Comcast has announced a partnership with Earth Networks to use its WeatherBug Home optimization software to help Comcast’s Xfinity Home customers further reduce HVAC energy usage and lower costs.

The year 2020 has long been a benchmark for when the smart home will finally be mainstream, but according to the results of a survey released by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, that time may come sooner than originally thought.

Honeywell has announced a new channel on IFTTT — a widely-used software application — to help consumers better control their Honeywell thermostats and keep them feeling comfortable.

Carrier has announced the launch of its Cor™ smart home automation system — enabling homeowners to secure, control, and remotely manage their home’s most critical systems, including heating and cooling, from the convenience of a mobile app.

Rinnai America announced it is introducing a wireless module and app for its gas tankless water heaters. By integrating Wi-Fi connectivity, new and existing residential and commercial tankless water heaters can be monitored and controlled via smart devices for water heating management, control, and maintenance.

Home automation hardware, sold as standalone units, is forecast to exceed 300 million units by 2020, according to Juniper Research. This represents growth of over 1,000 percent from an estimated installed base of 28 million units in 2015.

Direct Energy®, one of North America’s leading energy and energy-related services providers, has combined its residential and home services divisions to create a single division, called Direct Energy Home™. The new division will focus on serving customers’ entire home, including providing energy and services, and more.