Window Sensors

How many people with central AC have been in the situation where, after running the AC all day, they realize a window somewhere in their home had been opened the entire day. For me this doesn't happen often, but when it does its like a slap in the face. An open window with the AC running is a great way to waste power.

One of my posts was regarding automated windows in the home that could open or close in coordination with the AC. The large problem for this idea to see a lot of use was cost. This idea is not for a system that would close the windows for you, but for one that would at least tell you if windows are open.

A simple sensor on each window could send a signal to the thermostat. If the AC is on and a window is open a warning light would turn on. This could help prevent the occasional screw up and make it so a person would not need to stop and ask "hmm, are all the windows closed?" Perhaps most important in today's economy, it could save money by helping you ensure all your windows are closed.

An interesting thing to realize is, these sensors already exist in many people's homes. Many home security systems are capable of sensing if a window is open. All that would need to be done is to feed this information into the thermostat.

Instillation into existing homes would not be a complicated process. The cost of installing it would also be relatively low. This is especially true when you consider the fact that depending on where an open window is located relative to AC vents and the thermostat, an open window can significantly hurt the ACs efficiency. Adding in this functionality is simply a smart move.