The next big thing in skylights...is already here!
Smart Homes, Smart Skylights
Homes are becoming smarter, so why not skylights?
VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO is just the product to "brighten up" the VELUX Skylights you install (or have already installed). To put it simply, VELUX ACTIVE allows homeowners to control their VELUX Skylights and blinds from their smartphone rather than use a remote.
Now, to get a little more in-depth...
What is VELUX ACTIVE?
VELUX ACTIVE with NETATMO's main purpose is to create a healthier indoor climate in your homes. And that it makes VELUX Skylights easier to operate is icing on the cake!
VELUX ACTIVE is made of smart sensors that continuously monitor the temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in a home. If any of these levels are off, VELUX ACTIVE is able to open or close skylights and blinds to create a healthier indoor climate.
In order to get started with VELUX ACTIVE, your client will need to purchase the VELUX ACTIVE Starter Kit. This starter kit comes with an indoor climate sensor, a departure switch, and a gateway:
- The indoor climate sensor continuously measures temperature, humidity, and air quality in the room. It has a switch on it to open and close skylights. It's recommended to install an indoor climate sensor in each room with VELUX Skylights.
- The departure switch closes all connected skylights when the homeowner heads out the door. It's best to install this component next to the exit and additional departure switches can be purchased to be installed at each exterior door.
- The gateway connects the indoor climate sensor and departure switch to all the VELUX solar- or electric-powered products in the house. It also connects to the internet via the Wi-Fi router to enable operation from a smartphone. Only one gateway is needed for the entire home.
Both the starter kit and the VELUX ACTIVE smartphone app are required to install VELUX ACTIVE in the home.
The VELUX ACTIVE App
Another component of VELUX ACTIVE is the smartphone app to which it connects. With this app, homeowners can control their skylights and blinds right from their phone wherever they are. The app also lets them set their personal climate preferences so VELUX ACTIVE controls everything automatically. And even with the automatic settings on, homeowners can still operate their skylights manually through the app.
The app has a few different sections for your clients to create the ideal indoor environment for their home:
- Home overview: A quick overview of the indoor climate in all rooms; indicates if any windows are open.
- Good morning and good night: Pre-defined shortcuts for opening and closing all blinds; perfect for bright mornings and creating a good night's sleep.
- Easy departure: Close all skylights with one touch and ventilate in the secured ventilation position. This feature offers the same functionality as the VELUX ACTIVE departure switch.
- Room status: Monitor temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels in each room to see if the indoor climate needs improving.
- Customize your indoor climate: Easily change pre-defined settings such as personalized temperature level and daily ventilation frequency.
Encouraging Your Clients to Use VELUX ACTIVE
While we do still offer remotes and keypads to control our venting skylights and blinds, as we mentioned before, VELUX ACTIVE is the "remote control" of the future. And it's something you can offer your clients right now!
With VELUX ACTIVE, there's no extra remote to keep track of when your clients install a skylight; everything can be operated through the smartphone they already have.
Clients who already have VELUX Skylights can purchase the starter kit and replace their current remotes with VELUX ACTIVE. In fact, once they've gotten the kit and downloaded the app, they can connect everything to their skylights and blinds in just 3 easy steps. Unfortunately, VELUX ACTIVE is not compatible with skylights installed prior to 2010, but that might just provide an extra excuse to upgrade!
VELUX ACTIVE is also Apple HomeKit compatible, allowing homeowners to control VELUX solar- or electric-powered products using voice control. They can ask Siri to open their skylights or create the perfect mood for a cozy night at home. VELUX ACTIVE is able to work with other Apple HomeKit accessories to create the perfect scene for entertaining, relaxing, or whatever the situation calls for.
For more information on VELUX ACTIVE and how to explain it to your clients, check out the VELUX ACTIVE page on our website!
