An Energy-Smart Home System is described where the existing proliferation of electrical junction boxes in the typical home or building are used for a unique combination of purposes, supporting diverse functionalities that heretofore have not been combined, and enabling ease of installation with no new wiring. Typically, this system relies on powerline communication and uses electrical wiring for energy distribution, monitoring, and control as well as security, audio/video communications and entertainment, and general network communications such as file transfers and Internet connectivity. An underlying theme in this Energy-Smart Home System allows energy-related information to be gathered by way of EMAC (Energy Monitoring And Control) points typically installed at convenient locations such as electrical junction boxes used for power plug receptacles and wall switches. In addition to being visually displayed at the point of energy use or measurement, energy-related informationelectrical and thermalis typically communicated through a powerline data link to a centrally located intelligent device such as a PC, Residential Gateway or Smart Thermostat where it may be monitored, analyzed, profiled, viewed, and also used to enable energy-related control functions. Energy consumption can be alternately displayed in terms of cost-per-time. Energy monitoring is also added to the electrical breaker box, offering an easy way to supplement distributed EMAC points. In general, this Energy-Smart Home System creates a form of Bio-Feedback for Home Energy, making the consumer far more aware, enabling more effective and efficient energy usage, while at the same time creating an electrical power distribution and communications infrastructure that enables significant advancements in security, communications, and comfort, in addition to enhanced energy control and conservation.
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