Did you know that one of the first smart home computers was built in 1966? While the Electronic Computing Home Operator named ECHO IV was never commercially sold, its primitive design was intended to control some of the home’s functions, including an alarm clock, stereo, and even the furnace’s thermostat.¹

A True Visionary

According to a Computer History Museum blog article on the ECHO IV, Jim Sutherland, the quiet engineers from Pittsburgh, built the computer from obsolete parts of a Westinghouse computer. The system with several terminals and keypads weighed in excess of 3,200 lbs. At the time, it was a novelty for a home to have a computer and even sparked some concerns from the population.

Yet, in an insightful excerpt from a paper presented to the American Home Economics Association (AHEA) Convention, Sutherland’s wife, Ruth, wrote, “At this point, I cannot say or even comprehend all the things that a computer someday will be doing for our homes, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if they could provide more time for parents to spend with their children, therefore, making every home a happier one?” 

The Bridge to Smart Home Comfort

The 1960’s AHEA Convention survey on ‘how home computers could help with daily lives’ revealed that homeowners felt that technology could help control indoor temperature and humidity. Fast forward to today’s ComfortBridge communicating technology, which is factory-installed into select Amana brand heating and cooling systems. It adds another layer to the smart home movement. This technology “bridges” indoor comfort and the smart home concept beyond the thermostat. And, it doesn’t even need to be hard-wired to a computer! Jim Sutherland and his family would be amazed!

Inside the gas furnace or air handler, the ComfortBridge technology’s algorithm gathers the heating and cooling system’s performance data and uses it to make automatic adjustments to the system’s performance. These adjustments can often help minimize the amount of energy used to heat or cool a home. And, since the technology is built into the equipment, it alleviates most of the smart thermostat compatibility concerns.

Home automation technology, smart home applications, and consumer expectations continue to change at a rapid pace. In fact, in the next few years, smart homes may be just as common as the smartphone.  

To help bring your home into the future, Amana brand is offering free Google^® Smart Home Bundles through December 31, 2019 with the purchase of select Amana brand systems with ComfortBridge communicating technology.

To learn more, visit the Smart Home Bundles web page or contact your local Amana brand dealer. 

1. Spicer, D. (2016, May 31). Computer History Museum Blog. Retrieved October 16, 2019, from Computer History Museum.