Then it takes those preferences into account and automatically adjusts the devices accordingly. The software first asks users to rank what's most important to them about living in their home. The solution could rest with NREL-developed software called 'foresee,' an energy management system that relies on user preferences to control and coordinate a home's connected appliances and electronics. Deciding when you should turn on your lights seems reasonably intuitive, but how should you control your water heater to reduce your utility bill and use solar energy from your solar panels, without risking your hot shower?' Sparn continued 'You'd have to think about how the appliances interact with each other, the occupants, the building, and the power grid. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). 'Right now, if you had a smart dishwasher, a smart washer/dryer, and a smart water heater, you'd have to set up the schedule for everything yourself,' said Bethany Sparn, a mechanical engineer and researcher at the U.S. Not so easy, is it? In fact, at the moment it's nearly impossible. Simple enough, right? Now, set up multiple connected appliances so they all coordinate to reach a common goal. Take a minute to program your smart thermostat.

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