The American poet Robert Frost once said, Geofences make good neighbors.
Okay, maybe not, but a geofence makes for an efficient home environment.
Geofencing is a relatively new technology that makes gadgets like the Honeywell Lyric smart thermostat so promising.
Its a kind of spacial awareness that can recognize when you approach and perform an action on your behalf.
When my Lyric arrived, the concept geofencing was alien to me.
Today, its something I just cant shut up about.
In laymans terms, ageofenceis an invisible boundary around your neighborhood that recognizes when you approach.
In the mean time, the HVAC is dormant, keeping your heating and cooling bills to a minimum.
I received a Lyric thermostat and compensation in exchange for coverage.
All opinions and thoughts about this product are my own.
Geofencing isnt a new technology.
Honeywell has taken this mostly-theoretical technology and given it a common system in a next-gen thermostat.
Its geofencing that makes the Lyric a stand-out among smart thermostats.
Others require a programmed schedule or time to learn your habits.
Installation is a breeze.
The Honeywell Lyric app guides you through the process from start to finish.
I have very little experience with electrical work at home, but I have an understanding of the basics.
The rest of the steps were clearly guided in the Lyric app.
Once the Honeywell Lyric was running, I was ready to set up my geofence.
In my case, the Lyric will be connected to three devices an iPad and two Nexus 5 smartphones.
When were both away, our home HVAC goes dormant.
Thats another feature thats important to note: the Honeywell Lyric isnt solely operated by geofencing.
I can control my homes temperature from my smartphone whenever I want.
I can adjust the temperature without leaving my desk throughout the day.
And I can still control the thermostat from the unit itself, using the touchscreen on the central display.
As a technophile, Ive enjoyed the Honeywell Lyric for more than its stated purpose.
Its an excellent thermostat.
Its an ideal introduction into smart home technology.
For me, however, theres more to it.
Can a geofence alert us when a package is about to be delivered?
Can a geofence let us know when Fido gets loose?
In the future, can it alert our maidbot to begin preparing dinner?
Will the snowblower bot clear our driveway before we arrive?
The applications for geofencing technology are limited only by our imagination.
For now, Im just thrilled to see geofencing in action.
Its used by the Honeywell Lyric to keep a home comfortable and efficient.
Thats the whole point to conserve energy and save money when you dont need your HVAC running.
In a phrase, comfort need not be costly.
And no, Robert Frost didnt say that either.
