centandis predicted to reach 53 percent by 2022, with an annualgrowth rate of nearly 15 percent. WhatIs “Smart” Home Climate Control? Whatis a smart home? A homewith Internet-connected “smart” products usedto control, automate and optimize functions such as lighting, security, entertainment and temperature either remotely by a mobile device, smart speakeror separate homesystem. Whenit comes to smart home temperature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVACsystems have built-in Internet capability andcan be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create “smart” systems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-connected device or voice-operated home automation system. Several leading manufacturers, including Fujitsu Gen- eral America, offer Smart Systems as well as a Thermostat Converter, which can control their single and multizone Halcyon and Airstage heating and cooling systems using a third-party thermostat. Boost Energy Efficiency, LowerBills Up to 25 Percent Upgrading your system andinstalling a smart home thermostatcan significantly reduce your utility expense. ‘The mostenergy-efficient heating and cooling products on the market, ductless mini-split systems, can save as muchas 25 percent on yourenergy bill. orattic evaporators and bulky, expensive ductwork. Mini-splits are easy to install and usually require only a 3- to 4-inchhole through a wall or ceiling to connectthe indoorand outdoorunits. Customized Home Comfort Control Take control of your comfort. Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Now, voice-control capability uses digital assistants, like Amazon Alexa, to verbally dictate home temperatures—“Alexa, set the living room temperature to 70 degrees”For instance, Fujitsu offers a free FGLair app that enables Web-activated control via mobile devices and now voice-activated control via AmazonAlexa. Built for optimal customization, ductless mini-split systemslet you control the individual temperature in each room,so you don't waste moneycooling unusedspaces such as guest bedrooms, bonus rooms, sunroomsandbasements. Ductless systems operate at much higher efficiency levels than central forced-air systems and windowunits, as ductlosses in a central AC system can account for more than 30 percent of your energy consumption. The smart home revolution has empowered homeowners with the latest home cooling systems and smart technology to create the perfect storm of cost and energy efficiency and cus- tomized comfort. Many Fujitsu systems with the Energy Star rating are more thantwiceas efficient as the minimum standard set by the government. To learn more orfind a contrac- tor nearby, call (888) 888-3424orvisit www.constantcomfort.com fujitsugeneral.com. or www.
