Honeywell announces cloud API program with HA software developers

Honeywell announced an application programming interface (API) program that enables development partners to build application software that interfaces with numerous Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostats including the color-customizable Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat. Honeywell is initially partnering with Akuacom, Opower, Control4, and Lutron on the API offering. The new Comfort Control API will allow additional development partners to offer creative, innovative experiences, value-add services and custom applications that integrate with Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostats.

For homeowners, the Comfort Control API means their Wi-Fi enabled Honeywell thermostats will integrate seamlessly with products and services from like-minded companies striving to give people control over their home's energy efficiency via smartphone, tablet or computer.

The Comfort Control API is an effort by Honeywell to accelerate energy efficiency, innovation, and expand the seamless integration of products and services. “Honeywell subscribes to the belief that peoples' lives are made easier – and better – if devices and products talk to each other,” said Tony Uttley, general manager home comfort and energy systems at Honeywell. “With the Comfort Control API, our thermostats will communicate with other apps and devices, which give consumers a greater experience of convenience, control, an energy management within their home.”

“We are excited to take this next step in our partnership,” said Alex Kinnier, senior vice president of product management for Opower, which provides tools, information, and incentives that consumers need to make smarter decisions about their energy usage. “Opower's focus is on expanding the suite of tools our utility partners can use to support their energy efficiency, demand response and customer engagement objectives. We're looking forward to the release of additional services on this platform across the coming year.”

Honeywell is in beta testing program with the following companies:

• Akuacom, a Honeywell company and pioneer of Open Automated Demand Response (OpenADR), is the leading SaaS for connecting energy providers to their residential, commercial and industrial customers. The Akuacom platform uses the Comfort Control API and links to the Honeywell Total Connect Comfort app to alert homeowners when temperatures are briefly adjusted to trim electricity consumption. Consumers agree to these changes in advance and receive incentives from their utility for helping stabilize the electrical grid on the hottest, most energy-intense days of the year.
• Opower is the world's leading provider of customer engagement solutions for the utility industry. Deployed by 85 utility partners to more than 18 million consumers across seven countries. Opower's engagement platform, Opower 4, will use the Comfort Control API to integrate Honeywell's suite of WiFi connected thermostats into utility programs that drive measurable energy efficiency, demand response and customer engagement.
• Lighting control leader Lutron Electronics provides homeowners with simple energy saving solutions including dimmers for any type of light bulb, occupancy sensors that ensure lights are never left on in unoccupied rooms, and motorized window treatments that help keep HVAC costs in check through every season. By utilizing the Honeywell Comfort Control API, Lutron will provide homeowners with enhanced control of their home environment, including lights, shades, and heating and cooling systems.
• Control4 a leading provider of automation systems for homes and businesses, unlocks the potential of connected devices, making entertainment systems easier to use, homes more comfortable and energy efficient, and families more secure. By utilizing the Honeywell Comfort Control API, Control4 is poised to extend the interoperability and integration with Honeywell thermostats via the simplicity of the Control4 platform. Once integrated, Control4 customers will be able to control and monitor their Honeywell thermostats using their Control4 remotes or touch panels, as well as their smartphones, tablets or computers.

“With Akuacom, we've been helping utilities connect with their customers to manage energy use for decades,” said Jeremy Eaton, vice president and general manager for Honeywell Smart Grid Solutions. “The key to these efforts is using innovative technology to help utilities offer comfort, convenience and control to their customers. The API creates a tighter bond between our utility and consumer technology, which ultimately means greater savings.”

“Collaborating with a trusted brand like Honeywell on the cloud API program gives homeowners yet another way to live an energy-efficient lifestyle,” said Rob Weinberg, senior vice-president of Lutron's residential business. “ We're looking forward to offering homeowners even more options for integrating energy-saving temperature control into their Lutron lighting and shade control systems.”