# Assistance for Devices That Homeowners May Rely On as We Enter November and Beyond
As we shift into the chilly months of November and beyond, homeowners are turning more and more to smart home devices to monitor energy, boost comfort, and enhance their living environments. The recent advancements in smart home technology, especially with the Connectivity Standards Alliance’s (CSA) **Matter 1.4 upgrade**, promise to deliver even greater support for an extensive array of devices. This article delves into the main updates and how they can aid homeowners in their preparations for the winter season.
## Essential Information
1. **Matter 1.4** brings support for additional devices, including **water heaters** and **heat pumps**, featuring improved thermostat capabilities.
2. The upgrade builds upon the previous **Matter 1.3** update, which introduced support for **EV chargers** and **smart home appliances**.
3. **Energy management** functionalities have been enhanced, assisting homeowners in optimizing their energy consumption during peak periods.
## The Matter 1.4 Upgrade: Broadening Smart Home Connectivity
The CSA remains dedicated to enhancing the connectivity and functionality of smart home devices with the launch of the **Matter 1.4** upgrade. This update adds support for a wide range of new devices, particularly beneficial during the colder months. Here’s a closer examination of what’s new:
### 1. **Support for Solar-Powered Devices**
Matter 1.4 now accommodates solar-powered devices like **inverters**, **panel arrays**, and **hybrid solar/battery systems**. This marks a significant advancement for homeowners who have adopted renewable energy solutions. The update also provides support for **battery walls** and other energy storage systems, enabling improved integration and management of solar energy within residences.
### 2. **Heat Pumps and Water Heaters**
With temperatures falling, heating is a top concern for many homes. The Matter 1.4 upgrade incorporates support for **heat pumps** and **water heaters**, two crucial appliances for ensuring comfort during winter. The CSA has introduced a new **Water Heater Mode Cluster**, allowing homeowners to schedule and adjust water heater settings according to their needs. This feature is designed to lower energy consumption by maximizing water heater efficiency during off-peak times.
### 3. **Improved Thermostat Functionality**
Thermostats play a vital role in any smart home, especially in colder weather. With the Matter 1.4 update, thermostats now include support for **preset modes** such as “home,” “away,” and “vacation.” These modes can be activated by motion detection, calendar events, or links with other smart devices. This added functionality empowers homeowners to automate their heating schedules and minimize energy waste when they are away.
### 4. **Battery-Powered Device Optimization**
Numerous smart home devices, including **sensors**, **switches**, and **buttons**, depend on batteries. The Matter 1.4 upgrade features improvements that enhance battery life and communication among these devices. This ensures that battery-operated devices function more efficiently, decreasing the frequency of battery replacements.
## Energy Management for a Smarter Home
A key feature of the Matter 1.4 upgrade is its emphasis on **energy management**. As energy costs escalate and power grids face heightened demand during winter, homeowners seek methods to optimize their energy usage. Matter 1.4 introduces several features aimed at helping users manage their energy consumption more efficiently.
### 1. **Power Consumption Forecasts**
The Matter 1.4 update features tools that enable homeowners to predict their energy usage. This capability can assist users in planning their energy consumption, particularly during peak periods when electricity costs are elevated. By adjusting their energy usage based on these predictions, homeowners can save money and lessen their environmental footprint.
### 2. **Device Energy Management for EV Chargers**
Electric vehicle (EV) owners will gain from the enhanced **Device Energy Management** features introduced in Matter 1.4. These tools enable users to optimize the energy consumption of their EV chargers, ensuring that their vehicles charge efficiently without overloading the home’s electrical system. This is particularly crucial as more households embrace electric vehicles and incorporate them into their smart home setups.
## Multi-Admin Support: Streamlining Device Management
Overseeing multiple smart home devices can be daunting, especially when they span various ecosystems. The Matter 1.4 update introduces enhanced **Multi-Admin support**, which streamlines the management of devices across several platforms. With **single user consent**, homeowners can effortlessly link new or existing smart devices to multiple ecosystems without the hassle of complicated setup procedures.
This feature is especially beneficial for households utilizing a mix of smart home ecosystems such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. By simplifying device management, Matter 1.4 facilitates a unified smart home experience for homeowners.
